Commerical Contracts Manager - IT - Bristol

Commercial Contracts Manager | 12‑Month FTC | Up to £65,000 | Bristol | Hybrid

Element Recruitment are partnering with a well‑established Higher Education organisation in Bristol to recruit an experienced Contracts Manager on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract (expected end date 31/05/2027). In this role, you’ll work closely across Procurement, Commercial and Finance teams to drive strong commercial outcomes and maximise value across a broad portfolio of IT contracts.

Your new role

As Contracts Manager, you’ll oversee a diverse portfolio of around 200 IT‑related contracts, providing varying levels of input depending on risk, complexity and strategic importance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the full contract lifecycle, ensuring strong governance, service delivery, supplier performance, and value for money across major agreements
• Partnering with IT Services, procurement and finance colleagues to lead negotiations and retenders for high‑value contracts
• Advising stakeholders and shaping the commercial approach to some of the organisation’s most influential supplier relationships
• Drafting KPIs, reviewing management information, guiding colleagues on contractual terms, and overseeing contract variations
• Supporting compliant, effective and commercially advantageous outcomes across all contract activity

What you’ll need to succeed

• Experience working within public sector / education environments (desirable)
• Proven experience managing the full contract lifecycle, ideally within a complex, multi‑supplier environment
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and support commercial strategy
• Confidence working with a wide range of contract documentation
• A solid understanding of contract law, with the ability to interpret and draft clauses
• Commercial acumen, including awareness of budgets, financial goals, and opportunities for contract‑level savings
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across internal teams and suppliers
• The confidence to challenge constructively and guide stakeholders toward sound commercial decisions

What you’ll get in return

• Excellent benefits and generous AL (39 days in total)
• A 12‑month fixed‑term maternity cover contract
• Salary between £55,000 – £65,000 depending on experience
• Flexible hybrid working, with 1–2 days per week expected in the Bristol office

Sound like you? Apply now!