Senior Contracts Manager

Role Summary

We are seeking a Senior Contract Manager to join our Enterprise Department, supporting the delivery of high-quality services across the University.

In this role, you will be responsible for the provision of legal advice and services in relation to research, innovation and enterprise contracts in order to protect the University contractually in the delivery of external projects and services. Key responsibilities include assisting with the negotiation, review and drafting of contracts and other legal documents relating to external projects and services and to ensure that the University’s contractual obligations are both achievable and properly understood.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, negotiate, draft and recommend agreements for external projects and services, to ensure that the University’s legal risks, contractual obligations are achieved and understood
• Undertake negotiations and/or support University staff in negotiations with third parties which will form the basis of contractual agreements including collaboration deals.
• Ensure contracts and other agreements that protect the University’s interests, are fair, reasonable and minimise the risk to reputation and revenue
• Liaise closely with Schools on all aspects of contracts paying particular attention to ensuring that the University’s policies and procedures are adhered to and verify that appropriate approval for contracts has been obtained
• Prepare specific contract advice and identify contract risks for PVC, Deans and other senior colleagues prior to them signing contracts
• Prepare complex contract documentation to a high standard including drafting, editing and formatting documents.
• Check and issue contract documents, monitor their return and resolve any queries which may arise.
• Handle all related correspondence, maintain organised record systems and files and arrange for scanning and safekeeping of agreements in line with University corporate governance requirements and legal best practice.
• Develop and maintain a database of University contractual relationships involving external engagement and innovation.
• Maintain and monitor the internal agreements tracking database and ensure this is up to date.
• Ensure that bid and contract processes and procedures identify IP at the appropriate time and that the University’s IP and know-how are adequately valued and protected through contracts and in line with the IP Policy.
• Work with School Financial staff, Compliance and the Research and Innovation Gateway to ensure correct bid and contract procedures are followed, including financial planning, milestones, and output recording.
• Help educate, guide and advise staff across the University on contractual risk and its management.
• Continuously maintain and develop legal, commercial and regulatory knowledge specific to research, innovation and enterprise activities, including current University policies and strategic aims, and relevant national legislation, judicial developments, Government initiatives and regional HE/industry interactions, commensurate with the responsibilities of the job.
• Represent the team and participate in working groups, committees and other meetings across the University.
• Organise and where appropriate deliver training in relation to the specific areas of responsibility.
• Support the aspirations of the University in its commercialisation strategy by supporting its legal requirements.

Essential Requirements

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) or holds a relevant professional legal qualification or equivalent legal practice experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of general contract law principles and awareness of key issues in contracts such as limitations of liability, indemnities, warranties and termination rights.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of procuring and/or managing contracts in respect of Intellectual Property, partnerships, knowledge transfer and commercialisation within the Higher Education sector.
• Experience of managing contracts to ensure that suppliers adhere to agreed contract requirements.
• Good understanding of project management issues such as financial control and compliance.
• Substantial experience and knowledge of contracts including the drafting, reviewing and checking.
• Experience of contract negotiation often through technical experts / academics who are not contract or legal experts.
• Good written and verbal communication skill.
• Experience of working in a large organisation with a number of key stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to negotiate persuade and influence in relation to complex contractual matters.
• Experience of providing a highly professional client service and management.
• Experience of the design and delivery of appropriate training.
• Strong IT skills.