Contract Manager

Would you like to help build the IT foundation for the future of education and research? Do you have a keen eye for detail, do you thrive on maintaining flawless records, and do you interact effortlessly with colleagues from different departments and in various roles? At SURF, we’re looking for a Contract Manager who is organized, meticulous, and a strong communicator.

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.

Working at SURF means working for a unique and open organization. This is evident in everything: the structure of the organization, the setup of the project teams, the culture in our offices, and the atmosphere among colleagues. SURF offers excellent terms of employment and a flexible approach 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.

The team you will join

You will work on the Procurement & Contract Management team, where you will oversee the entire contract portfolio alongside two contract managers. The team is a multidisciplinary group of about 25 procurement specialists and contract managers within SURF’s Procurement & Delivery unit.

What you will do

Contract management is a strategic priority for our organization, which is why we’ll give you every opportunity to actively contribute ideas on how to further optimize and automate our work processes. Together with your colleagues on the Procurement & Contract Management team, you’ll help ensure that agreements are carefully managed. These agreements cover a broad portfolio of products and services that SURF offers to Dutch educational and research institutions. In addition, you’ll also provide support for contracts entered into for SURF’s day-to-day operations.

As a Contract Manager, you’ll serve as the central point of contact for contract management within our organization. You’ll manage a highly diverse portfolio: from small-scale licensing agreements to large-scale and complex contracts with strategic partners. You’ll ensure that every contract follows the correct process and that all terms are clearly documented and managed.

Your main responsibilities are:

• Archiving & Administration: You’ll ensure the seamless digital archiving of all procurement contracts in our system (AFAS and MS SharePoint). Among other things, you’ll accurately record contract terms, notice periods, and index adjustments.
• Big-Picture Monitoring: No more unwanted or tacit renewals. You’ll keep a close eye on renewal and termination dates so that we always initiate discussions at the right time—whether it’s to terminate a contract or renegotiate on favorable terms.
• Internal Liaison: You’ll be in close contact with all teams within SURF. You’ll assist them with questions about current agreements and ensure that contractual obligations are known internally.
• Quality Control: You’ll verify that newly entered contracts are complete, comply with our internal guidelines, and have been properly approved through the correct workflows.
• Process Improvement: You actively contribute ideas on how to further optimize our contract processes and make the best use of our system.

Your skills and experience

You have excellent administrative skills and are flexible in your approach to organization. You don’t get easily overwhelmed by large amounts of data and enjoy bringing structure to things.

You also bring the following:

• At least a completed MBO-4 or HBO degree in a legal, business administration, or financial field.
• Work experience in contract management, contract administration, or a similar support role.
• Experience with ERP systems (experience with AFAS and the Contract Management module is a major plus).
• A proactive work ethic and a healthy dose of accuracy.
• Communication and organizational skills; you are able to advise and guide/support a diverse group of internal colleagues;
• You have a good command of the Dutch and English languages, both spoken and written.
• Familiarity with contract management methodologies, such as the CATS CM methodology, is a plus;

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