At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate industry-funded research deals and support academic colleagues in proposal development.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a leader in higher education and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging academia and industry through innovative research projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in business roles with strong negotiation and customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) role at University of Bristol. The role is dedicated to ensuring that the University’s industry-funded research projects deliver valuable benefits for the University, our staff, students, partners, and the broader world we serve.
We have established processes to support efficient proposal development, commercial deal negotiation and contract set-up, and are further developing these to help us to rapidly grow our portfolio of exciting projects. Our latest collaborations span sectors including energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, space, veterinary technologies, and education.
You will focus on the first of the three phases of good contracting practice, “Pre-Contract Negotiation” (the others being Contract Development & Execution, and Post Contract Compliance & Governance), and will lay the foundations for a smooth and efficient contract journey.
Part of a diverse group of Professional Services staff with commercial expertise, you will be responsible for working with academic colleagues to develop deliverable proposals and negotiate sound commercial deals. Proposals will include work package, price, and headline terms and conditions, and be supported by a valid internal justification reflecting the shape of the deal.
Working with academic research teams, financial and legal experts, and others, you will be responsible for driving forward each proposed project, from outline plan to proposal, and negotiating an “agreed” position to be captured in a formal contract by our legal specialists.
What will you be doing?
- Use University standard and preferred positions for reference, to negotiate beneficial deals, before passing to legal specialists in our Research Contracts Team who will prepare and sign off formal legal contracts. Deals will include price, deliverables and outline terms and conditions e.g. intellectual property arrangements and liability.
- Work closely with our Research Contracts Team to agree key principles and ensure they have the background information they need to fulfil their role.
- Be the key point of contact for academics planning to do industry-funded research; liaise and negotiate with partners at all levels of seniority; broker areas of mutual interest; champion opportunities – internally and externally; identify and co-develop new opportunities.
- Work across different internal areas, often with competing priorities, helping colleagues to work together transparently, as “One Team” to achieve the best “overall” outcomes for UoB and our partners.
- Work with colleagues to continually improve and develop processes and supporting systems, so our academic staff feel prepared, comfortable, and confident when navigating their commercial research journey, and our partners find the University easy to work with.
You should apply if
- Previous experience in relevant business-related roles, demonstrating good business acumen, a commercial mindset, and a passion for customer service.
- A good appreciation of strategy, processes, and issues for business engagement in the Higher Education sector.
- A good understanding and appreciation of both industrial and academic cultures, environments, and research priorities.
- Experience in the specification, costing and pricing of research projects.
- An understanding of key terms and conditions applicable to research activity.
- Experience in the negotiation of commercial research deals, balancing cost and risk with reward and opportunity.
- Knowledge and experience of developing new/improved processes and supporting systems.
Additional information
- Work pattern: Full time
- Grade: K
- School/Unit: Division of Research, Enterprise and Innovation
- This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 13th November.
- For informal queries about the role, please contact Christine Nileshwar, Head of Commercial Research (Pre-Contract).
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Consulting and Research
- Industries: Higher Education
Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) in Cardiff employer: University of Bristol
Join our award-winning university health service as a Nurse Practitioner, where you will be part of a close-knit and supportive primary care team dedicated to the well-being of our diverse student population. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth, with opportunities to engage in evidence-based patient care in a beautiful, purpose-built practice. We value your expertise and enthusiasm for working with young people, offering a fulfilling environment that prioritises both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) in Cardiff
✨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 Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) at University of Bristol!
✨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 University of Bristol or be willing to refer you for that Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) 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 University of Bristol who’s on the lookout for their next Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) 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 Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) role at University of Bristol!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) in Cardiff
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 University of Bristol. 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 University of Bristol
✨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 University of Bristol. 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!
