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- Tasks: Manage and support all phases of the contract lifecycle for IT services.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a leading institution dedicated to excellence.
- Benefits: Fixed-term role with competitive salary and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing complex contracts that support thousands of students and staff.
- Qualifications: Experience in negotiation, contract law, and managing contract lifecycles required.
- Other info: 14-month maternity cover with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Contract Manager to join the University of Bristol for a 14-month maternity cover role, dedicated to contract management within IT Services, a crucial division which delivers world class support and services to more than 8,000 colleagues and 30,000 students.
The successful candidate will be working closely with technical and governance colleagues in IT Services and with procurement and accountancy colleagues in Finance Services to identify and deliver financial and non-financial benefits from the University’s largest and most complex IT-related contracts. The postholder will have involvement in around 200 contracts, with an annual spend of £76m. The level of involvement will vary according to risk and strategic prioritisation.
What will you be doing?
- You will be expected to manage and support all phases of the contract lifecycle, including proactive engagement with key supplier personnel to manage and report on service performance, contract compliance, risk management and cost control.
- You will lead complex negotiations with representatives of a range of supplier organisations to support the achievement of the objectives within the IT services division and wider University.
- You will be asked to provide commercial and contract advice to stakeholders, including on contractual terms and conditions, and will be expected to give an expert view on the commercial impact of key contractual clauses.
- You will be actively involved in drafting Key Performance Indicators and Management Information to support IT Services in achieving value for money across its contracts, including taking an active role in reviewing KPI reports to identify patterns and potential points of concern and be able to advise stakeholders of any necessary commercial actions required.
- Depending on contract tiering prioritisation, you will lead or support stakeholders on managing contract variations to ensure contract changes are tracked and approved appropriately.
- You will directly support IT Services in any savings targets and value for money objectives by utilising effective contract management solutions.
You should apply if
The successful candidate will have:
- Experience of negotiation including strategy and ability to influence internal and external stakeholders;
- Confidence with a wide range of different contract documents;
- Sound understanding of budgets and financial objectives and how that relates to the identification of savings opportunities at a contract level;
- Experience of managing all phases of the contract lifecycle;
- Experience in contract law including confidence in clause drafting;
- Experience in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including strong communication skills with suppliers to be able to positively challenge through to resolution.
Additional information
- Contract type: Fixed term maternity cover for 14 months
- Work pattern: Full time
- Grade: K
- School/Unit: Finance Services - Procurement
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 10th February. For informal queries about the role, please contact Rob Logan (Director of Procurement) on rob.logan@bristol.ac.uk.
Commercial Contracts Manager employer: University of Bristol
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at the University of Bristol or similar institutions. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s IT Services. Understand their current projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves leading complex negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commercial Contracts Manager. Highlight your experience with contract management, negotiation skills, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your understanding of contract lifecycle management and your ability to work with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working closely with various teams, it's important to showcase your strong communication skills. Mention instances where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or resolved conflicts in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the University of Bristol.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be dealing with. Familiarise yourself with common clauses and their implications, especially in IT services. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and confidence during discussions.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Think about potential negotiation scenarios you might face in the role. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or navigated complex negotiations. This will show your ability to handle the challenges of the position.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Since the role involves managing significant budgets, be ready to discuss how you've identified savings opportunities in previous contracts. Bring specific examples that highlight your understanding of financial objectives and how they relate to contract management.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, building relationships is key in this role. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current contracts and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also your ability to connect with stakeholders.
