Description

Contract directors are responsible of negotiating, managing, and revising commercial contracts. They are required to establish relationships with other businesses and create contracts that are in line with the professional and financial goals of the company. They should create and manage several contracts at the same time with national, local, and international companies. Furthermore, contract managers have to create internal guidelines as well as procedures to guide contract creation and maintenance, as well as note areas of improvement. They should be aware of the ethical and legal rules and regulations pertaining to contracts. Contract directors scrutinize contracts to ensure fullness prior to final approval and signing. They must follow the state, local, and federal laws.

Contract directors should have exceptional interpersonal leadership, negotiation and communication skills. They must also be able to evaluate the real and potential problems and come up with the best solutions. Directors on contract must be able to function in a team, and also perform well in a group environment. Communication skills, both verbal and written abilities are required along with the ability to use basic computer software.

Employers typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field to be able to get the entry-level job of a contract director. Master's degrees are highly sought-after and is often demanded by certain employers. A significant amount of experience in management may be desired or required.

Directors on contract typically work in offices during normal business hours, however, overtime could be necessary and they might be forced to travel for a substantial period of time.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Contracts Director with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing contract negotiations and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Developing and implementing contract management processes to optimize efficiency and mitigate risk.
  • Managing contract lifecycle from initiation to completion, including reviewing and revising contract terms.
  • Collaborating with internal stakeholders and external parties to resolve disputes and ensure successful contract execution.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Contracts Director job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive experience in contract management and negotiation, with a strong understanding of legal terms and conditions.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement contract strategies that align with the organization's goals and objectives.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and legal teams.
  • Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities to oversee the contracts department, manage a team, and ensure compliance with contract terms and obligations.

Essential Skills For Contracts Director

1

Contract Law

2

Contract Drafting

3

Legal Research

4

Team Management

Skills That Affect Contracts Director Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Strategic Negotiations

21%

Business Management

3%

People Management

14%

Career Prospects

The role of Contracts Director is crucial in overseeing contracts and ensuring compliance. For individuals with 6-9 years of experience in the UK, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Procurement Manager: Responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing the purchasing process.
  • Compliance Officer: Focused on ensuring regulatory compliance, developing policies and procedures, and conducting internal audits.
  • Legal Counsel: Provides legal advice and support, drafts and reviews contracts, and handles legal disputes.
  • Project Manager: Manages the execution of projects, coordinates resources, monitors timelines and budgets, and ensures project deliverables are met.

How to Learn

The Contracts Director role in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis of job trends, the position is expected to see a steady increase in demand, reflecting a positive outlook for career opportunities. With the evolving business landscape and increasing complex legal requirements, organizations are relying more on contracts professionals to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. As a result, there will be a sizable number of employment opportunities available for Contracts Directors in the future.