Contract Manager, Business Affairs in London

Work Location: London (Hybrid) with attendance in the Farringdon office 2 days per week

Start Date: ASAP

Whalar is the leading, most awarded, independent Creator and Social agency. We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators. We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable. With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global.

About the role:

So, what does a Contract Manager do? In short, they are the first point of contact for creator agreement negotiation and contract queries in the DACH & EMEA region for Whalar’s work on behalf of our clients. You will draft, negotiate, and execute creator/talent agreements (for the benefit of our clients) within the EMEA and DACH regions, as well as review the Creator’s provided content for intellectual property risks and other applicable regulations. This role will also expand into supporting our exciting Whalar Studios division with logistical production needs, paperwork, and clearances. You’re not in it alone; you will be joining a team of two based in London to support the growth and development of the EMEA and DACH regions.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

• Review, redline, and negotiate creator agreements on behalf of brand clients.
• Advise, plan, and coordinate all aspects of creator agreement review and approval.
• Communicate and negotiate with creators, agents, managers, and legal counsel on all aspects of agreements.
• Identify and confirm content complies with ASA or third-party IP guidelines, as needed.
• Support our Director, Business Affairs, with contract execution and ad-hoc requests.
• Support our exciting Whalar Studios division with freelancer agreements, content production paperwork, and clearances.

For the right candidate, the role can expand to support our Director, Business Affairs, on client scopes of work within the EMEA region.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 3-6 years of experience in social media marketing, marketing, entertainment, or the Creator scene.
• A passion for social media, the creator economy, and a fondness for processes and contracts.
• Experienced in talent contract editing and strong negotiation skills.
• Good understanding of ASA guidelines and basic Intellectual Property principles, as well as clearance.
• Someone who is always on the lookout for ways to innovate and streamline processes.
• A self-starter who is able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Stay organised to manage and prioritise daily requests like a pro in a fast-paced environment.
• Being open to flexing hours beyond the standard schedule to ensure campaigns go off without a hitch.
• The ability to confidently lead presentations to internal teams, backed by the broader Business Affairs team.
• Juggle and prioritise multiple requests to keep projects on track in a dynamic environment.
• Maintain strong attention to detail, especially in contracts and providing direction to internal teams, where getting it right is key.
• Keeping a positive, can-do vibe that contributes to our creative and collaborative environment.
• Exposure to and/or experience with content production paperwork (releases, risk assessments, insurance, and clearances) is desirable but not required.
• Knowledge of another European language (German or French) is a bonus, but not a must.

Based in Farringdon, London, we embrace a flexible hybrid model. We ask our team to work from the office two to three days a week, with Tuesday and Thursday serving as our "anchor days." These days are dedicated to collaborating in person and celebrating Whalar’s vibrant culture together.

Our values:

At Whalar, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers.

The perks:

• Whalar provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments/experiences, so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.
• Private medical insurance
• Health cash plan
• 25 days of PTO + Sick days + Winter break
• Private pension scheme
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• Professional development stipend
• New joiner's Home office allowance
• Enhanced maternity (up to 22 weeks) / paternity (up to 16 weeks) leave
• Reduced fee gym membership (next to office location)
• Life Assurance
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Volunteer days
• Social programs