At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier contracts and drive performance improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Xylem, a global leader in water solutions with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how we manage suppliers and influence commercial outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier contract management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.
The Role
We’re looking for a commercially minded Contract Manager to take ownership of our supplier contracts end-to-end — from running tenders through to managing supplier performance once contracts are in place. This is not a purely legal or administrative role. You will play a key part in ensuring our suppliers deliver value, performance, and consistency across the business. You’ll work closely with operations, procurement, and central support teams to bring structure, control, and visibility to how we engage and manage our supply chain.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and manage supplier tenders (RFQs, RFPs, ITTs) from scope definition through to award
- Own the full contract lifecycle – drafting, negotiation, execution, and renewal
- Act as the contract owner post-award, ensuring suppliers deliver against agreed SLAs and KPIs
- Run supplier performance reviews, managing issues, escalations, and continuous improvement
- Drive commercial value, including cost control, savings, and contract optimisation
- Establish and maintain contract governance, processes, and documentation
- Work cross-functionally to ensure contracts meet operational, commercial, and compliance requirements
- Build and maintain a central contract register and reporting framework
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in supplier contract management and tendering
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage cost, value, and risk
- Experience managing contracts in an operational environment (e.g. engineering, utilities, construction, services)
- Confident managing stakeholders and suppliers at all levels
- Able to balance detail with delivery — structured, but pragmatic
- Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills
Why This Role Matters
This is a key role in strengthening how we manage our suppliers and contracts across the business. You’ll have the opportunity to build structure, improve performance, and directly influence commercial outcomes.
What You’ll Get
- A role with real ownership and visibility across the business
- The opportunity to shape and improve how we manage suppliers
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic initiatives
- A collaborative and evolving environment where you can make a tangible impact
Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.
Contracts Administrator in Nottingham employer: YSI Incorporated
Xylem is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic hybrid work environment in Nottingham and Farnborough where innovation meets sustainability. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages personal growth and development, alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global water challenges. With a focus on inclusivity and strategic initiatives, Xylem empowers its team members to take ownership of their roles and drive commercial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Administrator in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to supplier management and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves managing contracts and suppliers, being able to demonstrate your negotiation prowess during interviews can really set you apart. Role-play scenarios with friends or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Xylem.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Administrator in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Administrator role. Highlight your experience in supplier contract management and tendering, as well as any relevant skills that match what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Xylem. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your strong commercial awareness. Talk about how you've managed costs, value, and risk in previous roles. We want to see that you understand the bigger picture!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at YSI Incorporated
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key aspects of supplier contract management. Familiarise yourself with terms like SLAs, KPIs, and the full contract lifecycle. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations you've faced in previous roles. Think of examples where you successfully managed tenders or resolved supplier issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
Xylem is looking for someone who can drive commercial value. Be ready to discuss how you've managed costs, optimised contracts, or improved supplier performance in the past. Highlight any relevant metrics or savings you've achieved to back up your claims.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves managing stakeholders at all levels, prepare to discuss how you've built relationships in previous positions. Share examples of how you’ve communicated effectively with different teams and ensured alignment on contract goals. This will illustrate your collaborative approach.
