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 Gateshead
Located just over the River Tyne from Newcastle, Gateshead has always been somewhat overshadowed and culturally engulfed by its neighbour in the public conscious, but it’s a happening town in its own right, with a huge amount going for it in terms of art, sport and industry. Gateshead was busy during the Industrial Revolution, with coal mining and ironworks playing important roles; the town produced ships’ anchors and chains for which demand was insatiable.
As the availability of electric energy took hold, Gateshead would become known as a cable manufacturing town, and the first trans-Channel telegraph wire was made there, as was half of the first transatlantic one. Sir Joseph Swan, one of those credited with the invention of the lightbulb, lived and performed his experiments in Gateshead, and it is thought that his house was the world’s first to be electrified for lighting. Modern Gateshead is still thriving. It is home to Europe’s largest shopping centre, the Metro Centre, as well as several trading and industrial estates. Gateshead, and its neighbour Newcastle, are ideal places to look for a Contract Procurement Manager position. The region is doing well economically, and there’s still a good deal of industry to complement the huge opportunity offered by its retail sector.
Culturally, Gateshead is head and wings above many larger towns and cities. Right at its south point is Antony Gormley’s towering Angel of the North statue, and at its northernmost point are the Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, which occupies what was a flour mill. Tow of the north’s most iconic bridges, the “Blinking Eye” and the steel arch Tyne Bridge, both join Newcastle with Gateshead (along with five others). Gateshead stadium plays host to top athletics meetings, and for a month in 2006 was the location of the world 100 m sprint record (9.77 seconds) set by Asafa Powell.
Popular locations
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.
Contact us