At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage research contracts, negotiate terms, and support academic staff in securing funding.
- Company: Join a leading UK university known for high-impact research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, hybrid work, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth in the higher education sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in world-class research while working with top-tier collaborators.
- Qualifications: Experience in research contract negotiations and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59808 - 71793 £ per year.
Salary range: £59,808 - £71,793 per annum
Posting End Date: 7 Sept 2026
About the role
You will be joining a science-based institution with the greatest concentration of high-impact research of any major UK university. The Faculty of Engineering, consistently rated among the best in the world, is made up of 10 academic departments and is committed to increasing its research activity. As a Contracts Manager for Imperial, you will be enabling world-leading academic research by reviewing, drafting, negotiating and gaining approval of a broad spectrum of research-related contracts. We work with blue chip and FTSE 100 companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs, UK/international government departments, academic collaborators, and charities. We interact closely with various internal teams (including Partnerships, the Research Office, and Imperial College Innovations Limited). Together with our colleagues, we seek to safeguard the university's charitable position, the academic community's need to pursue further research and publish results, and ensure value for money and appropriate access to intellectual property rights for our sponsors.
The position will provide advice on all matters relating to terms and conditions of externally funded research projects and related agreements.
What you would be doing
- Provide high-quality research contract advice to Imperial academic and administrative staff across a variety of funders and collaborators.
- Prepare draft research agreements in discussion with academic and departmental staff, taking into consideration specific project requirements.
- Review research agreements and efficiently negotiate with a range of sponsors to achieve the best possible contractual terms within Imperial's policies.
- Be familiar with university administration processes to facilitate pre-contractual arrangements.
- Maintain the computerised records, ensuring that management information is accurate and up-to-date.
What we are looking for
We are looking for an experienced and effective Contracts Manager with proven understanding and meaningful experience of research contract negotiations. You will possess knowledge of the unique issues of research contracts from the demonstrable experience you will have gained, ideally in the Higher Education Sector or within a similar context. Our colleagues expect us to demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and have the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely to a wide range of people of varying levels of knowledge and expertise. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and feel comfortable effectively prioritising your workload in order to ensure the timely delivery across multiple projects. You will work well both autonomously and as part of a dynamic team. You will share our passion for providing a quality service; possess excellent attention to detail, and act with tact and diplomacy. You will understand the need and practice of customer focus and customer relationship skills.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to specialise in research funding opportunities in the University sector.
- The opportunity to develop specialised knowledge in research contracts for scientific research.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution.
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year).
Further information
This is a full time, open-ended contract based at South Kensington Campus (Hybrid). If you require any further details on the role please contact: Dimitris Batsalas (d.batsalas@imperial.ac.uk).
Contracts Manager employer: Imperial College London
As a Section Manager at Imperial College, you will thrive in a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing research for the benefit of humanity. Enjoy a competitive salary and an impressive benefits package, including 41 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and access to on-site leisure facilities. Join a diverse and inclusive work culture that prioritises your personal and professional growth, making it an exceptional place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Contracts Manager at Imperial College London!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Imperial College London or be willing to refer you for that Contracts Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Imperial College London who’s on the lookout for their next Contracts Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Contracts Manager role at Imperial College London!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Imperial College London. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Imperial College London. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!