Senior Lead - Contracts & Negotiations

Aquis Search has partnered with a global IT services business in their search for a Senior Lead to join their Contracts & Negotiations function in Bangalore.

This role will provide commercial and contractual guidance to business teams, draft and negotiate complex agreements, and manage the full contract lifecycle with clients, partners, and vendors. You will play a critical part in supporting account teams on both new contracts and post-signing activities, including follow-on negotiations, amendments, extensions, claims, and terminations.

The position requires building strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, confidently leading negotiations with senior executives and external counsel, and ensuring agreements are commercially sound, legally compliant, and aligned with business objectives. For global engagements, you will also coordinate with colleagues across multiple geographies to ensure consistency and accuracy in contractual coverage.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Drafting & Negotiation : Draft, review, and negotiate client-facing agreements (e.g., Managed Services, Professional Services, and complex system integration deals).

Risk Management : Identify contractual and commercial risks, propose mitigations, and balance business objectives with protective terms.

Contract Management : Handle amendments, extensions, disputes, and renewals, ensuring smooth execution throughout the lifecycle.

Stakeholder Engagement : Represent the business credibly with clients, partners, external advisors, and internal senior stakeholders.

Compliance & Governance : Ensure all agreements adhere to applicable legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements.

Documentation & Reporting : Maintain comprehensive records of contracts and negotiations for ease of access and audit readiness.

Continuous Improvement : Stay abreast of industry trends, market practices, and evolving legal / commercial standards.

Required Experience & Skills

6 to 8 years of hands-on experience in negotiating and managing client-facing contracts within the IT / Technology / Services industry.

Proven track record in leading negotiations for large-scale, multi-year agreements with clients and vendors.

Strong blend of legal, commercial, and business acumen, with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.

Skilled at working with senior executives, external counsel, and international teams.

Experience with complex pricing models, financial terms, and operational / commercial risks.

Ability to negotiate with sophistication opposite in-house and outside counsels.

Prior in-house experience in a multinational organization is desirable

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Accounting, or related fields.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent communication and relationship management skills.

High ethical standards and integrity in negotiations.

If this sounds like you, please click apply or drop a note on dhruvibrahmin@aquissearch.com for a confidential chat.