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 Chesterfield
Situated 9 miles (15 km) south of Sheffield, the Derbyshire town of Chesterfield has more influence from this city than it does with Derby, its county capital, 21 miles (35 km) to the south. To the east of the town the M1 passes on its Nottingham to Sheffield stretch, and the west of Derby is taken up with 3 miles (5 km) of agricultural land before the start of the Peak District National Park. Chesterfield is connected to Derby, Leicester, Rotherham and Sheffield by rail. Its current population of around 100,000 makes it the most populous town in Derbyshire, second in size only to the city of Derby.
Historically a market town, Chesterfield became associated with coal mining after the discovery of a large seam in the 19th century, when the town’s population grew rapidly. The coal was discovered during the excavation of a tunnel for George Stephenson’s Derby to Leeds railway line. During construction, Stephenson moved to Chesterfield, and it was in the town that he was to end his days, aged 67. A statue of Stephenson stands outside Chesterfield railway station. The engineering legacy continued until recently, however. Chesterfield-based Markham & Co. made the machines that excavated the Channel Tunnel, among other tunnels.
Much of the heavy industry has now left Chesterfield, and in many ways the town has returned to its Market roots, although there is understandably a much larger service and local government sector now. Occasionally, Contract Specialist positions are filled in Chesterfield, but more so in the surrounding area, particularly Sheffield.
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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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