Contract Manager

The client is looking to hire a number of Contract Managers to work on a contract basis In Dublin (Hybrid).

Job Description:

The Contract Manager (CM) position is responsible for contract development and management of all contractual documents, working in partnership with the Sourcing Specialist, Suppliers, internal Business and Legal Departments to negotiate and develop robust legal and commercial terms and conditions with Suppliers.  The CM acts as an advisor and/or expert for contract related issues and must apply critical thinking skills and work independently to make sound business decisions on behalf of the Company.  Day to day work of the CM requires significant interpretation of diverse contractual issues as well as the ability to identify any potential risk factors in that the business needs to consider for the execution of the Agreement.  The role also requires ongoing contract compliance and issue resolution as needed after contract execution.  The CM also works closely with Internal Audit, as necessary, and Supplier’s auditors to resolve contract compliance issues. It is imperative that the successful candidate have excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to project manage significant strategic deals to a timely conclusion, identifying and managing the operational, commercial, financial  and legal risks to the business.

Contract Development:

• In accordance with priorities and policies, review Supplier requests for changes to the terms and conditions of contracts, assess risk of implementing changes, and recommend response
• Provide leadership in drafting and negotiating terms & conditions with Suppliers
• Act as the liaison and provide leadership among the Sourcing Specialist, Business Partner, Legal, internal SMEs and Suppliers
• Coordinate with Legal support to negotiate contract issue resolution with Supplier, and secure final approval of the appropriate Agreement
• Work collaboratively with Sourcing Specialist to ensure that all contract document templates are properly prepared for Request for Proposal (RFPs)
• Resolve and respond to contractual related Supplier issues and/or questions
• Meet with Legal counsel to clarify and negotiate complex Sourcing contractual issues and or other Supplier concerns.
• Interpret contractual rights and obligations to business partner and Sourcing Specialist
• Collaborate with Sourcing Legal and the applicable business partners on the improvement and development of Sourcing agreement templates and RFP/RFI documentation.
• Expertise in and demonstrated proficiency in developing contract strategies, and in managing RFx’s and contract negotiations for large scale Outside and Inside Plant (OSP/ISP) programs.
• Category knowledge and trusted advisor in sourcing of Central Office Equipment, Data Centre Build, Wireline and Wireless Core and Access Networking, Optical Transport Networking, Equipment Decommissioning, Circuit Migration, Cloud Network/Software as a Service and IOT services and technologies and the ability to anticipate and advise on industry impacts to these areas.

Contract Compliance:

• Ensure that current standard language, including updated terms and conditions, is added to all contracts, as appropriate
• Manage supplier dispute resolution through formal or informal dispute resolution channels
• Review and interpret Sourcing and Corporate Policy requirements
• Responsible for consultation and escalation to senior management of current and potential issues.

Ad hoc Support:

• Attend all necessary internal training regarding policies, legal requirements and applicable technologies
• Work with business partners to develop a clear understanding of the evolving technologies involved in the Networks that are the subject of the legal agreements

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• LLB, LLM, or BCL or equivalent
• Telecom Network or IT experience
• Minimum of 6 years related experience in contract management or sourcing position
• Demonstrated experience negotiating & managing agreements with significant annual spend
• Excellent, concise drafting skills that avoids ambiguity and inaccuracy
• Strong interpersonal and client-service skills
• Self-starter with ability to work independently
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong issue resolution and negotiation skills
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent deliverables in a very dynamic and variable environment where business assumptions fluctuate frequently
• Strong understanding of procurement contract clauses and principles.
• Strong understanding of procurement contract risks and how to mitigate those risks.
• Excellent contract drafting skills in Statements of Work (SOW)

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) from the Institute of Supply Chain Management, or equivalent
• Certifications from the National Contract Management Association, or equivalent:
• Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
• Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)
• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute
• Lean Six Sigma experience and/or certification.