Contracts Manager and Post-Award Team Lead

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Associate Director of Research Support & Governance, the Contracts Manager and Post-Award Team Lead will have responsibility for a portfolio of research, consultancy and knowledge exchange agreements and will provide advice and guidance to researchers and professional services staff on contractual issues related to externally funded projects. The Contracts Manager will line manage the Post-Award Team, which consists of the Contracts Officer and the Post-Award Processes Officer.
This role is hybrid and is likely to require 1 day on campus per week.
For further information or to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Christie Walker, Associate Director Research Support & Governance c.walker@brookes.ac.uk.

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Enterprise provides support to facilitate world leading research and cutting edge innovation and to promote engagement with research end-users and beneficiaries. We accelerate collaborations between industry, business, the public sector, NGOs and academia. We support the commercialisation of research through licensing and the creation of spinout companies.
 
What will I be doing?
• Administering and implementing up to 400 contracts per year with an individual value per contract of up to £1m, delivering these alongside the Contracts Officer
• Drafting, negotiating and implementing a wide range of agreements, including research, consultancy, collaboration and complex European Commission agreements, with external clients
• Ensuring contract research and related agreements are in compliance with the University’s financial and other regulations, as well as external legal requirements, and have been appropriately authorised
• Providing specialist advice to colleagues on the negotiation of the terms of sponsored research, consultancy and knowledge exchange-related contracts
• Liaising with the University’s Legal Services solicitors and specialists on contractual issues such as IP, VAT and insurance.

What skills do I need?
• Proven track record in negotiating and drafting contracts in a research, legal or similar context
• Wide-ranging knowledge and experience of research contracts provisions, e.g., intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, VAT
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills with a clear understanding of a wide range of contractual concepts and issues as well as the ability to understand and respond to the requirements of diverse stakeholders.

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
 
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

Advert information