The Contracts Manager plays a pivotal role in business operations, overseeing the full lifecycle of commercial contracts. This includes drafting, negotiation, implementation, compliance, and performance monitoring. The role requires strong commercial acumen, legal expertise, and the ability to collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams. This role does not have any direct reports but will work closely with the WMFTS and wider Group legal team.
What youll do:
• Contract Preparation & Review Draft review and negotiate a variety of contracts (MSAs, distribution, supply, service, NDAs, strategic partnerships, vendor/client agreements). Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Embed and evidence adherence to Group-mandated contracting practices, including approval thresholds, clause standards, and escalation paths.
• Contract Management Administer and manage the entire contract lifecycle, including execution, amendments, extensions, and renewals. Maintain contract databases and systems to track key dates, deliverables, and obligations. Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and standardized processes for efficiency and governance.
• Negotiation & Collaboration Lead negotiations with major customers and suppliers, particularly in life sciences and industrial sectors. Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams (Sales Operations, Finance, Legal, Procurement, Quality) to align commercial terms with strategic objectives. Serve as the primary point of contact for contract inquiries, escalations, and executive-level reviews.
• Compliance & Risk Management Ensure contracts align with company policies, regulatory frameworks, and legal standards. Identify contractual risks and proactively propose mitigation strategies. Monitor contract performance obligations and milestones using contract management tools and software.
• Communication & Training Communicate contract terms and obligations clearly to internal and external stakeholders. Support internal training initiatives to enhance contract literacy across commercial teams.
• Conflict Resolution Address and resolve conflicts or discrepancies during the contract lifecycle.
To be successful in this role, youll need:
• A Bachelors degree in Business, Law, Legal Studies, or a related field. • 5 years of experience managing and negotiating commercial contracts, preferably B2B and in the Life Sciences industries. • Demonstrated experience with large corporations and global customers. • Strong knowledge of contract law, structures, legal terminology, and negotiation strategies. • Experience with contract management systems and workflow tools. • Legal qualifications (JD, LLB, Paralegal certification) or equivalent are advantageous. • Familiarity with intellectual property, IP, confidentiality, liability, and risk allocation clauses. • Previous experience in contract administration, legal support, or related roles. • Commercial awareness and the ability to balance risk vs. opportunity. • Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. • Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred.