Contract Specialist jobs
The value of watertight contracts cannot be overestimated in procurement. Any company that produces things relies entirely on the suppliers literally coming up with the goods exactly as determined by the factory’s production speed and warehousing capacities. Good contracts make sure both parties to the deal have understood their responsibilities and are confident that they can meet their requirements on time and on budget.
The contract specialist will be employed by the buyer to ensure that the procurement process runs as smoothly and as efficiently as possibly. The way to achieve this is for the contract specialist to be involved with as much of the contract-making process as possible, from bidding to negotiating to drafting to signing off. Because he or she is an expert in the field of contracts, errors should be kept to a minimum and the contracts themselves should be better drafted and more likely to be agreed upon sooner.
Since there are many thousands of pages of law, both domestic and international, regarding the sourcing, importation, payment for and transporting of goods, experience in the specific area in which the employer deals would be of great benefit. An expert in contracts for one particular product or material might not be the best person to deal with another.
For these reasons, a skilled contract specialist in a busy procurement operation is a valued member of the team.
The skills required
The eye for detail that you’d expect of a solicitor is a key requirement of the contract specialist. They should be able to analyse any proposed deal and flag up any areas that have the potential for conflict in the short or long term, and correct these elements of the draft without ignoring the effect they might have elsewhere.
The contract specialist is on the front line of protecting the employer’s interests, so trustworthy and reliable individuals will do well. However, since a procure and supply contract is supposed to be to the benefit of both parties, the good contract specialist will always look at the deal from the supplier’s viewpoint, too; identifying stumbling blocks at an early stage will prevent costly and time-consuming redrafts.
Important personal attributes will be analytical skills and a good command of English (or other languages when dealing internationally). Many employers will demand the minimum of a business degree, but good experience of drafting contracts can stand applicants in good stead.
Contract Specialist Jobs in Edinburgh
Known for its romantic skyline, beautiful castle and fascinating history, Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most populated city north of the border.
People have been living in Auld Reekie, as it is affectionately known by locals, since at least the Bronze Age and throughout the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Scottish Reformation in the 16th century, it flourished as a market town, a royal burgh and a centre of commerce and culture.
During the Industrial Revolution, the city began to spread outwards in every direction. As more people came to the city, tenement flats were built and factories and businesses established. While Glasgow may have overtaken the capital during this period in terms of economy and population, Edinburgh maintained its prominence and continued to thrive.
After devolution in 1999, Edinburgh became the home of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive. Today, the city is the heart of the Scottish government. It also plays an important part in other sectors, such as finance, publishing, media and tourism, offering a wealth of opportunities for those seeking Contract Specialist jobs.
Companies based in Edinburgh today include Edinburgh University Press, The Scotsman, HBOS, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows, Rockstar North and Caledonian Breweries.
In addition, the city hosts the Edinburgh Festival every year. Comprising a number of different events like the International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, this is a month-long celebration of music and theatre, comedy and the arts.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
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. 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.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Contract Specialist for your business or find you a job as a Contract Specialist then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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