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 Northamptonshire
Situated in the East Midlands, Northamptonshire is a ceremonial county that shares a border with eight others, including Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire.
A number of large communities are located within Northamptonshire, making the county a good place for those seeking Contract Procurement Manager opportunities. These include Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough. There's also the county seat, Northampton, which is less than 70 miles from London and about 50 miles from Birmingham.
The region has long been known for shoemaking and the manufacture of leather goods. A number of factories in Northampton were established in the 19th century and still exist today, making fine specialty footwear. These include Edward Green shoes, Trickers, Church's and Crockett & Jones.
Many of the old shoe factories in the region that are no longer used for manufacturing have now been converted to residential accommodation or office space. Indeed, much of Northamptonshire has gone through significant redevelopment since the 1970s and the local economy is now based in the service sector and retail.
Other companies located in the region, or with large facilities, include Avon, Weetabix, Barclaycard, Panasonic, Travis Perkins, Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Timsons, Cummins UK, Carlsberg, Nationwide Building Society and Texas Instruments.
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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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