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- Tasks: Manage contracts and ensure compliance while supporting procurement of goods and services.
- Company: Join Southern Co-op, a community-focused independent co-op serving the south of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days leave, 20% store discount, private medical insurance, and more perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values sustainability and community impact while developing your negotiation skills.
- Qualifications: Bring procurement knowledge, contract law understanding, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Travel across the country and receive a car allowance for your journeys.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
As our Contracts Manager, you’ll support Southern Co-op’s central functions in buying the best quality equipment, goods and services not for resale (G&SNFR) at the most competitive prices. You’ll be overseeing the procurement of G&SNFR and monitor ongoing contractual and legal compliance. You’ll also maintain and monitor ongoing contractual and legal compliance in relation to local suppliers.
Our suppliers are based all across the country; therefore, this role will require travel to different locations. You will be provided with a car allowance.
What you’ll get:
- 34 days leave (incl bank holidays) rising to 39 with service
- 20% store discount
- Private medical insurance & critical illness insurance
- Group life assurance & share incentive plan
- EAP (including 24/7 access to virtual GP and annual health check)
- Financial Wellbeing tools
- Group personal pension plan
- Income Protection Insurance
- Free onsite parking at our Lakeside Head Office
What to expect:
To be responsible for contractual matters relating to G&SNFR and local suppliers as follows:
- Manage the contracts framework and monitor ongoing compliance by the business.
- Review supply arrangements, identifying potential opportunities for cost savings and/or improvements to the quality of goods and services, rationalisation or collaboration in the supply chain for the purpose of maximising financial sustainability and operational performance and minimising risk.
- Assist central functions in the review and negotiation of draft contracts; completion of contracts and ongoing compliance of contract terms.
- Provide guidance and ownership to central functions on the preparation of tenders, requests for information/proposals/quotations and support through selection processes in the evaluation of bids.
- Manage the negotiation and agreement of terms for significant contracts.
- Manage the legal contract management team output, ensuring they facilitate the flow of legal oversight to the contract management process.
- Own the contract management system, spend analytics and contract all circa 1300 contracts, the KPIs and then subsequent budgeting of key contracts therein.
- Own all contracting policies and processes.
- Establish links with other retail co-operative societies.
What we’re looking for:
- Technical and practical procurement knowledge.
- Experience of establishing, reviewing and monitoring supply arrangements and terminating relationships, as appropriate; conducting selection processes.
- Understanding of contract law principles; experience of drafting and identifying key legal terms, notices and letters, and reviewing and negotiating agreements in a commercial context.
- Commercial and financial awareness.
- Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and decision-making skills.
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply qualification (desirable).
About Us:
We’re an independent Co-op, operating across the south of England running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds, and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We’re owned by our 300,000+ members, have over 4,000 colleagues, and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We have a commitment to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach, for all. Become part of the family who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.
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Contracts Manager employer: Southern Co-op
Contact Detail:
Southern Co-op Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific procurement processes and contract management systems used in the retail sector. Understanding these tools will help you demonstrate your readiness to manage the contracts framework effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in the retail co-operative sector. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past experiences in managing supplier relationships during the interview. Highlighting your ability to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality will resonate well with our expectations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Southern Co-op's values and community initiatives. Showing that you align with our commitment to sustainable business practices and community service can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits our culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Contracts Manager at Southern Co-op. Highlight your experience in procurement, contract management, and compliance in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasize your technical knowledge in procurement, negotiation skills, and any relevant qualifications like the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your understanding of contract law principles and your ability to manage supplier relationships. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your capabilities.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific achievements related to cost savings, compliance monitoring, or successful negotiations. Quantify your successes where possible to make a stronger impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Co-op
✨Understand Contract Law Principles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract law principles. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these principles in previous roles, especially in drafting and negotiating agreements.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they contributed to achieving favorable outcomes for your organization.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've used analytical skills to identify cost-saving opportunities or improve supply arrangements. Providing specific examples will help illustrate your capabilities.
✨Familiarize Yourself with the Company
Research Southern Co-op and understand its values, operations, and community involvement. Showing that you align with their mission and are passionate about serving local communities can set you apart.
