Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate industry-funded research deals and develop proposals with academic teams.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a leader in higher education and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovative research projects across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in business roles, negotiation skills, and understanding of research processes.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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.
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), on christine.nileshwar@bristol.ac.uk.
- Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Consulting and Research
- Industries: Higher Education
Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract) employer: University of Bristol
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those at the University of Bristol. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in commercial research. Show us you know your stuff about industry-funded projects and how they benefit both academia and business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about striking deals, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Research Manager (Pre-Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Research Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in business-related roles and showcase your understanding of both academic and industrial cultures.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves a lot of negotiation, be sure to include examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated deals or contracts. We want to see how you balance cost and risk with reward!
Highlight Your Process Improvement Experience: We’re keen on candidates who can develop new processes and systems. Share any experiences where you've improved workflows or made things easier for your team or clients.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Bristol's research projects and their collaborations. Familiarise yourself with the sectors they work in, like energy and pharmaceuticals, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled, especially in a research context. Be ready to discuss how you balanced cost and risk while ensuring beneficial outcomes for all parties involved. This will demonstrate your commercial mindset and ability to drive deals forward.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The role requires collaboration across various teams. Share specific instances where you successfully worked with diverse groups to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to broker mutual interests and champion opportunities, as this is key to thriving in a 'One Team' environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the university's current projects and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to improving processes and systems for academic staff and partners alike.