Senior Contracts Specialist (9 month-contract)
Burson · Toronto, Ontario, Canada
About this role
Who we are:
Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
BURSON is a strategic and creative partner to drive breakthrough opportunities for growth and value creation, advance corporate strategy, and build reputation capital and resiliency. We’re a proven partner for business and brand transformation. A full-service global firm, we provide strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions distinguished by intelligence and creativity. BURSON is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company.
The role:
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Contracts Specialist to support the Corporate Service team in contract drafting, compliance, and risk mitigation. This is a 9-month contract opportunity covering a temporary replacement within the team. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in contract lifecycle management, possesses strong legal and business acumen, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
This role requires a strategic mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex contract negotiations across multiple business units.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Lifecycle Management
- Lead end-to-end contract administration, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing agreements.
- Ensure systematic control, organization, and tracking of all contract documents.
- Monitor and manage contract close-outs, renewals, amendments, and terminations to ensure seamless transitions.
Legal Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure all contracts comply with company policies, industry regulations, and legal best practices.
- Identify potential contractual risks and liabilities, offering recommendations for mitigation.
- Support and advise internal teams on contract interpretation, obligations, and dispute resolution.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
- Establish and implement best practices in contract administration to drive efficiency.
- Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and standardized clauses to streamline operations.
- Provide recommendations for continuous process optimization.
Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with legal, finance, procurement, and business teams to align contract terms with corporate objectives.
- Respond to contract-related inquiries and provide expert guidance to internal stakeholders.
- Train internal teams on contract compliance, key terms, and best practices.
Reporting & Analysis
- Compile and present contractual insights, trends, and reports for senior management.
- Maintain accurate records and audit trails to support corporate governance.
- Ensure proper documentation and version control of contracts.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- Post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Law, Contract Management, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in contract administration, legal support, or procurement in a corporate setting.
- Expertise in contract drafting, review, negotiation, and risk assessment.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, compliance standards, and industry best practices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a high-pressure environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and contract management software.
- Bilingual (English/French) proficiency is preferred, but not a must.
- Experience in professional services, communications, or consulting industries is a plus.
You belong at Burson:
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
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About Burson
Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation. Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram .
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