At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team managing research contracts and build partnerships with industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in research while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in contract management.
The predicted salary is between 48900 - 52000 £ per year.
Salary: £48,900.00 – £52,000.00
Hours: 37 hours
Employment Type: Maternity Cover
Contract Length: 12 months
Closing Date: 26 May 2026
Organisation position and purpose:
Embedded within the Business Development team, an integral part of the Research and Innovation department, the Research Contract Manager will act as a maternity cover within the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) team. The postholder will line manage a small team of research contracts professionals, comprising administrators and a Research Contracts specialist, and will oversee daily operations of the full breadth of research and knowledge exchange contracts, including drafting and negotiating, and supporting positive relationships with industrial and other partners. The postholder will be a key contact to provide advice and support to researchers and other internal stakeholders on all matters related to contracts. The postholder will also play a key role in training newer members of the team. We pride ourselves on our collaborative and agile approach, with a strong focus on delivering a high standard of service to our internal stakeholders. The Institute has a strong culture of supporting the professional development of employees, and all team members are actively supported through appropriate training and development opportunities where gaps in skills or knowledge are identified.
Main duties and responsibility:
- Management and leadership: Managing the operations related to research contracts, including identifying opportunities for optimisation and efficiency within a busy team environment. Building effective relationships, to work collaboratively and share pertinent information with internal stakeholders such as the Grants Administration and Finance teams. Coordinating internal reporting on contracts. Managing and providing training and mentoring as needed to a small team of contracts professionals, ensuring client‑focused service delivery and communicating effectively with other teams such as Grant Administration, Finance.
- Managing research contracts: Leading on drafting, reviewing and negotiating all types of research contracts, including advising other team members on contract negotiations. Advising researchers and other internal stakeholders on contractual strategies and risks. Maintaining and updating as necessary contract templates, and ensuring templates are used correctly. Ensuring contracts are recorded and tracked in the appropriate software. Keeping up to date with changes in legal and regulatory frameworks affecting research agreements such as Trusted Research and Innovation and the Nagoya Protocol, and ensuring contracts align with such requirements and Institute policies.
- Industry and partnership engagement: Maintaining existing, and building new, relationships with industry and other strategic partners to enable effective contract negotiations.
This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.
Personal specification:
- The ability to form effective professional relationships, both within the organisation and externally.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- An ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Proactive and adaptable solution‑oriented approach.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- An understanding of the use and value of databases and data, and how it may be interpreted in reporting.
For the full job description and to apply, please follow this link.
Knowlege Exchange Manager in Woking employer: Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd.
The Pirbright Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and agile work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. As a Knowledge Exchange Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment with access to training opportunities, while also playing a vital role in managing a dedicated team and fostering relationships with industry partners. Located in a dynamic research setting, this position not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of research and innovation.
Contact Details:
Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knowlege Exchange Manager in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work at the organisation you're eyeing. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. We want to see how you fit in, so be ready to share examples of how your experience aligns with their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and showcasing your skills relevant to the Knowledge Exchange Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Knowlege Exchange Manager in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Knowledge Exchange Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing research contracts and building relationships, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your interpersonal and communication skills! We want to see how you can effectively manage a team and engage with internal stakeholders, so give us examples of when you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Knowledge Exchange Manager. Familiarise yourself with research contracts, negotiation strategies, and the importance of building relationships with stakeholders. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or mentored others. Highlight how you foster collaboration and support professional development within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities. Practice articulating how you would handle specific situations related to contract management and stakeholder engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the team's current challenges, opportunities for professional development, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
