Head of Contracts

At Pan Macmillan we publish a broad and vibrant range of books for audiences of all ages, from dazzling bestsellers to influential prize-winners; books to inspire lifelong readers and listeners to enduring classics for generations to come. This is an opportunity to join a key team in the fourth largest UK publishing house, where we pride ourselves on publishing successfully and sustainably and are committed to working together to positively impact culture and society at large.

Your team:
The Contracts team is a small yet exceptionally efficient team who handle the wide variety of contracts across all imprints of Pan Macmillan’s Adults and Children’s publishing.

Your role:
As the Head of Contracts, you will report directly to the Contracts Director. You will be responsible for managing the Contracts department and overseeing all contract development and administration concerning publishing and related agreements within Pan Macmillan.

Your key responsibilities:

• Manage and support the Contracts team, ensuring high-quality work output and fostering professional development

• Lead contract creation and negotiations

• Collaborate extensively with the Contracts Director supported by the Legal department to manage legal risks and adhere to company policy, procedure and best practice

• Perform in-depth analysis of contracts, providing insight and advice to various strategic units within the organization

• Provide expert understanding and interpretation of contract clauses and terms and conditions

• Work closely with editorial, finance, sales and operations departments to ensure contract terms reflect best practice and are fulfilled

• Assist the Contracts Director in reviewing and approving contract document changes and negotiation strategies

• Develop or co-create training materials for staff members on contract-related matters

• Assist in overseeing all contract-related audits, ensuring compliance with both internal and external requirements.

Essential experience, abilities and knowledge you’ll need to succeed:

• Significant experience of contracts management within a publishing environment

• Knowledge of current trade publishing practices

• Negotiation skills

• Ability to communicate and build effective relationships

• Ability to interpret and draft contractual language accurately and fluently

• Excellent attention to detail

• Experience of line management

• Fully conversant with Google and Windows applications

• A legal background is useful but not essential.

What you’ll get in return:
In return we can offer you a range of great projects, a supportive and collaborative working environment as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.

Closing Date: 4 August 2024

Some of the benefits we offer:

• 28 days annual leave increasing with years of service bank holidays

• Generous pension scheme

• Discounted private medical insurance

• Group income protection scheme

• Enhanced family pay and leave

• Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months)

• 2 Volunteer Days per year

• 75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates)

• Season ticket loan/advance

• Cycle to work scheme

• Discounts on shopping, Tastecard and gym memberships; Christmas club savings

• Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch

This is a full time, permanent role, and will be based in our offices in Farringdon, London, with some flexibility to work from home each week.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role.

At Pan Macmillan, we are highly committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Our efforts to promote DEI are ongoing, and we continually strive to learn and improve our policies and practices. You can read our full Diversity & Inclusion Pledge here: https://www.panmacmillan.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion

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