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- Tasks: Lead contract negotiations and manage a team in a dynamic research environment.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a commitment to research excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting groundbreaking research and protecting academic interests.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, fostering a balanced work-life environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated self-starter for the post of Senior Contract Manager within the Research Operations Office.
Responsibilities
The post holder will lead the contracts function within one of our Clinical School-facing teams at the Research Operations Office, managing a team of Contracts Managers as well as administrative staff. As a senior manager, the post-holder will take the lead on complex contract negotiations – providing support to a range of departments within the school, and will oversee and support the Contracts Managers with their portfolio of matters. As a member of the Senior Contracts Managers team, the post-holder will work with colleagues to ensure an effective and coherent contracting function across the office, including matters such as providing contracts training, ensuring effective probation and appraisal processes are undertaken, and that administration of contracts is consistent and efficient.
The post holder will act on behalf of the researchers and the University to negotiate agreements ranging from material transfers to multi-party research collaborations, funded by a range of sponsors including Research Councils, charities, the European Commission and a wide range of industrial sponsors.
As a Senior Contract Manager, you will ensure both the researchers' and the University's interests are protected by agreeing terms that safeguard both the researchers' need to publish results and pursue further research and the University's charitable and academic position. You will also consider protection of results for potential commercialisation, and appropriate access to intellectual property rights for sponsor and collaborators.
Qualifications
You will ideally have gained extensive experience of drafting and negotiating agreements through working in either a university or a research-intensive organisation, including industry. Project management experience and a legal and/or scientific background would be an advantage. An understanding of the scientific research environment would also be desirable. You will be educated to a degree level or equivalent. Having excellent leadership and team management skills is a must. You will be well organised and able both to prioritise and work to deadlines. Able to work well independently and have a positive, can-do approach, you will have excellent verbal and written communication skills with an aptitude for developing positive working relationships. In particular, you will have the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely to a wide range of people, including the highest levels of academic, corporate and government representatives. Diplomacy, tact, attention to detail and a calm approach are essential. You will be proficient in using Microsoft IT packages.
Application & Selection
Your application should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the skills and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted based on these criteria.
Security & Compliance
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Flexible Working
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working (minimum 80%) or other flexible working arrangements. The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows, with the majority of time spent on-site. This arrangement is subject to change and will not form a part of the contractual terms of the role.
Location
This role requires onsite attendance at Greenwich House for a minimum of 2 days per week with additional onsite working according to business need.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
If you have questions about the application process, contact CROrecruitment@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference EW48486 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Senior Contracts Manager in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contracts Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Contracts Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent contracts and collaborations. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Contracts Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that 'Apply' button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contracts Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure your covering letter is personalised for the Senior Contracts Manager role. Highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some enthusiasm about joining our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your skills in contract negotiation and team management. We want to see how you've tackled complex situations in the past, so don’t hold back on the details!
Keep It Clear and Concise: Remember, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see how you meet the criteria.
Follow Application Instructions: Be sure to follow all the application instructions carefully. Upload your CV and covering letter as specified, and include your referees' details. This shows us that you can follow processes, which is super important for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
As a Senior Contracts Manager, you'll be leading complex negotiations. Brush up on your knowledge of contract law and the specific agreements relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated tricky negotiations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of specific instances where you've led a team or project, highlighting how you motivated others and achieved results. This will show that you're not just a manager, but a leader.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Given the need to communicate complex issues to various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your points, and don't shy away from discussing how you've handled difficult conversations in the past.
✨Prepare for Questions on Flexibility and Adaptability
With the role involving hybrid working and flexibility, be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing work environments. Share examples of how you've managed your time effectively while balancing remote and onsite responsibilities.
