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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate and draft contracts for top publishing divisions while leading a talented team.
- Company: Join HarperCollins, a leader in the publishing industry with a diverse portfolio.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, 28 days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in publishing while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal or contracts roles within the UK publishing sector.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London Bridge
Reporting to: Business Affairs Director
Overview
Are you an experienced contracts professional looking to make a significant impact across a diverse portfolio of world-class publishing divisions? We are seeking a Contracts Manager to take on divisional responsibility for negotiating and drafting acquisition contracts for HarperCollins’ Children’s Books, Farshore, and Collins Learning, alongside Collins Reference, Fourth Estate, and William Collins.
In this pivotal role, you will be a key partner to our publishing teams, providing authoritative advice and creative solutions to ensure our contracts reflect our "best-in-class" service standards. You will not only manage complex negotiations with authors, agents, and third parties but also lead and develop talent by managing two assistants within the team.
What You’ll Do
- Negotiate & Draft: Lead the acquisition of publishing rights by drafting a wide range of agreements, from author contracts to serial rights and non-disclosure agreements.
- Strategic Advisor: Act as a consultant to publishing and rights teams, anticipating legal concerns and providing clear negotiating strategies to resolve them.
- Team Leadership: Establish clear goals for your direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
- Commercial Insight: Use your financial literacy and deep knowledge of copyright law to support the commercial goals of your assigned divisions.
Who You Are
- Experienced: You have a proven track record in a Legal, Contracts, or Business Affairs role within the UK publishing environment.
- Resilient & Calm: You remain objective and professional under pressure, handling complex negotiations with a constructive and flexible mindset.
- Strategic Thinker: You look beyond the immediate task to consider "what if" scenarios and develop imaginative solutions to problems.
- Collaborative: You are a strong communicator who can motivate others and build relationships across all levels of an organization.
Benefits
Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
28 days holiday plus
Contracts Manager in London employer: HarperCollins Publishers
Contact Detail:
HarperCollins Publishers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at HarperCollins or similar companies. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its divisions. Understand their publishing portfolio and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions of your own to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex contracts or resolved disputes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of a Contracts Manager effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the publishing world.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in negotiating and drafting contracts, especially in the publishing sector. 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 showcase your strategic thinking and collaborative spirit. Tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team at HarperCollins.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Whether it’s a successful negotiation or a project you led, we love to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at HarperCollins Publishers
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the types of contracts relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with author contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and any specific terms that might come up. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Anticipate potential negotiation scenarios that could arise in the role. Think about how you would handle complex negotiations with authors or agents. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves managing assistants, be ready to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've set goals and fostered accountability in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to lead a team effectively and align with the company’s culture.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Brush up on your knowledge of copyright law and how it impacts the publishing industry. Be prepared to discuss how you can use this knowledge to support the commercial goals of the divisions you'll be working with. This will show that you’re not just legally savvy but also commercially minded.
