Contract Procurement Manager jobs
The whole of business is run on contracts, so it’s of vital importance that all of a company’s procurement contacts are drafted well, are effective and are enforceable to the satisfaction of both supplier and client. The contract manager will oversee the whole process of creating contracts, perhaps for deals struck by other departments within the company, and maintaining records of contracts for future reference.
While some contract manager roles might require drafting skills, in many cases contracts will take the form of a template. However this does not remove the need for precision, as mistakes in contracts can be costly, especially where multi-mullion pound procurement deals are being finalised. If the role doe indeed require contracts to be drafted from scratch, the role will need a fine attention to detail and a full understanding of the matter in hand. The contracts manager will need to appreciate that any items rejected in contract negotiations might have knock-on effects elsewhere in the contract, leading to extensive redrafting.
In many cases the contract managers will be present in negotiations, which is the best place to be to soak up the thrust of the progress. Other times they will be briefed by negotiators and must be able to interpret the brief and foresee any issues arising from the results.
Contract-making is usually hugely time-sensitive, as both parties usually want to see the latest draft of the contract as soon as possible after negotiations, so speed and accuracy must work hand in hand.
The skills required
A quasi-legal sensibility will be required for the successful contract manager, although the role does not usually require legal qualifications – business qualifications and experience are much more reliable determiners of a good candidate. Contracts from small supply deals to major business-critical ones will all be in the domain of the contract manager and his or her team. Whatever the size and nature of the contract, forensic, analytical skills will be highly valued in the contract manager.
Extensive knowledge of the materials or goods being dealt with and their respective industries will be an advantage, as all supplied goods come with their own limitations that must be covered in the contract.
A good command of English will be a most important quality, both in order to draft precise contracts and to interpret suppliers’ own contracts for negotiation. The same applies to all forms of communication, too. Contract managers will be dealing just as much with their own employers as with their suppliers, so they must be good listeners, readers, talkers and writers.
Contract Procurement Manager Jobs in Cardiff
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff has long been at the centre of Welsh commerce, culture, media and government. It is the most populous city in Wales and offers an array of possibilities for those seeking Contract Procurement Manager vacancies.
Cardiff is situated in the historic county of Glamorgan and until the 19th century, it was a fairly small town. As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the rest of the UK, the Port of Cardiff, also known as Tiger Bay, became increasingly important - in fact, one of the busiest in the world.
The Taff Vale Railway and the Glamorganshire connected the city's docks to the coal-producing areas in other parts of Wales, and this useful resource was sent on as fuel for factories across the country.
In the late 1800s, rival docks at Barry began to take over in the shipment of coal, but the Coal Exchange remained in Cardiff and the city became increasingly industrialised, with the addition of an ironworks and a steelworks.
Cardiff officially became the capital in 1955 and over the years it has remained an important cargo port. Much of its industrial past has been replaced by the financial and business sector - although there are still metal works to be found in the region.
Today, a number of well-known companies operate headquarters in the city - including Admiral Insurance, Principality Building Society and 118118. In addition, the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff is the UK's largest hospital outside of London.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
At any given time, Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so wherever you live, or plan to live, we are well placed to find work that suits your skills.
We were founded by specialists in the logistics, supply chain and procurement trade, and our consultants are also drawn from these backgrounds, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for. In fact, employers often approach us to find managerial and executive candidates, so if you’re in procurement, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
So whether you’re relocating for personal reasons or are simply looking for more job fulfilment, there could well be an employer who’s looking for the skills you have. Please get in touch today!
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Contract Procurement Manager for your business or find you a job as a Contract Procurement Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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