Commercial Contracts Business Partner UK

Commercial Contracts Business Partner

Location: West Didsbury, Manchester Department: Legal & Contracts Full-time | Permanent

As our consultancy business continues to grow across the UK, US and international markets, the contracts we negotiate are becoming increasingly complex.

We're looking for an experienced Commercial Contracts Business Partner to join our Legal & Contracts team and take the lead on complex commercial agreements across our consultancy business. This is not a people management role. Instead, you'll be the commercial contracting specialist within the team, working closely with Sales and senior stakeholders to negotiate agreements, challenge disproportionate terms and ensure we fully understand the commercial, financial and operational risks we're taking on before contracts are signed. You'll work across client agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs), umbrella, EOR and payroll provider agreements, supporting a growing business working with major clients across multiple international markets and higher-risk sectors.

What you'll be doing

• Leading negotiations on complex client agreements, particularly with larger organisations and where terms create significant commercial or operational risk • Reviewing and negotiating Statements of Work, ensuring delivery responsibilities, acceptance criteria, liabilities and financial commitments are clearly understood • Challenging unreasonable or disproportionate clauses relating to liability, indemnities, insurance, payment, security, data, audit rights and ongoing monitoring • Working with insurance brokers to ensure appropriate coverage is in place for the services being delivered and liabilities being accepted • Negotiating agreements with umbrella companies, EORs and payroll providers across different markets • Reviewing payment terms, billing requirements, deductions, termination provisions and other areas of potential financial exposure • Partnering with Sales throughout complex negotiations, balancing commercial objectives with appropriate risk protection • Bringing in Finance, IT Security, Billing, GRC and other internal teams where agreements create requirements that impact their areas • Supporting commercial disputes relating to client and provider agreements, including payment, additional costs and service obligations • Identifying client-specific obligations that need to flow down into contractor and provider agreements • Helping create clear contract packs and guidance for the wider Legal & Contracts team

What we're looking for

You'll need strong commercial contracting experience and the confidence to independently negotiate with sophisticated clients and suppliers.