At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage commercial contracts and improve legal processes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Benchmark, a forward-thinking company focused on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace that values inclusion and offers excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by streamlining legal operations and supporting business growth.
- Qualifications: 4-8 years in commercial contracts or legal operations with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Join Benchmark in a hybrid legal and operations role, combining hands‑on commercial contracting with the development of a more structured, scalable legal function. You will lead the end‑to‑end management of commercial contracts while driving improvements in legal processes, systems, and data. The focus is on speed, consistency and control, helping the business manage legal risk while supporting growth, acquisitions and supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the full lifecycle of commercial contracts across the group, including supplier, SaaS, outsourcing, platform and partnership agreements.
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts within agreed templates, playbooks and escalation frameworks.
- Manage and improve AI‑assisted contract review processes, maintaining consistency and risk oversight.
- Build and maintain a central contracts register and contract risk register.
- Implement and manage a structured contract lifecycle management (CLM) process.
- Drive adoption of legal tools and processes across the business.
- Introduce and embed legal technology, including CLM systems, AI tools and workflow automation.
- Track and report legal MI to support prioritisation and decision‑making.
- Develop and maintain playbooks, templates, guidance and standard operating procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual activity and strengthen risk management.
- Contribute across broader legal activity including M&A, regulatory work and business projects.
- Partner with stakeholders across the business to deliver practical, solutions‑led outcomes.
Qualifications
Essential
- 4 to 8 years’ experience in commercial contracts, legal operations or a legal delivery role.
- Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Experience working with templates, playbooks and standard terms.
- Exposure to improving or implementing legal processes, systems or operational frameworks.
Desirable
- Experience in financial services or another regulated environment.
- Exposure to outsourcing, technology, platform or SaaS agreements.
- Experience supporting M&A activity and due diligence.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of contract structures and risk allocation.
- Working knowledge of CLM systems or legal AI tools.
- Understanding of regulatory considerations linked to outsourcing and third‑party arrangements.
Desired Capabilities
- Strong drafting and negotiation capability.
- High attention to detail with a structured, process‑led approach.
- Comfort working with legal technology and automation tools.
- Ability to balance legal risk with commercial outcomes.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Analytical mindset, able to identify trends, risks and inefficiencies.
- Confidence operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
Location
You will be based at Benchmark Head Office on the Broadlands Business Campus near Horsham in West Sussex and will also be required to work from our other offices, including the main Schroders headquarters in London.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio‑economic background. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture.
Legal Operations & Commercial Contracts Manager in Horsham employer: Benchmark Capital
Benchmark offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation meets legal expertise. As a Legal Operations & Commercial Contracts Manager, you will benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility while being part of a collaborative team focused on driving efficiency and risk management. With a commitment to employee growth and the integration of cutting-edge legal technology, Benchmark is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development in the picturesque setting of West Sussex.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Operations & Commercial Contracts Manager in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and operations field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Benchmark and its culture. Understand their approach to legal operations and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with real examples! When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you improved legal processes or managed contracts effectively. This will demonstrate your capability and give them confidence in your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Benchmark and ready to contribute to their growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Operations & Commercial Contracts Manager in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Legal Operations & Commercial Contracts Manager. Highlight your experience with commercial contracts and any relevant legal operations work. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hybrid role. Share specific examples of how you've improved legal processes or managed contracts in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Tech Savvy:Since we're keen on legal technology, mention any experience you have with CLM systems or AI tools. If you've implemented or improved legal tech in previous roles, let us know! We’re all about efficiency and innovation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Benchmark Capital
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the types of commercial contracts relevant to the role. Brush up on supplier, SaaS, and outsourcing agreements, and be ready to discuss your experience drafting and negotiating these. This will show that you understand the nuances of the job.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
Be prepared to talk about any past experiences where you've improved legal processes or implemented new systems. Highlight specific examples where you’ve driven efficiency or reduced manual activity, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on scalability and control.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Legal Tech
Since the role involves introducing legal technology and AI tools, it’s crucial to demonstrate your comfort with these systems. If you have experience with CLM systems or legal AI tools, share that knowledge during the interview to show you can hit the ground running.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The ability to partner with stakeholders is key in this role. Think of examples where you’ve successfully managed relationships across different teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve delivered practical, solutions-led outcomes, as this will highlight your collaborative approach.
