Commercial Contract Manager in Leeds

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. Interviews are expected to be held week commencing Monday 20 July 2026.

As a member of the Research and Innovation (RIS) Contracts Team, you will provide high quality, customer‑focused research and innovation support contributing to the strategic objectives and research culture of the University.

Reporting to the Senior Contracts Manager, your day‑to‑day work will mainly support commercially‑focused research and innovation contracts. You will lead contract drafting, review, and negotiation of such contracts; working closely with academics and professional support staff and the University’s Business Engagement team to assist in the provision of research and innovation support. You will provide an expert opinion to those staff in contractual negotiations with external commercial partners and in the review of contract terms and conditions on behalf of the University, developing a specialism in particular types of contractual activity.

You will have a law qualification and have excellent communication skills, a strong interest in the development of effective partnerships with internal colleagues and external organisations and have the ability to work on your own initiative. You will additionally have intellectual property and contract law knowledge. This is a challenging role, requiring an energetic and self‑motivated individual with a can‑do attitude. You will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport at all levels in the organisation and the ability to think logically and clearly, work to tight deadlines and to be flexible in your approach to work.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first‑time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions.

• 26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state‑of‑the‑art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team. Access to on‑site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.