Contracts Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Contracts Manager to join our dynamic legal and operations team. Based in India, this role is critical to managing the full lifecycle of contracts across the organization, ensuring legal compliance, minimizing risk, and supporting strategic business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of Indian contract law, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including procurement, finance, legal, and senior leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to play a pivotal role in shaping our contracting processes and governance framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of commercial contracts including vendor agreements, client contracts, non-disclosure agreements, service level agreements, and partnership arrangements in accordance with Indian and international legal standards.
• Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle from initiation and drafting through execution, renewal, and termination, maintaining a centralized and up-to-date contract repository.
• Identify and assess contractual risks, propose appropriate mitigation strategies, and escalate high-risk clauses to senior legal counsel or management for timely resolution.
• Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, including the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and other relevant statutes and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, finance, and business development teams to align contract terms with organizational goals, budgetary constraints, and operational capabilities.
• Monitor contract performance and obligations, proactively tracking key milestones, deliverables, renewal dates, and payment schedules to ensure all parties meet their commitments.
• Develop and implement standardized contract templates, policies, and best practices to streamline the contracting process and improve overall efficiency across departments.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to internal stakeholders on contract management procedures, legal terminology, and compliance obligations.

Requirements

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized institution; a Master's degree (LLM) or MBA with a specialization in contract management or commercial law is highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 to 8 years of proven experience in contracts management, commercial law, or a related legal function, preferably within a corporate or large enterprise environment in India.
• Legal Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, and other relevant commercial legislation applicable to business operations.
• Negotiation Skills: Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements with vendors, clients, and third-party stakeholders while protecting the organization's interests.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) software and tools, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders and senior management.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy, organizational ability, and the capacity to manage multiple contracts and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary package benchmarked against industry standards, with performance-based annual increments and bonuses.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for employees and their immediate family members, including hospitalization and preventive care benefits.
• Professional Development: Sponsored certifications, legal training programs, and continuous learning opportunities to support career advancement and skill enhancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid work options, generous paid leave, and a supportive organizational culture that values employee well-being.
• Retirement Benefits: Provident Fund contributions, gratuity, and other statutory benefits as per applicable Indian labor laws to ensure long-term financial security.