Senior Legal Contracts Manager

Job Summary

Kiwa UK is looking for a Senior Contracts Manager to join Kiwa UK to provide expert legal and commercial leadership. In this critical role, you’ll lead complex contract negotiations, resolve high-level legal queries, and support dispute management. Acting as a trusted advisor to the UK Legal Counsel and senior stakeholders, you’ll help proactively manage legal risk while improving commercial efficiency and compliance.

About the role

• Review and negotiate complex commercial contracts spanning a multitude of industries
• Develop and maintain business-specific contractual playbooks and contract management processes
• Draft and regularly update contract templates (NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, vendor agreements) tailored to business needs
• Support the development and implementation of robust legal and governance policies and processes
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior internal teams and key external partners
• Advise senior leadership on commercial exposures, mitigation strategies, and optimising arrangements
• Provide input into bids and proposals to secure sustainable new opportunities
• Identify, manage, reduce, and drive out unnecessary costs and inefficient practices
• Lead procurement design and supply chain contract negotiations in line with legal best practice
• Identify risks early in contracts and ongoing projects; manage with appropriate registers and contingency planning
• Provide expert advice on complex legal queries and regulatory compliance challenges
• Support the management and resolution of legal disputes and claims with internal and external counsel
• Manage lease agreements and property-related contracts aligned with operational strategy
• Support UK group insurance management and related queries

Do you have what it takes?

• Degree in Business, Law or Finance or equivalent experience 
• PQE (Post-Qualification Experience) preferred but not essential
• WorldCC (IACCM) or other contract management certification beneficial but not essential
• In-house experience within a commercial or corporate legal department, or law firm advising commercial global clients
• Extensive knowledge of commercial contract law, including drafting and negotiation across sectors
• Proven expertise in legal and regulatory standards and advising on risk and compliance
• Strong planning, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently, meet targets, and balance stakeholder needs
• Proven ability to support growth, open markets and launch services
• Dynamic, self-starting and results-oriented with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to travel frequently if and when needed

What can you expect from us in return?

• up to £75,000 per annum
• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy additional leave and increased entitlement with length of service
• 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday, home-based role with travel to our UK business units 
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave
• Milestone Rewards – paid and unpaid sabbaticals, charity donations, personal gifts, and retail vouchers
• Salary Reviews
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Pension Contributions
• Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support, advice, and counselling available 24/7, 365 days a year
• 24/7 GP Service – Access to medical advice anytime
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers – Supporting your health and well-being
• Welcome Pack – Filled with company-branded goodies to kickstart your journey with us

At Kiwa, we deliver results driven by our core values: Ambitious, Reliable, and Engaged the principles that guide how we work with colleagues, customers, and everyone we encounter. We are committed to fostering personal development, encouraging you to be ambitious, explore new ideas, and contribute to making the world a safer, more sustainable place. Here, you’ll thrive in a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for growth and self-development.

As an equal opportunity employer, Kiwa celebrates diversity and is dedicated to building an inclusive, supportive workplace. We embrace flexibility in hiring talented individuals from all backgrounds globally, ensuring a work environment free from prejudice, discrimination, and intimidation. Inclusivity and equality are core to who we are, and we uphold these values without exception.

If you have any questions about this role and would like to speak a member of the Talent Team, please e-mail us at uk.careers@kiwa.com.