Contract Management Specialist

Job Summary

• The role is responsible for providing legal and commercial support to the organization with a primary focus on contract drafting, review, negotiation, and lifecycle management.
• The position ensures that all contractual arrangements align with the Company’s strategic objectives, regulatory requirements, and risk management framework, while supporting cross-functional teams in delivering commercially sound and legally compliant outcomes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts including NDAs, sales/purchase agreements, subcontracts, consulting and licensing agreements to ensure legal adequacy and alignment with company objectives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters, facilitating timely resolution of contractual issues and alignment between internal stakeholders and external counterparties.
• Provide detailed redlined recommendations on both standard and non-standard contracts and lead negotiations with counterparties to achieve commercially acceptable outcomes.
• Maintain complete and accurate contract documentation and records, ensuring traceability, audit readiness, and effective contract administration.
• Provide guidance to project managers and operational teams on contract interpretation, obligations, and processes, enhancing compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Support the development and implementation of contract management procedures and contribute to continuous improvement of internal policies and frameworks.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure contract terms align with operational, financial, and risk management requirements.
• Review and validate contractual documents and instruments including bank guarantees and support preparation of related enforcement documentation where required.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements in all contract activities.
• Monitor contract performance, ensuring adherence to key obligations, milestones, deliverables, and commercial terms.
• Manage contract close-out, renewal, and amendment processes to ensure continuity and compliance. 
• Ensure effective communication of executed contracts to relevant stakeholders to enable proper implementation and compliance.
• Maintain and manage the contracts database, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and documentation.
• Provide periodic reports on contract performance, risks, and status to the Contract Management Lead.
• Provide legal and contractual support to the Contract Management Lead, Company Secretary, and General Counsel, including handling assigned legal matters.
• Provide legal advice on all issues as may be brought to his attention by the Contract Lead, Company Secretary /General Counsel.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective delivery of the contract management function.

Key Requirements
Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor of Laws LL.B.
• Barrister-at-Law B.L. and qualification to practice in Nigeria.
• A relevant postgraduate degree e.g., LL.M is an added advantage.
• Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA is required.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies e.g., ICSAN or certifications in corporate law or contract management is an added advantage.

Desired Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years’ post-qualification experience in a legal function.
• At least 5 years’ hands-on experience in drafting, reviewing, and managing commercial contracts.
• Experience gained in a top-tier law firm or a multinational organization is preferred.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of contract law, corporate governance principles, and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and interpreting commercial contracts and legally binding documents.
• Sound understanding of industry regulations, particularly within a manufacturing or oil & gas environment.
• Strong knowledge of contractual language, commercial terms, and risk allocation principles.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve contractual issues and mitigate legal and commercial risks.
• Working knowledge of procurement processes, internal controls, and company policies.
• Familiarity with dispute resolution mechanisms, including litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Understanding of financial and risk considerations in contracts, including pricing, revenue recognition, and compliance obligations.
• Awareness of regulatory issues and ability to conduct legal research using all available tools.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified? Go to Dangote on careers.dangote.com to apply