Senior Contracts Manager

As Senior Contracts Manager, the successful candidate will play a central role across the organisation, supporting a portfolio of high-profile public health initiatives that strengthen the UK’s health data infrastructure and enable cutting-edge research nationally and internationally.

They will work closely with teams across HDR UK and collaborate regularly with external partners—including universities, research organisations, funders, government bodies and industry—to deliver complex data infrastructure and research programmes. The role requires someone confident operating at pace, navigating diverse stakeholder environments, and taking a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to contractual challenges.

The ideal candidate will share our values, demonstrate strong influencing and collaboration skills, and bring sound judgement to resolving complex issues. They will be comfortable working in a fast-moving environment and committed to enabling impactful, trustworthy use of health data for public benefit.

Main Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Director of Contracts, Procurement and Policy, this fast-paced role will provide key support for HDR UK’s strategic priorities across the areas below.

1. Contracting

• Manage a large and varied contract portfolio, including incoming and outgoing grant awards, services agreements, research collaboration and consortium agreements, studentships, secondments, data agreements, IP licences and assignments, heads of terms, and revenue-sharing arrangements.
• Draft a wide range of agreements using internal templates and bespoke drafting as appropriate, and critically review external contract drafts to ensure alignment with HDR UK’s approved positions.
• Lead negotiations on complex agreements such as high-value, multi-stage services, research and data infrastructure programmes, multi-tiered funding structures, and data agreements, with support from senior colleagues and external counsel as required.
• Work closely with senior internal stakeholders to advise on contractual models, contracting approach, risk management, and contract processes.
• Ensure contracts and grants comply with HDR UK policies, funder requirements, legislation, regulation, and sector best practice.
• Collaborate with procurement and information governance teams on high-value procurements and data access agreements.
• Maintain accurate contract records, including the contracts register, and stay current on relevant legal and regulatory developments.

2. Relationship Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver HDR UK’s priorities efficiently.
• Communicate contract terms, deadlines, and funding or commercial positions clearly and constructively.
• Support interactions with external legal counsel and work closely with, and mentor, the Contracts Officer.

3. Process Development and Training

• Contribute to maintaining and improving contracting processes, policies, and templates.
• Support the development of related policies such as IP, procurement, and due diligence.
• Assist in establishing best practice and developing training materials for internal stakeholders.

4. Risk Management and Other Duties

• Undertake due diligence and risk management activities for third parties and projects, advising on mitigations and escalation where appropriate.
• Support reporting to senior leadership and trustees on key contracting and risk issues.
• Contribute to wider organisational projects and deputise for the Associate Director on contracting matters as needed.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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