Head of Contracts

Head of Contracts – SmartChoice International Location: Dubai, UAE Employment: Full-time Salary: Competitive, based on experience About SmartChoice SmartChoice International is a global recruitment and professional services business supporting major organisations across technology, transformation, data, AI, cyber security and other specialist areas. We are growing our UAE operation and are looking for an experienced Head of Contracts to take ownership of our commercial and contractual function and work closely with the leadership team. The Role This is a senior position with responsibility for managing the full contract lifecycle across our clients, suppliers, contractors and partners. You will play a key role in protecting SmartChoice commercially, improving our contractual processes and ensuring we have the right structures in place to support continued growth. Key Responsibilities Own and manage the full contract lifecycle, from initial negotiation through to execution, renewal and termination. Draft, review and negotiate MSAs, SOWs, consultancy agreements, supplier agreements, contractor agreements and Terms of Business. Review client and supplier contracts and identify commercial, legal and operational risks. Work closely with the CEO and commercial teams on contract negotiations and client onboarding. Develop and implement robust contract processes, templates and approval procedures. Ensure contracts align with SmartChoice's commercial objectives and delivery model. Manage contractual obligations, renewals, notice periods, liabilities and key milestones. Support the business with SOW and professional services agreements, including milestone-based delivery structures. Work with external legal counsel where specialist legal advice is required. Help establish a scalable contracts function as SmartChoice continues to grow internationally. What We're Looking For 7+ years' experience in contracts, commercial management or a similar senior position. Strong experience negotiating commercial and professional services contracts. Experience within recruitment, consultancy, IT services, professional services or technology would be highly advantageous. Strong understanding of MSAs, SOWs, SLAs, liability, indemnities, payment terms and contractual risk. UAE/GCC contracting experience is highly desirable. Excellent negotiation and stakeholder-management skills. Commercially minded with the ability to balance risk protection with business growth. Comfortable working directly with senior executives and major corporate clients. Highly organised with strong attention to detail. Why Join SmartChoice? This is an opportunity to join a growing international business at a senior level. You will have significant influence over how SmartChoice structures its commercial relationships, manages risk and scales its professional services offering across the UAE, UK and Europe. If you're an experienced contracts professional who wants to take ownership rather than simply administer contracts, we'd like to hear from you. Show more Show less