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- Tasks: Join our team as a Contracts Manager, shaping health research contracts and driving public health initiatives.
- Company: NIHR funds and delivers world-leading health and social care research for better health and economic growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, life insurance, and a hybrid work model.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on health research while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in drafting research contracts and knowledge of UK research funding landscape required.
- Other info: This is a hybrid role with office attendance expected at least once a week.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). We work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public.
Join Our Growing Contracts Team as a Contracts Manager!
Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact on the future of health and research? The National Institute for Health and Care Research is expanding and looking for an experienced Research Contracts Manager to join our team. In this new vital role, you’ll help shape and support the development of our infrastructure and program contracts, driving forward initiatives that enhance public health and innovation.
About the Role
The IP Unit is responsible for drafting and maintaining the contracts through which the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funds NIHR research. Reporting to the Senior Contracts Manager, the Contracts Manager will support the drafting of new NIHR Infrastructure and Programme contracts, ensuring that NIHR has appropriate rights when providing funding and that the risks to DHSC are suitably managed.
You will be part of a team advising NIHR internal stakeholders on a wide range of contract related matters, most notably intellectual property and commercialisation, and ensuring that NIHR contractual provisions are flowed down appropriately in contractor collaboration agreements. Additionally, you will take the lead on keeping the IP Unit up to date on changes in legislation and policy initiatives as they affect the NIHR.
Key responsibilities
- Provide specialist contractual advice to NIHR colleagues across the three coordinating centres in respect of NIHR template agreements, charity co-funding agreements, and the review of contractor collaboration agreements
- Support the cross-centre rollout of new contractual terms
- Provide advice, support, and analysis to DHSC on the development of NIHR templates, Variations to Contracts, and template co-funding agreements
- Provide guidance to DHSC on the risks and implications of contractual terms within the context of a proposed funding call, using a sound working knowledge of research contracts and contract law
- Keep abreast of policy issues relating to the research funding environment in the UK, with a view to understanding the impact on NIHR contracts
- Maintain a good and up to date working knowledge of legislation, regulations, and policy affecting research and to provide briefings and presentations to the IP Unit to disseminate this knowledge
- Support the Senior Contracts Manager by carrying out triage of new contract requests
- Liaise with NIHR programme teams on contractual issues and to ensure that all contracts dealt with by the IP Unit follow correct procedures for sign off
- Work with the Senior Contracts Manager on the development and implementation of best practice and smooth processes and to develop guidance to the IP Unit and to NIHR programme teams
- Advise members of the IP Unit and wider programme teams on issues relating to IP ownership and management in contractor agreements with NIHR and in contractor collaboration agreements
Qualifications and Experience
Required Criteria
- Experience of drafting and negotiating research contracts, including research funding and collaboration agreements
- Familiarity with the research funding landscape in the UK, whether gained in an HEI, NHS, charity, or an industry R&D environment, in particular government policies relating to research
- Awareness of government policy relating to research and innovation in the UK and overseas
- Familiarity with legislation affecting research contracts, including subsidy control, UK GDPR, with the ability and desire to learn about new areas of law
Desired Criteria
- Familiarity with NIHR funding agreements
- Experience of IP management and commercialisation
- Experience of training colleagues on contractual and IP related matters
Salary & Benefits
- £47,300 to £49,900 per year
- Bonus – subject to company performance
- 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays (UK)
- Enhanced contributory pension scheme
- Life Insurance
- Benenden Healthcare
- Season Ticket Loan
NB: This is an office-based, hybrid role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices in Twickenham, a minimum of 4 days a month, usually worked as 1 day per week, and may increase, subject to team requirements.
Application
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the LGC Group.
Contracts Manager employer: NIHR
Contact Detail:
NIHR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific types of contracts that NIHR deals with, such as research funding and collaboration agreements. Understanding these will help you speak confidently about your experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current UK government policies related to research and innovation. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any experience you have in training colleagues on contractual matters. This skill is valuable for the role and shows your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your negotiation skills and provide examples of how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This will showcase your capability to handle the demands of the Contracts Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Contracts Manager position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Your 'Statement of Suitability' should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the required criteria. Use specific examples from your past work that showcase your expertise in drafting and negotiating research contracts.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize any experience you have with research funding agreements, IP management, and familiarity with UK legislation affecting research contracts. Make sure to detail your negotiation skills and ability to manage competing demands.
Show Enthusiasm for the Organization: In your application, express your enthusiasm for working with the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Mention why you are passionate about health and social care research and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at NIHR
✨Showcase Your Contractual Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in drafting and negotiating research contracts. Highlight specific examples where you successfully navigated complex agreements, especially in the context of funding and collaboration.
✨Understand the Research Funding Landscape
Familiarize yourself with the current UK research funding environment and government policies. Demonstrating knowledge about NIHR funding agreements and how they relate to broader research initiatives will set you apart.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice explaining complex contractual terms in simple language. This skill is crucial for advising colleagues and stakeholders who may not have a legal background, so be ready to demonstrate this during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Emphasize your negotiation skills and ability to influence others, as these are key to succeeding in the Contracts Manager position.
