Commercial Contracts Manager

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24, Durban-based manufacturing and distribution client, seeks a Commercial Contracts Manager with a strong background in drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial agreements. The role emphasizes risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and close collaboration with sales, procurement, and finance to support business objectives.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of handling multiple contracts simultaneously while contributing to process improvements

Qualifications

• Proven experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial principles.
• Experience in manufacturing or distribution sectors is advantageous.
• Ability to manage multiple contracts and deadlines simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and amend a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Manage the contract negotiation process for favorable terms.
• Oversee contract administration, filing, renewals and compliance.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to understand contractual needs.
• Identify risks and provide mitigation strategies.
• Ensure contracts comply with company policies and laws.
• Maintain a central repository of executed contracts.
• Assist in developing standard templates and playbooks.
• Provide training on contract best practices and compliance.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Regulatory/compliance

Stakeholder management

Education

LLB or equivalent legal qualification

Tools

Contract management software

Legal document management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing and distribution company, is looking for a detail-oriented and experienced Commercial Contracts Manager to join their established legal department in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for overseeing the entire lifecycle of commercial contracts, ensuring that all agreements align with the company's strategic objectives and comply with all relevant legal and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in mitigating risk and maximizing value through effective contract negotiation and management. This position requires a proactive approach and strong commercial acumen, working closely with various business units to facilitate efficient contract processes within the head office environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and amend a wide range of commercial contracts, including sales agreements, procurement contracts, service level agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Manage the contract negotiation process, ensuring favourable terms and conditions for the company.
• Oversee the contract administration process, including contract filing, tracking renewals, and ensuring compliance with key clauses.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (sales, procurement, finance, operations) to understand their contractual needs and provide legal guidance.
• Identify and assess contractual risks and provide mitigation strategies.
• Ensure all contracts comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Maintain a central repository of all executed contracts.
• Assist in the development and refinement of standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Provide training to business units on contract best practices and compliance requirements.

Requirements

• A relevant legal qualification or extensive experience in contract management is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial principles.
• Proficiency in contract management software and legal document management systems.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple contracts and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience in the manufacturing or distribution sector is advantageous.
• Proactive and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, regular performance reviews, and opportunities for career advancement within the organisation.
• Employees are provided with comprehensive medical aid, a retirement annuity fund, and an annual performance bonus.
• The company supports professional development through relevant training courses and workshops.
• This role is based in a modern office facility in Durban , offering a stable and supportive working environment.
• This position is office-based, providing direct collaboration and mentorship opportunities.