Contract Manager Ericsson RSSA - Kenya & Nigeria

With operations in 45 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and a staff complement of approximately 2 300, Ericsson is the largest global telecommunications vendor that is innovating, developing and improving the lives of people, business and society. We supply and service all major African operators, with market leadership in Mobile Broadband, Communication Services, Fixed Broadband Convergence, Operations and Business Support Systems. We also boast the largest MS community in the world and are the technology leaders in both Television and Media Management and the Service Enabling Area.

Ericsson truly believes that a successful business can only be built on successful people, so we are a people focused company. Our continuing leadership within the market place shows we have the ability to transform our business within a rapidly changing technological arena, through vision and diversity. Therefore our products have continued to shape the future for our customers and we are continually developing to meet new market opportunities.
Ericsson attracts and develops high performing, competent and motivated individuals, by building on everyone's competence and ambition to succeed. We offer an exciting, diverse and challenging environment for this.

Job Title: Contract Manager - 4 x positions available (Kenya & Nigeria)

JOB PURPOSE:

The main role of Contract Manager shall be to focus on and effectively manage post-sales activities during the delivery phase of the Contract life cycle, and shall include the following activities;

- Secure a consistent and professional approach to the management of valid and in force Contracts.

- Effectively monitor and manage contract changes.

- Ensure compliance to the contracted deliverables, identifying opportunities for add-on sales.

- Ensure the proper performance of the respective parties obligations an responsibilities under the contract.

- Protect Ericsson’s rights under the contract.

- Defend and improve profitability and working capital.

- Proactively identify and manage Contractual risks.

- Validate and negotiate customer claims and disputes.

- Serve as the SPOC (single point of contract) for all Contract related matters during delivery.

Although the position shall predominantly focus on post-sales contract management activities, the Contract Manager shall be called on to support pre-sales Contract Management activities from time to time. This shall include the identification of Contractual Risks and supporting negotiations in support of the defined Contract strategy.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

- Customer (Procurement / legal and project delivery organizations)

- Internal Project delivery organization and teams.

- Internal supporting stakeholders (Legal, Supply, Finance)

- Sales and Accounts teams (Local and Group Key Account organizations, Customer Unit Head)

- Local Contract and Commercial Management organization

Desired Skills & Experience

QUALIFICATIONS:

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following are the minimum requirements and pre-requisites that a candidate shall possess in order to qualify to apply for the position.

Education:

- University degree in Commerce / Business / Economics / Law (or similar, equivalent).

- IACCM, or similar certification is preferable.


Experience:

- Proven experience negotiating and managing telecom contracts, in a customer facing environment. 3 years plus experience in this regard shall favour the candidate.

- Must possess a strong understanding of telecommunication networks, voice and data services, and emerging fixed and wireless products

Job related Competencies:

- Fluent in English, additionally, it would be preferable to be proficient in French.

- Customer interface and negotiation experience.

- Thorough understanding of Contract terms, their meanings, impacts, associated  risks and costs.

- Deep understanding of financial and commercial terminology and models

- Working knowledge of Ericsson specific and sales processes and tools is a plus

- Highly proficient working experience in MS Outlook, Office.

- Ability to multi task, meet deadlines whilst working under pressure is essential.

Personal Traits and Interpersonal Skills:

- Integrity

- Trustworthiness

- Ability to manage conflict

- Dealing with diversity

- Extremely strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills

- Results orientated

- Creative and analytical skills

- Problem solving and strategic thinking

- Customer

- High level of perseverance, engagement, and commitment

- Flexibility pertaining to working hours and travel requirements

- Ability to build and maintain relationships

The position shall report to the Director of Contract Management, Sub-saharan Africa

Company Description

A connected world is just the beginning.

Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all-communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions.

We now stand on the brink of fundamental innovation opportunities across industries, public services and in private life. We are moving from the information society to the Networked Society, where the primary concern is not having access to information, but what benefit you get out of it.

It took 100 years to connect 1 billion places and 25 years to connect 5 billion people. The next step is connecting things. Ericsson envisions 50 billion connected devices as a starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating, and socializing. The result will be simplified processes, higher productivity, real-time information allowing quicker, more informed decision-making or problem solving when relevant, and monitoring.
The Networked Society changes the logic of how society works. It is our job to take the lead in enabling this, and we are shaping our decisions around that. The ICT industry can help address our world’s major concerns in climate change, health care, education, and more.

• You find us in 180 countries
• We are more than 100,000 employees
• We have more than 30,000 patents
• 40% of mobile calls are made through our systems
• More than 2 billion people globally use our networks