Senior Commercial Contracts Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Commercial Contracts Manager to lead end-to-end management of commercial contracts in the financial services sector. You will draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of agreements, including vendor contracts and SLAs, ensuring legal soundness and commercial viability.

You will collaborate with legal, procurement and business units to streamline processes, maintain templates, and ensure robust compliance with POPIA and FICA.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or relevant legal qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is highly advantageous but not essential if substantial experience is shown.
• Minimum of 6 years in commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Experience managing complex commercial agreements, preferably in financial services.
• Strong understanding of SA contract law and POPIA.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Advise stakeholders on contract terms, risks and obligations.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle from initiation to termination.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements (POPIA, FICA).
• Conduct risk assessments of terms and provide mitigations.
• Collaborate with procurement and business units to close deals efficiently.
• Oversee contract management systems and record-keeping.
• Assist in resolving disputes and vendor performance issues.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

LLB degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the financial services sector with a significant presence in Sandton , is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Contracts Manager. This role is predominantly remote, offering flexibility while requiring occasional presence at the office for critical meetings. The primary focus will be on the end-to-end management of commercial contracts, ensuring that all agreements are legally sound, commercially viable, and align with the company's strategic objectives and risk appetite. You will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on a wide array of contracts, including vendor agreements, service level agreements (SLAs), partnership agreements, and procurement contracts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of commercial law, contract negotiation strategies, and risk management principles within the financial services industry. Our client is committed to operational excellence and requires a proactive individual who can contribute to streamlining contract processes and ensuring robust compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to take ownership of a critical function within a reputable organization. You will collaborate closely with legal, procurement, and business units to achieve optimal contractual outcomes. The remote nature demands strong self-discipline and excellent virtual communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, SLAs, NDAs, and partnership agreements.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Advise internal business stakeholders on contract terms, risks, and obligations.
• Manage the contract lifecycle, including initiation, drafting, negotiation, execution, amendment, and termination.
• Ensure all contracts comply with company policies, regulatory requirements (e.g., POPIA, FICA), and industry best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments of proposed contract terms and provide mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with procurement and business units to understand contractual needs and facilitate efficient deal closure.
• Oversee contract management systems and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Assist in resolving contractual disputes and managing vendor performance issues.
• Stay informed about changes in relevant legislation and their impact on commercial contracts.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or a relevant legal qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is highly advantageous but not essential if substantial relevant experience is demonstrated.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience focused on commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Proven expertise in managing complex commercial agreements, preferably within the financial services sector.
• Strong understanding of South African contract law, POPIA, and general commercial principles.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in contract management software and MS Office Suite.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and thrive in a remote work environment.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.

Benefits

• Primarily remote work arrangement with occasional office visits.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to manage significant commercial agreements and influence contract strategy.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training.
• A collaborative and supportive remote working culture.
• Exposure to diverse contract types within a leading financial institution.