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 Watford
A town located in Hertfordshire, Watford is just 18 miles from London and is a busy area with many opportunities for those seeking Contract Procurement Manager roles.
It also boasts easy access to the capital - via overground trains or the Metropolitan underground line - making it perfect for those who want to work in London, but live away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Situated on the River Colne, Watford is thought to have originated during the Saxon period and was mainly an agricultural area until the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to the completion of the Grand Union Canal in 1798 and the London and Birmingham Railway in 1837, the city quickly began to expand.
During this period, manufacturing became an important part of the local economy, particularly paper-making, printing and brewing.
For most of the 20th century, a Rolls-Royce factory was located in Watford, which was responsible for manufacturing jet engines. This site was shut down in the early 1990s and re-born as the world-famous Leavesden Film Studios, which has been used for work on blockbuster franchises like James Bond, Star Wars and Harry Potter.
In line with the rest of the country, the service sector has taken over in Watford during the last 20 years and the city is now home to various multimedia companies. What's more, a number of large companies have the headquarters here - including Mothercare, Hilton and JD Wetherspoons.
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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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