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 Yorkshire
A historic county in northern England, Yorkshire is well known for its beautiful green spaces, as well as its intriguing past - but it has also long been a centre for industry and commerce, making it an ideal choice for those seeking Contract Specialist jobs.
During the 15th century, the region was locked in civil war against neighbouring county Lancashire. Known as the Wars of the Roses, this series of conflicts over the throne lasted for more than 85 years, although a more friendly rivalry between the regions still exists today - mainly when it comes to sport.
Renowned for its wool and textile industry, Yorkshire also gained prominence for coal mining in the 16th and 17th centuries.
As the Industrial Revolution took hold, the region flourished - this was especially true of Sheffield, which was known for its innovation in the steel industry. What's more, a series of canals and railways was also developed, simplifying the transport of goods and raw materials throughout the region.
Today, a number of large cities and towns can be found in Yorkshire, including, Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, Halifax and Bradford, and within these locations job seekers can find a variety of industries - from financial and retail, through to manufacturing and technology.
Some of the top employers in the region include Morrisons, Asda, Yorkshire Bank Leeds, First Direct, Timothy Taylor Brewery and McCain Foods (GB).
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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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