Contracts Coordinator/Paralegal Ref: 1076

Job Description

Job Title:Contracts Coordinator/ParalegalSalary:Competitive and Rewarding + BenefitsHours: Standard BusinessLocation:FlexibleThe APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help themunderstand and solvea wide variety of environmental projects in the UK andglobally.Our successful pioneering work has attracted investment and enabled usto grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos andintegrity. At our core, our people are working towardsthe protection of the environment across the globe. Why join usThe Contracts and Legalfunction is going through transformational change to facilitate the growing needs of the business. The Contracts Coordinator/Paralegal will support this change by providing an exceptional support function ensuring that operationaland legislative requirements are met. This is an excellent opportunity to join a pioneering environmental consultancy and to contribute to our highly regarded contracts and Legalfunction.About the roleThis role represents an exciting opportunity to become part of the Tenders and Contracts Team within an industry leading environmental consultancy business. The primary aim for the team is to support the fee earning staff in relation to all contract relatedmatters and to maximise chargeable work opportunities within the business.The purpose of the role is to provide ongoing advice and support in relation to contract issues affecting project delivery. The role is responsible for the management and review of a wide range of contracts and legal documentation, both at tender and projectaward stage. You will be required to negotiate terms and conditions in favour of the business, as well as advising internal stakeholders on any risks and documenting these within APEMs internal platform.You will report directly to the Contracts Manager and will be part of a small but supportive team within a fast-growing business.Key Responsibilities and accountabilities

• Responsible for the review of contractual agreements as they are proposed for new and existing project work that we are bidding for. This includes checks for high risk clauses such as indemnities, unlimited liability, liquidated damages and collateral warrantiesetc.
• Lead on negotiating terms and conditions in favour of the business, as well as construct and document legally binding contracts and drafting bespoke text required for contractual clauses.
• Arrange signature by our Directors on contractual documentation in accordance with our Delegation of Authority.
• Prepare paperwork for APEMs Board for contractual approvals, with an assessment of potential legal and financial risk posed by the contract and identifying suitable mitigations.
• Maintain a tracking system for APEMs contracts to ensure they have the necessary approvals and signatures in place.
• To act as part of the Business Support Team, providing administrative support where necessary.
• Responsible for co-ordinating and advising on the resolution of contractual issues such as poor performance by sub-contractors, breach of contractual arrangements etc. with input from the Contracts Manager.

• Build working relationships internally and externally in order to develop own knowledge and supporting growth.
• Understand stakeholder requirements and consistently manage projects in line with the teams internal service level agreement.
• Prioritise work effectively to maximise efficiency in working practices and maintain good service delivery, adhering to all necessary timetables/deadlines both internally and externally.

Required Skills:

• Experience of reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts is essential.
• Experience of working in-house or within a law firm is advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent drafting skills and a keen eye for detail are a pre-requisite for this role.

• Good level of legal experience and able to communicate legal concepts appropriately (verbal and written), modifying approach depending on audience.
• Able to work autonomously but some supervision will still be necessary on a day to day basis.
• Display significant commercial, technical and professional skill and judgement including the ability to analyse risk and justify decisions to internal stakeholders.

Next stepsWe expect significant interest in this flexible and rewarding role. If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applicationsquickly and will respond to all applications.