Contracts & Commercial Team Lead

Research Office at Curtin
Permanent Full Time

Date posted: 13/6/2026

Ongoing role, Full-time, Bentley Campus
On-campus amenities including a gym, medical centre, and childcare facilities
Diverse and inclusive environment fostering innovation and collaboration

Reference: 1631521

About the Role:

Lead a high-performing team delivering strategic contracts and commercial services that power Curtin’s research ambition across both researcher-driven and demand-driven initiatives. Working closely with the Research Services and Systems team and the Research Partnerships and Commercialisation team, you will help shape commercial and contractual engagement that supports the University’s strategic priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive high-quality, efficient and values-led services, build strong partnerships across the University and beyond, and strengthen Curtin’s competitive edge through leadership in research.

Your responsibilities will include:

Lead a team delivering contract and commercial services that support Curtin’s researcher-driven and demand-driven research, including expert advice, risk management, and the development, review and negotiation of research and consultancy contracts.
Represent Curtin in strategic legal and commercial negotiations with partners and funders.
Work closely with ROC leaders to improve service delivery for Curtin researchers, delivering complex, integrated advice across internal and external policy and organisational requirements.
Lead positive culture change through visible leadership and role modelling Curtin’s values and signature behaviours.
Provide leadership and guidance to staff through talent management, career development and performance reviews, while leading the development of systems and processes that capture, measure and promote the economic, social and cultural impact of research and its outputs.
Model the highest standards of professional and personal conduct, upholding Curtin’s Values and Signature Behaviours while contributing to broader leadership responsibilities that support the University’s Strategic Plan.

Who we are looking for (selection criteria):

Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant area (law or commerce) and demonstrated leadership experience and/or equivalent education and training.
Experience delivering best-practice, client-focused services through continual improvement and efficient service standards.
Values-led leadership experience, including the ability to lead and manage change in a complex and evolving research environment aligned with the University’s vision.
Demonstrated ability to guide, coach and manage staff in a complex and dynamic environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and networks and foster an integrated service culture.
Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to deliver business outcomes across organisational boundaries.
Proven ability to negotiate and influence a diverse range of stakeholders who have competing interests in a changing environment.
Experience in a tertiary research management environment would be desirable.

Role Requirements:

As this is a continuing (permanent) role, you will require permanent work rights in Australia to be considered
Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

Your new Team: Contracts and Commercial Team

The Contracts and Commercial Team provide research support services to assist in the delivery of Curtin’s research strategy for both researcher-driven and demand driven research. The Team works closely with Legal Services, Commercialisation and internal stakeholders to deliver commercial, risk appropriate contracting frameworks. Forging strong partnerships within the University, industry and other external institutions, the Team negotiates strategic and service agreements to build the University research portfolio.

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

This full-time, continuing G09 level role attracts a remuneration of $138,681 - $146,497 + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

Up-to-date Resume
Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Sunday, 28 June, 2026.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.

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