Job Description
Job Purpose
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Business Development team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and innovative in order to do their best work. As a Contract Manager, you will be support the management and delivery of our key contract negotiations and landlord partner relationships.
Who we are
Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognized brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 11,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
For UK Travel our mission is simple - to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. Perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.
What you’ll do
* Be part of and represent the Business Development and Finance functions within the business, acting as a subject matter expert on contracts with our Landlord partners
* Scheduling appropriate review / sign off meetings in line with Corporate Governance
* Maintain register of Commercial Contracts, across all three UK travel markets (Air / Rail / Hospitals)
* Establish role as SME for "other regulated charges" levied through commercial agreements, working with relevant Head of Business Development, respond to consultation requests on this subject
* Ensure that Finance Team are aware of audit certificates required in contracts and that these are prepared and submitted in timely manner
* Liaise with Finance and Heads of BD to project manage the contract wash up process each year, tracking risks and opportunities against this from month to month (IFRS16, SDLT etc).
* Ensure that all other technical requirements (Insurance certificates / Risk assessments etc) are collated and submitted to partners in compliance with contracts and facilitate visits in conjunction with WHS operational teams
* Advise Heads of Business Development on legal wording for commercial elements in contracts
* Feed contracts with Capex spend or that are expiring into Bus Dev pipeline at T-18 months
* Preparation of template packs for Quarterly Business Reviews with key Landlord partners
Who you are
* Methodical, organized individual with a high attention to detail
* Effective and personable communicator to organize, influence and build strong positive relationships, ability to communicate to all levels of the business
* Ability to influence cross functionally and manage upwards
* Outstanding time management skills, able to prioritize, multitask and work to deadlines
* Experience drafting procurement documents and/or contracts – Desirable
* Previous retail experience/knowledge – Essential
What we can offer you
* Competitive salary
* Car Cash allowance
* Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
* Hybrid working model from home and in the office
* 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
* Finish at 4pm on a Friday
* Staff discount card for stores and online