Contract Manager

Job Title : Contracts Manager / Senior Manager- Legal & Contracts

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and independent Contracts Manager I Senior Manager to oversee, draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts within the dairy sector. The role requires strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work with minimal supervision while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities

Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation

Draft, review, and negotiate contractual documents to ensure clarity, risk mitigation, and compliance with applicable laws.

Independently handle diverse contract types including B2B contracts, rental agreements, logistics and warehouse agreements, supply and service agreements, cross-border trade agreements, manpower contracts, NDAs, authorization letters, and termination notices.

Lead negotiations with vendors, service providers, and other stakeholders to secure favorable tens and safeguard company interests.

Contract Execution & Administration

Ensure smooth execution of contracts by coordinating approvals, maintaining documentation, and monitoring adherence to contractual obligations.

Support end-to-end lifecycle management of contracts, from initiation to renewal / termination.

Contract Database &Systems Management

Maintain an accurate, centralized repository of contracts with effective tracking of renewals, deadlines, and compliance requirements.

Implement and manage contract lifecycle management {CLM) tools, digital signing platforms, and reporting systems.

Stakeholder Management

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Commercial, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, HR, Finance, etc.) to gather inputs, clarify terms, and align contracts with business needs.

Act as a single point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on contractual matters.

Compliance, Risk & Dispute Management

Ensure all contracts comply with relevant Indian laws, dairy industry regulations, and organizational policies.

Identify, assess, and mitigate potential contractual risks, escalating key concerns to senior management.

Provide support in dispute resolution and act as liaison between internal teams and counterparties.

Reporting & Process Improvement

Prepare dashboards and periodic reports for management on contract status, performance, and compliance.

Continuously improve contract management processes, tools, templates, and negotiation strategies.

Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's / Master's degree in Law.

8-12 years of experience in contract management, preferably in FMCG / Dairy / Food industry.

Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial agreements, and relevant regulatory frameworks (domestic & international).

Proven ability to independently negotiate, draft, and close complex contracts with vendors and third parties.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with CLM tools is an advantage.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.

Analytical thinker with the ability to identify risks and propose practical solutions.

Strong organizational and multitasking skills; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Team player with the ability to also work independently and handle confidential information with discretion.

High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability