Contract Manager for GTS and RCS bids & projects

at  Thales

About Us
A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.
Firenze, Italy (Hybrid)
The Contract Manager is responsible for all the contractual aspects, and will proactively support the relevant Hitachi compliance (business ethics) processes, for the bids & projects assigned to her/him, falling within the perimeter of Hitachi Rail GTS Italia Srl and of Hitachi Rail RCS Italia Srl.
This position interfaces with the Clients and with the internal and external subcontractors and/or suppliers, supporting the bids & Project teams during the negotiation, contract formulation and subsequent management of the contract(s).
He/she shall work in strict coordination with the assigned Bids & Project team, other central functions (Sales, , Finance Procurement and Project Management depts.) and the other stakeholders from Legal & Contracts & Compliance Dpt. to seek appropriate guidance.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Skills

• Excellent knowledge of contract management practices in an industry (preferable electronical and/ or project business) environment and of most common contractual arrangements;
• Good knowledge of Italian public procurement and of international contracts (FIDIC, etc.);
• Awareness of projects’ commercial and financial issues;
• At least basic understanding of personal data regulations; Strong negotiation, verbal and written communication skills;
• Familiarity with compliance regulations and policies as well as experience in compliance (business ethics) checks will be considered a plus.

1. Behaviors

• Displays passion, proactivity, energy, drive, agility and resilience in achieving work-related goals under difficult circumstances.
• Ability to interface well and influence effectively at all levels including internally and externally with customers, partners and suppliers
• Communication skills and relationship development/management in international (internal & external) environment
• Structured and autonomous way of working and presentation (e.g. to Management)
• Manage time effectively and prioritize workload depending on criticalities.
• Flexible and open to change with pro-active and enthusiastic attitude

1. Experience

• 5-7 years as Contract Manager with significant experience of management of international contracts / businesses and of contracts under Public Procurement Laws.
• A strong legal background and previous experience with compliance activities will be highly appreciated.

1. Languages
   Italian and English mandatory; knowledge of French, Spanish and/or German will be considered a plus.
   Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at
   https://www.hitachirail.com/careers
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   At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
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Within the perimeter of the bids& projects under his/her remittance from bid to project close-out, the Contract Manager shall be responsible for:

• Support to the Sales & Bids team during the capture and bid phases, reviewing and assessing bid’s requirements and conditions, evaluating contractual risks and opportunities, proposing and negotiating amendments with the Customer, advising on contractual matter and participating to internal approval meetings;
• Draft and negotiate agreements – Contracts, MOUs, SLAs, Teaming Agreements, Subcontracts, Inter Group Agreements, NDAs etc. - with Clients, with internal and external subcontractors and suppliers including appropriate flow-down of the Client’s requirements.
• Commercial and contractual management of the Client during the projects’ execution phase, including drafting and/or review of contract notices, preparation of correspondence (default), variations, claims, etc in coordination with the legal department.
• Implement all contractual actions towards Clients, sub-contractors/suppliers and/or consortium partners, in order to protect/enhance the profitability and cash profile of the projects while minimizing associated risks.
• Provide support and direction to all project staff on all contractual and commercial matters, including commercial and contractual management of the sub-contractors (review of contract notices, preparation of correspondence, variations, claims, etc. in coordination with the Project team and the Legal/Procurement department, if necessary).
• Provide commercial support for package managers in relation to contract variations. Analyze costs and benefits of alternative solutions when changes occur within the project and create recommendations based on the estimated cost and benefit implications.
• Claims administration and management: prepare and handle claims ensuring that all planning and commercial interests are considered in all related actions. Analyze claims against the relevant contracts (main contract and/or sub-contracts) and the situation at hand. Assist and support during the pre-litigation and litigation cases.
• Carry out any contract management training / awareness-raising sessions to other functions;
• Participate to Bids & Project Meetings, internal and external (with the Client, Hitachi Rail’s subcontractors and other entities) when scheduled and/or requested; write analysis notes and memos to meet specific needs;
• Compliance: support the implementation of Hitachi Rail internal compliance programme (Third Party Integrity Assessment, GDPR, Antitrust etc.), perform necessary screenings, assess the outcomes and advice on the necessary actions.