Contracts Manager in Sheffield

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Legal Contracts Manager to join our team in supporting research. This role offers a hybrid working environment with up to 50% remote work, excellent professional development opportunities, and a dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We are looking for someone who:

• Possesses strong legal contracts expertise: You have extensive knowledge of legal drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements, with a working knowledge of English law. You can quickly grasp the bigger picture of any project, identifying key risks and opportunities.
• Is proactive and solution-oriented: You're adept at identifying potential issues and developing creative solutions. You're comfortable working independently and taking initiative to improve processes.
• Excels at building relationships and communication: You're a skilled communicator with strong interpersonal skills, able to provide personalised advice and mentorship on contracts. You’re effective at fostering positive working relationships and collaborating effectively across teams.
• Is an experienced and supportive line manager: You have a proven track record of developing people, excelling at mentoring, and motivating individuals. You can effectively support individuals to prioritise work and foster a collaborative environment.
• Is committed to continuous learning and growth: You're eager to expand your existing experience and actively seek professional development opportunities.
• Values collaboration and teamwork: You actively seek opportunities to build positive relationships and drive process improvements beyond your immediate team. You understand the importance of teamwork and contribute positively to a collaborative culture.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Contract Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of research and innovation contracts with external organisations. Focus on securing the best possible outcomes for the University by ensuring appropriate terms, acceptable risk levels, and clear understanding of obligations. This includes contracts for research, material transfer, MoUs, IP licenses, scholarships, consultancy, collaborations and funding agreements.
• Line Management: Provide line management to individuals, including workload prioritisation, development and training, and day-to-day support and guidance. Foster a collaborative and productive team environment.
• Expert Contractual Advice: Offer pragmatic recommendations aligned with University policy and regulations. Clearly explain contractual terms and potential risks to researchers and project staff, translating complex language into practical advice.
• Process Improvement and Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a pragmatic, risk‑based approach to contracting, contributing to team guidance and process developments to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Contract Interpretation and Documentation: Interpret contract clauses for non‑specialist audiences, translating practical arrangements into contractual terms. Prepare recommendations for agreement signatures and maintain accurate records, updating databases promptly to reflect on‑going negotiations.
• Professional Development and Networking: Proactively develop skills, engage in continuous professional development, and stay up‑to‑date on legal advice and relevant regulations. Maintain an active professional network with other Higher Education Institutions to share best practices and contribute to relevant committees and groups.
• University Citizenship: Make ethical decisions, embedding the University’s sustainability strategy into working activities. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Extensive knowledge and experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of legal contracts, with a working knowledge of English law.

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,784 to £47,389 per annum, with potential to progress to £51,753 through outstanding contribution.

Work arrangement: Full-time

Line manager: Senior Contracts Manager

Direct reports: Contracts Officers

For informal enquiries about this job, contact Verity Clarke, Contracts Team Manager: on v.e.clarke@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 1439.

Next steps in the recruitment process:

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the week commencing 13th July. This will consist of a selection exercise and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 6th July. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Sasha Napoli (s.napoli@sheffield.ac.uk).

A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. Variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework. A range of generous family-friendly policies paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies support for those going through the menopause paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process. A BPSS check will be needed for this role, which includes a DBS check. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/BPSS. Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our information for candidates page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates.

Closing Date: 28/06/2026

The University of Sheffield Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN +44 114 222 2000