Job Description
We are seeking a Legal Counsel/Contracts Manager, who will report to Head of Legal, to be based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The legal team at NECSWS are responsible for ensuring the integrity of, and maximising the potential of, commercial contracts for the supply of a variety of services and solutions, both to and by the company and its group.
The core functions of the department are: bid management, new customer contracts, governance and compliance, supplier and third-party agreements, risk assessment and mitigation, post-signature contract and dispute management, commercial education, training and awareness.
NEC is an equal opportunities employer with a straightforward and all-embracing policy of equally treating all its employees, workers and job applicants. The legal team is very pro-active and is respected as an integral part of the business process, embedded as a core function. The business culture is professional without being overly formal.
The role includes:
1. Leading on the negotiation of a variety of commercial contracts with customers, and (where required) suppliers to the company and its group, including software licensing, cloud hosting & SaaS contracts and support arrangements, supply agreements, outsourcing deals and consultancy arrangements;
2. Reviewing and responding to bids, reporting on legal and commercial risk and recommending appropriate mitigation strategies;
3. Advising and undertaking risk analysis in respect of existing contracts and new contract opportunities;
4. Drafting and negotiating contracts, including contract variations;
5. Management of contract documentation;
6. Review and updating legal and operational templates, including provision of training across the various business units;
7. Dealing with day-to-day enquiries from the business;
8. Assisting with disputes and litigation, liaising with external counsel as required;
9. Providing legal advice on matters affecting the business in a clear and concise manner as required, to all levels of personnel (including senior management);.
10. Engaging with the sales/project management teams to ensure compliance with business processes and procedures;
11. Supporting and encouraging the development of junior members of the team.
Qualifications
NEC is seeking candidates with a solid understanding of complex commercial contracts, strong commercial acumen and negotiating skills. The candidate must be articulate and confident in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders – including at Executive Director Level. The candidate must also be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to work effectively under pressure. Influence, initiative, persuasion, adaptability and flexibility are also key soft skills for this role.
The applicant will:
12. ideally have attained a legal qualification ( law degree, SQE, qualified solicitor or legal executive). Experienced contract/commercial managers will be considered;
13. have a range of experience negotiating complex commercial contracts, preferably with a technology, software and/or IPR bias;
14. ideally have experience with public sector contracts and public procurement;
15. demonstrate effective communication skills and people skills;
16. have a proven track record of successfully working within a team;
17. have the ability to ensure high professional standards are met and sustained;
18. be motivated and keen to learn;
19. have strong IT office skills.
Additional Information
We pride ourselves in offering an excellent benefits package, including an above average pension scheme. When you join the team at NEC Software Solutions, you are provided with the following:
20. Private Medical Cover funded by NEC for Employees (with the option to add family members at an additional cost)
21. 25 days paid holiday with the option to buy/sell (FTE)
22. 4 x basic salary life assurance cover funded by NEC (with the option to increase cover at an additional cost)
23. A Group Pension Plan with fantastic employer contributions up to a maximum of
24. A selection of flexible benefits to suit your individual needs
25. All colleagues get free access to LinkedIn Learning. Over 15000 courses covering a huge breadth of subjects. Learn about what you like, when you like, how you like.