Director of Contracts

Be part of something bigger.

UCL is one of the world’s top universities. Since 1826, we have championed independent thought by attracting and nurturing the world's best minds. Global rankings consistently place us among the top ten universities in the world. Our excellence extends across all academic disciplines: from one of Europe’s largest and most productive hubs for biomedical science interacting with the leading London hospitals, to world-renowned centres for architecture (UCL Bartlett), fine art (UCL Slade School) and education (UCL Institute of Education).  Staff and former students have included 29 Nobel prize-winners. We are a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – which is more than 50,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

As  a world-leading research-intensive university, UCL is ranked in the top ten in the world, with an annual turnover of well over £1 billion. Our research and innovation continue to grow in scale and complexity, with record levels of research income and impact achieved last year. As such, UCL Research and Innovation Services (RIS) was established in 2021 to integrate research, innovation and enterprise support. RIS provides support and services for our academics working across the research and innovation life cycle with a focus on applying for and managing funding and providing professional advice on collaborations and contracts.  It is an exciting time to join UCL Research and Innovation Services as we are investing in new capability to align the broad range of operational and enabling services that best position UCL to achieve our strategic ambitions. 

The Director of Contracts is a new pivotal role within Research and Innovation Services, integral to the success of the services. They will lead and manage Contract Services, a diverse team of experienced contracts professionals who provide institutional support for negotiating terms for funded research, research related and innovation activity. The team provides a high-quality, end to end contract service to the research and innovation community that creates value for UCL.

We are seeking a qualified solicitor or barrister with an excellent knowledge of contract law and regulatory requirements appropriate for a research-intensive institution. You will bring a relentless focus on service excellence with experience and knowledge of current research funding contractual issues in the UK and overseas. You will be a sophisticated communicator able to enthuse, inspire and influence at all levels. You will be a strategic leader with a proven track record of leading high performing teams and a deep affinity to the power of higher education to transform lives.

This is an exceptional opportunity for the right candidate to have real impact at UCL and in the wider higher education sector. We are open to candidates from other sectors who want to make a difference.

At UCL we move the world forward. If you want to be part of something bigger, please contact Estelle Woods at Estelle.Woods@gatenbysanderson.com for a confidential briefing discussion or please click Apply for further information.