Contract Manager

Would you like to help build the foundation for tomorrow's education? Would you like to determine the contract rate and assess the content? Will you also ensure that contracts are legally, financially and operationally future-proof? Are you also a good negotiator and do you have an eye for the interests of all parties involved? Do you like deadlines and do you feel comfortable in an organisation that is always on the move?

Where you will work

SURF is the ICT cooperative for Dutch educational and research institutions. Together with them, we work on digital services and complex innovation challenges to enhance the quality of education and research.

As a contract manager, you will manage crucial contracts for services with a national impact. These include the SURF fibre optic network, SURFconext identity & access, the Snellius supercomputer, SURFcumulus and SURF Research cloud services, the national AI factory and other essential facilities that support education and research in the Netherlands.

The team you will join

You will be working in the Procurement & Contract Management team. Twenty contract managers, purchasers and procurement lawyers are responsible for procurement and contract management for SURF itself and its affiliated members. SURF bundles the procurement needs of its members and enters into contractual agreements with suppliers on their behalf. SURF members stand for public values that safeguard the sovereignty of the sector and translate these into competitive contract terms through SURF. In this way, we ensure price advantages and agreements on privacy and secure data processing.

Those who work at SURF work for a unique and open organisation. This is evident in everything: the structure of the organisation, the set-up of the project teams, the culture in our offices and the atmosphere among colleagues. SURF offers excellent terms of employment and is flexible when it comes to work/life balance. Employees enjoy working independently. In addition, everyone is given the space and freedom to use and develop their talents as effectively and broadly as possible

What you will do

You will be responsible for contract management and supplier relations. These are large, global ICT suppliers, start-ups and innovative EdTech companies. You will also liaise with the SURF product and project teams that use the contracts in their services. The aim is to ensure that SURF can continue to offer a high-quality service portfolio to our members. You know what is going on in the business, so that the interests of the supplier and the business are balanced. You will also optimise contract management within SURF. In addition, you will work on contract policy and contract systems, and you will ensure implementation and support within the organisation.

Other tasks you will handle

• Contract expert. You draw up new contracts, assess existing agreements and monitor performance.
• Communication professional. You coordinate with suppliers, SURF product and project teams and other stakeholders. You identify opportunities, risks and deviations and ensure that the contract objectives are achieved.
• Data owner. You ensure accurate registration and monitoring of contract information, providing you with the right insights.

Your skills and experience

• You have thorough knowledge of contract management processes; you also have a proactive attitude and communication style.
• You are a skilled negotiator and have an eye for the interests of all parties involved. You are good at dealing with deadlines and feel comfortable in an organisation that is always on the move.
• You have a completed higher professional education (HBO) or university education (WO) degree; in addition, you have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in a contract manager role;
• You have experience in optimising contract processes;
• You have knowledge of Microsoft 365/Office; you also have a good command of spoken and written Dutch and English;
• You have a results-oriented approach, strong analytical skills and a high level of organisational sensitivity.

Experience with the CATS-CM method is an advantage.

SURF takes pleasure in doing its recruitment itself; acquisition is therefore not appreciated.