Contracts Assistant

Reporting to: Contracts and Business Affairs Director

Location: 5th Floor, HYLO, 105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8LZ

Working pattern: Full-time, hybrid - minimum of two days per week in the office; up to three days per week working from home

Department: Contracts & Business Affairs

Salary: £28,860 per annum

General Summary

An exciting opportunity has come up in the Bonnier Books UK Contracts & Business Affairs team for a contracts assistant, who will provide administrative and operational support to the team. The contracts assistant will support the work of the department across the lifecycle of contracts, from drafting to execution, and record management across BBUK’s Adult and Children’s divisions. The role will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the contract execution processes and departmental tracking tools, helping to ensure contract records, workflows, and systems are maintained accurately and consistently. Working with colleagues in the Contracts & Business Affairs team and across several departments, the contracts assistant will support standard contracting processes under supervision and will contribute to the smooth operation of the Contracts & Business Affairs department. The successful candidate will be highly organised and detail-oriented, with a knack for fostering positive team morale.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Docusign process for the execution of publishing agreements, ensuring contracts are issued, chased, and completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepare fully executed contracts for upload into Bonnier Books UK’s contract database, maintaining accurate records and version control.
• Maintain and update departmental records and tools used to track workflows, commercial terms, and contract status, ensuring information is current and reliable.
• Assist in the drafting and processing of standard ancillary paperwork under supervision, following established templates and procedures.
• Manage standard rights reversion requests end-to-end in coordination with and approval of the appropriate managerial, editorial and sales teams.
• Assist in producing and maintaining template documents to support consistent contracting practices across the business.
• Support the expansion and development of an AI contracts agent to assist with contract queries.
• Sourcing and researching historic commercial records and contracts as needed.
• Attending meetings and providing general administrative support to the wider Contracts & Business Affairs department as required.
• Other duties within the contracts or business affairs function as may be required by the business.

Key competencies

• Ability to work in a structured, process-led and fast-paced environment, maintaining a high standard of work and accuracy.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and to elevate issues appropriately.
• Ability to manage multiple administrative tasks in parallel while supporting the smooth operation of departmental systems and workflows.
• Curious, with an eagerness to learn and take ownership of new tasks and projects.
• Demonstrates a collaborative and client service focused mindset.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with a methodical approach to managing documentation, records, and routine processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when handling formal documentation.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues.
• High proficiency in the Microsoft Office software suite of software.
• A willingness and aptitude for learning new systems, including contract databases and e-signature software.
• An interest in the commercial aspects of publishing, contracts and legal affairs, or in intellectual property.

Desirable (not essential)

• Previous administrative experience within publishing or a creative industry.
• Familiarity with Docusign, Biblio3, contract databases, archive/data management, or workflow tracking tools.
• Familiarity with the following areas of MS Office: MS Word: Quick Parts/Building Blocks, and Content Controls, MS Excel: conditional formatting and working with basic formulae.
• Involvement with contracts, rights, licensing, or other formal documentation in a professional capacity.
• Experience developing or training AI tools for administrative support.

Company Benefits

• Private health insurance
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Lively social committee hosting regular events
• Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service
• Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff
• Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes
• Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment
• Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK
• Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents
• Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families
• Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure
• Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on-site at our London HQ
• Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office

If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.