Contracts Assistant

Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 420,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd is seeking a detail-oriented administrator to support the Global Legal Department with contract analysis, data interpretation, and reporting insights. You will help manage day-to-day contract activities and co-manage the US and UK Legal Agreements Database, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

The role requires strong administrative skills, knowledge of academic publishing, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Working knowledge of the academic journal publishing landscape.
• Basic understanding of copyright principles and contract law.
• Awareness of ethical and legal frameworks relevant to publishing.
• Strong database management and data accuracy skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Global Legal Department, including basic contractual analysis, data interpretation, and reporting insights to management.
• Support the Contracts Manager, Executives, and Legal Administration team in executing day-to-day contract management activities.
• Manage the execution, tracking, and secure storage of Sage UK journal contracts.
• Oversee the signing, tracking, and storage of US and UK service contracts in collaboration with the Executive Business Partner to Corporate Counsel.
• Coordinate and allocate contract-related queries and tasks efficiently across the Contracts Team to ensure timely resolutions.
• Co-manage the Legal Agreements Database for US and UK teams, maintaining accurate records of agreements across SAGE Ltd, SAGE Inc, and Corwin, and producing regular compliance and performance reports.
• Respond promptly and effectively to Publication Ethics queries via the JIRA system, ensuring high-quality and consistent service delivery.
• Review transmittals and verify author re-use rights, ensuring alignment with SHERPA Romeo and maintaining up-to-date journal policies to enhance compliance and author appeal.
• Co-manage contracts inboxes, handling internal and external queries related to contributor agreements, customised contracts, author rights, and general contract matters.
• Review and provide guidance on Editor and Assistant Editor contracts and related amendments.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with US and UK colleagues, contributing to cross-functional projects and ad hoc initiatives.
• Develop effective partnerships with key internal stakeholders to support collaboration and operational efficiency.

Skills

Administrative skills

Microsoft Office

Publishing knowledge

Copyright & contract basics

Data accuracy

Independent working

Time management

Communication

Attention to detail

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

To deliver comprehensive administrative, analytical, and coordination support for ad hoc publishing projects led by the Contracts and Rights team. This role also co-manages the US and UK Legal Agreements Database, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and accessibility of contractual information.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Global Legal Department, including basic contractual analysis, data interpretation, and reporting insights to management.
• Support the Contracts Manager, Executives, and Legal Administration team (including the Executive Business Partner to Corporate Counsel) in executing day-to-day contract management activities.
• Manage the execution, tracking, and secure storage of Sage UK journal contracts.
• Oversee the signing, tracking, and storage of US and UK service contracts in collaboration with the Executive Business Partner to Corporate Counsel.
• Coordinate and allocate contract-related queries and tasks efficiently across the Contracts Team to ensure timely resolutions.
• Co-manage the Legal Agreements Database for US and UK teams, maintaining accurate records of agreements across SAGE Ltd, SAGE Inc, and Corwin, and producing regular compliance and performance reports.
• Respond promptly and effectively to Publication Ethics queries via the JIRA system, ensuring high-quality and consistent service delivery.
• Review transmittals and verify author re-use rights, ensuring alignment with SHERPA Romeo and maintaining up-to-date journal policies to enhance compliance and author appeal.
• Co-manage contracts inboxes, handling internal and external queries related to contributor agreements, customised contracts, author rights, and general contract matters.
• Review and provide guidance (with increasing autonomy) on Editor and Assistant Editor contracts and related amendments.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with US and UK colleagues, contributing to cross-functional projects and ad hoc initiatives.
• Develop effective partnerships with key internal stakeholders to support collaboration and operational efficiency.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Working knowledge of the academic journal publishing landscape.
• Basic understanding of copyright principles and contract law (preferred).
• Awareness of ethical and legal frameworks relevant to publishing.
• Strong database management and data accuracy skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail