Assistant Contracts Officer in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Are you ready to be part of an ambitious and highly skilled team at the University of Sheffield?

We are seeking a dynamic individual to join our Research Contracts Team as an Assistant Contracts Officer.

This role is ideal for someone who

• Is pragmatic, logical, and proactive
• Delivers a customer‑focused approach
• Has excellent attention to detail
• Communicates clearly and directly
• Is inquisitive and eager to learn
• Can handle shifting priorities

At the University of Sheffield, we pride ourselves on our world‑class research and innovation capabilities.

We will offer you mentorship and training to help you apply your relevant experience to contracts that support these endeavours.

Your responsibilities will include reviewing confidentiality agreements and drafting and negotiating standard research contracts.

You will directly engage with partner organisations such as universities, charities, businesses, government departments, the NHS, and international funders.

With support from colleagues, you will collaborate closely with academic and professional staff at all levels and review various contracts including material transfer agreements, non‑disclosure agreements, variations to contracts and research collaboration agreements.

By showing interest in the goals of teams conducting research and innovation and understanding their priorities and challenges, you will provide timely and appropriate support.

You will join a friendly and encouraging team, working 50% on campus and 50% remotely.

We offer excellent professional development opportunities to advance your skills and experience, and we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Review, adapt, and negotiate confidentiality, material transfer, variations, studentship, and research collaboration agreements with external organisations.

Ensure appropriate measures and terms manage risks effectively and secure the best outcome for the University.

• Provide a transparent and timely service based on a deep understanding of contracting issues in a given area.
• Work within a framework agreed with the University, offering advice, guidance and recommendations to academic staff and colleagues on issues including acceptable risks, Intellectual Property, and project management.
• Prepare and make recommendations for the signature of agreements.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date database and other records to ensure a comprehensive record of negotiations and agreements.
• Work closely with colleagues within the broader team and beyond to guarantee suitable financial terms are incorporated in agreements.
• Coordinate with colleagues in Research, Partnerships, and Innovation, as well as other University departments to ensure that suitable protocols and regulations are incorporated in contracts.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to deepen knowledge of the contracting process, relevant legal issues, and the University context.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Perform other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

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.

Criteria

Essential

• Evidence of interest in developing skills in drafting, review and negotiating contracts.
• Evidence of a customer‑focused approach, listening and responding to the needs of the parties involved.
• Straightforward and appropriate communication skills – written and verbal.
• A proactive approach to own work and to supporting colleagues.
• Evidence of excellent attention to detail in response to tight deadlines.
• Evidence of an ability to understand a concept and use it in a variety of contexts.
• Evidence of the ability to prioritise workload and to work with a high volume of individual matters at any one time.
• Ability to explain complex terms to non‑experts.
• Evidence of the ability to analyse and solve problems pragmatically, taking into consideration both short and long‑term implications.

Desirable

• Evidence of a collaborative approach to team working and building networks, both with immediate colleagues and others in the wider workplace.
• Further Information
• Grade: 5 Line manager: Contracts Officer

For informal enquiries about this job contact Verity Clarke, Contracts Team Manager: on or on

Next Steps in the Recruitment Process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 31st August.

This will consist of an in‑tray exercise and an interview.

We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 24th August.

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 ( ).

What We Offer

• A minimum of 38 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.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A 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; 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

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield. ac. uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

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.

Criminal Record

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 (opens in a new window).

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 (opens in a new window).

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence.

Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society.

Our University Vision ( outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.

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