At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate and review contracts while providing expert advice to academic staff.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible work arrangement with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in research collaboration.
- Qualifications: Interest in contract negotiation and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27319 - 31236 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a working environment that celebrates diversity and values the skills and beliefs of its staff.
Benefits include competitive annual leave with the option to purchase additional days, a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive retail discounts.
Overview
We are looking for an Assistant Contracts Officer to join our Research Contracts Team.
The role is ideal for a pragmatic, logical, and proactive individual who delivers a customer‑focused approach, communicates clearly, handles shifting priorities, and has excellent attention to detail.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Review, adapt, and negotiate confidentiality, material transfer, variation, studentship, and research collaboration agreements with external organisations, ensuring appropriate risk management.
- Provide a transparent and timely service grounded in a deep understanding of contracting issues.
- Offer advice, guidance, and recommendations to academic staff on acceptable risks, intellectual property, and project management.
- Prepare and recommend agreements for signature.
- Maintain up‑to‑date records of negotiations and agreements.
- Ensure suitable financial terms are incorporated in agreements by working closely with colleagues across the university.
- Coordinate with Research, Partnerships, and Innovation and other departments to incorporate suitable protocols and regulations.
- Pursue ongoing professional development to deepen knowledge of contracting processes, legal issues, and the university context.
- Embed the university sustainability strategy into working activities wherever possible.
- Perform other duties as required by the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
- Evidence of interest in developing skills in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts (essential).
- Customer‑focused approach, listening and responding to parties’ needs (essential).
- Clear written and verbal communication (essential).
- Proactive approach to own work and supporting colleagues (essential).
- Excellent attention to detail within tight deadlines (essential).
- Ability to understand and apply concepts in varied contexts (essential).
- Prioritise workload and manage a high volume of matters (essential).
- Explain complex terms to non‑experts (essential).
- Pragmatic problem‑solving with consideration of short and long‑term implications (desirable).
- Collaborative teamwork and networking (desirable).
- Further Information
- Grade: 5
- Work arrangement: Full‑time, 50% on campus and 50% remote
- Line manager: Contracts Officer
- Contact: Verity Clarke, Contracts Team Manager –
- , 0114 222 1439
- Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
The selection process is expected to take place during the week commencing the closing date.
It will involve an in‑tray exercise and an interview.
Candidates will be informed if they progress on the week commencing 27th July.
Additional Information
BPSS and DBS checks are required.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment.
More details are available on the university’s information for candidates page.
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Assistant Contracts Officer in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
Diversity Dashboard is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about tackling inequality and poverty. With a flexible working environment in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Contracts Officer in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Contracts Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Diversity Dashboard, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Diversity Dashboard and the specific role of Assistant Contracts Officer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Diversity Dashboard’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Diversity Dashboard.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Diversity Dashboard.
