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- Tasks: Lead and optimise contract management operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract negotiation and management within large organisations is essential.
- Other info: Apply early as the vacancy may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 51000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Contract Manager role at Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Contract Manager (High Throughput)
£50,000 - £60,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Senior Executive, Operations Team Leader CRH
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 13 July 2025 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment.
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: Competency based interview via Microsoft Teams including task associated with the role.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. Cancer Research UK are looking for a Contract Management professional, with experience working within a large organisation and managing a high volume and variety of different contracts.
This is a pivotal role within our Commercial Partnerships Business Operations team, and an opportunity to lead and optimise our contract management operations.
About The Team
The Commercial Partnerships Business Operations team sits within Cancer Research Horizons (CRH), Cancer Research UK’s innovation engine. CRH seeks to bring to life new drugs and technologies to fight cancer, that come from the ideas generated by academic research funded by CRUK.
The Commercial Partnerships (CP) team is responsible for the commercialisation of cutting-edge innovations, creating the pathway for drugs, biotech and AI to reach patients (‘technology transfer’). Working in close collaboration with colleagues in both Finance and CP, the Business Operations team plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Cancer Research Horizons adopts an insight-led and data-driven approach to the translation of these cutting-edge innovations.
As a Contract Manager you will lead the operations of a commercial and academic contracting service. The service seeks to enact a variety of contract types in a high throughput, customer-service-centric manner, therefore we are seeking candidates that thrive working in a fast-paced environment. Contract types include but are not limited to Master Service Agreements for Science enabling facilities, Material Transfer Agreements enabling scientists to exchange experimental materials, Confidentiality Agreements and Data Transfer Agreements.
This is a great opportunity to shape the role and create and streamline processes. It’s also a great opportunity to work alongside a variety of stakeholders and SMEs in finance, legal and business development. You’ll also be working alongside the business development team and have exposure to their expertise and ways of working, so a chance to develop and learn new skills.
What will I be doing?
- Building the service-based high throughput contracting service
- Creating Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Documentation to support these new processes.
- Running the operationalised high throughput contracting service.
- Mapping-out, implementing and maintaining contract signing delegated authorities and governance.
- Recruiting, training and managing the Contracts Associate to assist in these operational matters.
- Supporting the implementation of Commercial Partnership’s overall strategic objectives as set by the Commercial Partnership Leadership team.
What are you looking for?
- Experience in contract negotiation and contract management
- Knowledge of contracting processes within large organisations
- Excellent track record of administration and precise record keeping/document management
- Experience of dealing with and keeping accurate track of lots of concurrent tasks
- Ability to quickly grasp context and purpose of novel contract documentation
- Customer service champion mindset
- Strong interpersonal skills with experience of communicating with and influencing stakeholders at all levels
- Excellent track record of maintaining high standards of work, particularly in adhering to governance requirements, defined business processes in potentially pressurised situations
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Contract Manager employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Contact Detail:
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of contracts mentioned in the job description, such as Master Service Agreements and Material Transfer Agreements. Understanding these will help you speak confidently about your relevant experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Cancer Research UK's mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around collaboration and making a positive impact, as this will resonate well during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously. Highlighting your organisational skills and customer service mindset will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Cancer Research UK on platforms like LinkedIn. Gaining insights into their experiences can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach and questions during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in contract management and negotiation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle a high volume of contracts and your customer service mindset.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for Cancer Research UK's mission. Mention how your skills align with the role and provide examples of how you've successfully managed contracts in previous positions.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence stakeholders. Mention your experience with governance requirements and maintaining high standards in contract management.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the work history section of the online application form thoroughly. Remember, your CV will only be reviewed if you are invited for an interview, so focus on providing clear and concise information in the application form.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Contract Manager at Cancer Research UK. Familiarise yourself with the types of contracts you'll be managing and the specific challenges that come with high throughput environments.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in contract negotiation and management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed multiple contracts simultaneously, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves communicating with various stakeholders, practice articulating how you've effectively influenced and collaborated with others in past roles. This will show your ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
Expect competency-based questions during the interview. Prepare by thinking of situations where you've demonstrated key skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and customer service excellence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
