Company Overview

Clarkson Port Services Ltd and Gibb Group Ltd are part of the Clarkson group of companies www.clarksons.com. Clarkson Port Services Ltd provides port agency services, warehousing and logistics, customs agency and freight forwarding services across a number of countries in the world. Gibb Group Ltd is a distributor of products and services to the energy sector in the UK, the Netherlands and Taiwan. Gibb Group Ltd also provides medical services to the UK, EU and US to the offshore energy sector.

Role Summary

The Legal Contracts Manager is responsible for the drafting, review, negotiation and management of a wide range of commercial contracts across the businesses. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external parties, the role ensures that contractual arrangements support business objectives while appropriately managing legal, commercial and regulatory risk.

The successful candidate will provide practical legal and contractual advice, maintain contract governance processes, and contribute to the continuous improvement of contract management practices across the organisation.

What you’ll be doing 

Contract Management & Negotiation

• Draft, review, negotiate and manage a wide range of commercial agreements, including client contracts, supplier agreements, NDAs, consultancy agreements, service agreements and other business-related contracts.
• Provide commercially focused contractual advice to internal stakeholders.
• Identify, assess and mitigate legal and commercial risks within contractual arrangements.
• Lead contractual negotiations with customers, suppliers and other third parties.
• Ensure contracts are executed, maintained and stored in accordance with company procedures.
• Manage the contract lifecycle from initial instruction through to execution, renewal and termination.

Legal & Commercial Support

• Act as a key point of contact for contractual and commercial legal queries.
• Advise business stakeholders on contractual obligations, liabilities and risk considerations.
• Support procurement, operational, finance and commercial teams during contract discussions and negotiations.
• Assist with the resolution of contractual disputes, claims and compliance issues.
• Liaise with external legal counsel where specialist advice is required.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies.
• Support the development and implementation of contract governance frameworks and approval processes.
• Maintain contract templates, standard terms and legal precedents.
• Monitor contractual obligations, key dates, renewals and compliance requirements.
• Assist with audits, due diligence exercises and regulatory reviews as required.

Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement of contract management processes and controls.
• Develop guidance materials and deliver training to stakeholders on contracting best practice.
• Produce contract-related reporting and management information for key stakeholders.

Other

• Additional ad hoc duties as required, in order to meet the needs of the business.

What we’re looking for

• Demonstrable experience in contract management, commercial legal support or a similar legal contracts role.
• Strong knowledge of commercial contract principles and risk management.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating a variety of commercial agreements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to provide practical, business-focused advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work independently while building effective relationships across the organisation.
• Experience working within an in-house legal team, professional services environment, or commercially focused organisation preferred.

• Experience supporting international contractual arrangements would be advantageous.

We welcome applications from candidates who share our Company Values and key attributes, as follows:

• Integrity and respect – acting thoughtfully and ethically to do the right thing in accordance with Conduct Rules, and to promote and foster a respectful work environment for all.
• Drive – self-motivation and the desire and commitment to succeed, deliver excellence and make positive change.
• Relationship building – excellent communicator to effectively build strong, long-lasting relationships with colleagues, clients and others.
• Collaboration – working well with others across diverse backgrounds to share information, develop skills and deliver results. 
• Resilience - persisting and adapting to changing or difficult situations, and adopting a positive and focused approach.
• Smart - problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a curious and inquisitive mind, and an openness to new ideas.