Junior Contracts Manager

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Medical benefits

Pension / retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24, based in Durban, is seeking a Junior Contracts Manager to support drafting, reviewing and administration of commercial contracts. You will work with senior management to negotiate terms, maintain records, and monitor compliance within a growing industrial company in KwaZulu-Natal.

The role offers hands-on experience in contract management, exposure to procurement, sales and finance, and opportunities to develop expertise in a dynamic Durban office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, or related field.
• 0–3 years' experience in contract administration or paralegal role focusing on contracts.
• Basic understanding of contract law principles.
• Excellent organizational and detail-oriented mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts (service, supply, NDAs).
• Support senior management in managing the contract lifecycle from initiation to closure.
• Maintain accurate contract records and ensure documents are up-to-date.
• Monitor contract performance and compliance, identify risks or breaches.
• Coordinate with procurement, sales, and finance for contract alignment with business needs.
• Resolve contractual queries and disputes from stakeholders.
• Conduct preliminary legal research on contract-related matters.
• Prepare contract summaries and reports for management review.
• Ensure contracts adhere to company policies and relevant regulations.
• Participate in meetings with clients and vendors to discuss terms.

Skills

Contract management

Legal knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law/Business Administration/related field

Tools

MS Office

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing industrial company based in **Durban**, is seeking to appoint a proactive and detail-oriented Junior Contracts Manager. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and legally sound management of all contractual agreements across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in contract law and a keen eye for detail, assisting senior management in the negotiation, drafting, and administration of contracts. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in contract management within a challenging industrial setting in **KwaZulu-Natal**. The role requires a motivated individual eager to learn and contribute to the company's operational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of various commercial contracts, including service agreements, supply contracts, and NDAs.
• Support the senior management team in managing the contract lifecycle from initiation to execution and closure.
• Maintain accurate and organized contract records, ensuring all documentation is up-to-date and readily accessible.
• Monitor contract performance and compliance, identifying potential risks or breaches.
• Coordinate with internal departments (e.g., procurement, sales, finance) to ensure contract alignment with business needs.
• Assist in resolving contractual disputes and addressing any contractual queries from stakeholders.
• Conduct preliminary legal research on contract-related matters as required.
• Prepare contract summaries and reports for management review.
• Ensure all contracts adhere to company policies and relevant legal regulations.
• Participate in meetings with clients and vendors to discuss contractual terms.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A legal qualification is highly advantageous.
• 0-3 years of experience in contract administration, contract management, or a paralegal role with a focus on contracts.
• Basic understanding of contract law principles and terminology.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with contract management software is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage tasks effectively.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to learn.
• Resilience and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Based in or willing to relocate to **Durban**.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and potential for annual increases.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and in-house training on contract management.
• Exposure to a wide range of contract types and industries.
• A supportive team environment in our **Durban** office.
• Contribution to a growing and dynamic company.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Potential for career advancement into more senior contract management roles.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Company-sponsored professional development courses.