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- Tasks: Negotiate contracts and provide legal support for exciting geoscientific research projects.
- Company: Join a world-renowned geoscientific research centre with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and 30 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative research while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Law degree and experience in commercial contracts are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and occasional travel.
The predicted salary is between 46743 - 52000 £ per year.
Contracts Partner Legal Intellectual Property Rights Team
Grade: UKRI - Band E
Salary: £46,743 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (a small amount of remote working is possible, but this role does require regular onsite attendance)
Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham
Closing date: 11th February 2026
A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with a generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays!
About the role:
BGS is an innovative and world-renowned geoscientific research centre engaged in many exciting and forward-thinking research collaborations both nationally and internationally. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced contracts manager to be involved in contractual negotiations in support of BGS’s research activities.
Key duties:
- Provide expert legal knowledge to support an increase in our commercial research activity by negotiating and leading on all contracts being undertaken as part of BGS’s commissioned income and collaborative research work.
- Provide legal support to facilitate major national and international geoscientific research and collaboration projects.
- Drafting “tailored” agreements to meet specific requirements for non-standard research work. There may be a requirement for occasional travel within the UK as required.
The following specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S I).
Essential:
- Law degree or other qualifications supported by relevant legal/commercial contracts experience and qualifications (S)
- Experience of working within a UK research institute and/or public sector body, or demonstrable experience of routinely working with/for such organisations, including experience of handling commercial contracts, dealing with complex legal and contractual processes associated with commercial tender, contract, and research agreement work; including negotiations with clients, with regard to terms and conditions under which contracted or collaborative work is to be undertaken. (S I)
- Expert knowledge of business/contract law, including all relevant legislation/regulations. (S I)
- Able to manage your own contractual casework within a high pressure, routinely time-critical legal/contractual environment. To include effectively communicating to non-legal colleagues and external organisations. (S I)
- You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S I)
Desirable:
- Further relevant legal qualifications, e.g. commercial law, contract law, intellectual property rights law. (S)
- In-depth understanding of specific legislation/regulations of particular relevance to scientific research community and public sector, e.g. Freedom of Information Act/Environmental Information Regulations; Data Protection legislation; Intellectual Property Rights (S I)
- A solid understanding of NEC Contracts, which are routinely placed on BGS for consideration, and of licensing agreements. (S I)
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 11th February 2026. Interviews will be held Friday 27th February 2026 in Nottingham.
Contract Partner in Nottingham employer: British Geological Survey
Contact Detail:
British Geological Survey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Partner in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and geoscientific fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BGS and their recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves contractual negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms and conditions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Partner in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with commercial contracts and legal knowledge. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the Contracts Partner role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in UK research institutes or public sector bodies. We’re keen to see examples of how you've handled complex legal processes and negotiations in similar environments.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your skills and experiences, especially when discussing your understanding of business and contract law. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at BGS.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Geological Survey
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of business and contract law, especially as it relates to the geosciences. Familiarise yourself with the specific legislation mentioned in the job description, like the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection legislation. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or handled complex legal processes. Be ready to discuss how you managed high-pressure situations and communicated effectively with non-legal colleagues. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Since the role involves drafting tailored agreements, think about how you can apply this in your interview. Consider discussing how you would approach creating agreements for non-standard research work. This shows that you understand the unique challenges of the position and are ready to tackle them head-on.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
BGS values a diverse and inclusive approach, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this ethos. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that promote diversity within the workplace. This will highlight your alignment with the company's values and culture.
