Cancer Research UK
Legal Operations Manager £65,000 - £75,000 plus benefits Reports to: Lead Senior Solicitor Directorate: Research & Innovation Contract: Permanent Hours: Full time 35 hours per week Location: Stratford, London - High Flex (1-2 days per week in the office) Closing date: Friday 24th April 23:55pm Recruitment process: Competency-based interview process with task. Interview date: Approximately week commencing 4th May 2026 At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We're excited to offer a newly created opportunity for a Legal Operations Manager to join our Research & Innovation Legal team. This is a pivotal role with real scope to make a meaningful impact, shaping how we deliver legal services that support life changing research. In this role, you'll lead continuous improvement across our Research & Innovation legal operations and systems. You'll play a key part in reviewing and developing our legal operating model and strategy, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, optimise existing technologies, and explore innovative new technical solutions. Working closely with the Director of Legal, Lead Senior Solicitors, and stakeholders across the organisation, you'll design, deliver, and communicate transformative change. Together, you'll redefine how we deliver legal services, establish best practice, and embed smarter, more effective ways of working across the function. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on improvement, collaboration, and making a tangible difference within a purpose driven organisation. About Cancer Research Horizons As the world's biggest medical research charity, we've helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster. We have recently developed a new approach to driving therapeutic innovation through the creation of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH). We have brought together Cancer Research UK's established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK's world-class academic network, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise to 1) Bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) Tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success. Based at sites across the UK you'll be joining over 200 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds, all dedicated to bringing forward the day we cure cancer. What will you be doing? Operational Strategy & Process Improvement: Review, develop, and innovate the legal service model to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Lead process mapping, workflow design, and implementation of best practices, including contracting and approval processes, playbooks and operating procedures. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence across legal services. Oversee design, development, and maintenance of process documentation, governance strategies, and workflows. Technology & Legal Tech Integration: Develop and implement a long term roadmap for legal technology and AI adoption and optimisation, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and R&I Legal needs. Manage integration of legal technology and AI tools within existing systems, working closely with suppliers and internal technology teams to ensure smooth deployment and interoperability. Evaluate, pilot and roll out new technologies - such as case management systems, intake portals, automation, document intelligence tools, knowledge-management and other AI enabled solutions - addressing operational challenges across R&I Legal and wider organisation. Design and prototype lightweight custom AI solutions where required, lead responsible implementation (including governance, risk and compliance considerations), deliver stakeholder training, and monitor emerging AI capabilities to drive continuous improvement. Data & Business Intelligence: Develop high-quality management information and reporting processes. Work with senior team members to collect, analyse, and present relevant metrics to inform strategic decision-making. Use AI assisted analytics tools where appropriate to enhance reporting, trend analysis and decision support insights. Knowledge Management & Training: Facilitate knowledge hubs, templates, and best practice materials to prevent knowledge loss. Work with Learning & Development to deliver training, presentations, and demonstrations on legal tech and new processes. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to design and communicate transformative changes. Assisting the Director of Legal in preparing and delivering impactful communications to foster collaboration, ensure consistency and build user confidence, including roll-out plans, service updates, and training materials. Build and maintain good working relationships across the organisation. Coordinate internal team operations - including regular team meetings, documentation, scheduling, and action tracking, and support governance of the departmental budget through structured monitoring, reporting, and alignment with Finance What are we looking for? Significant experience in legal operations or project/change management. Experience identifying, piloting or implementing AI or automation tools within in-house legal teams or comparable environments. Ability to design or customise AI based solutions (e.g., utilising LLMs, prompt engineering, automation platforms, or basic scripting) is a plus. Strong understanding of legal technology and its application to improve workflows, including knowledge of market leading vendors, and core use cases. Excellent project management, prioritisation, and organisational skills. Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels, including leadership. Analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in business intelligence and data-driven decision-making. Strategic thinker with a genuine interest in solution design and innovation. Commitment to Cancer Research UK's mission and values. Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism Human : Act to have a positive impact on people Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still love to hear from you. What will I gain? We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page. How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us. For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Legal Operations Manager £65,000 - £75,000 plus benefits Reports to: Lead Senior Solicitor Directorate: Research & Innovation Contract: Permanent Hours: Full time 35 hours per week Location: Stratford, London - High Flex (1-2 days per week in the office) Closing date: Friday 24th April 23:55pm Recruitment process: Competency-based interview process with task. Interview date: Approximately week commencing 4th May 2026 At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We're excited to offer a newly created opportunity for a Legal Operations Manager to join our Research & Innovation Legal team. This is a pivotal role with real scope to make a meaningful impact, shaping how we deliver legal services that support life changing research. In this role, you'll lead continuous improvement across our Research & Innovation legal operations and systems. You'll play a key part in reviewing and developing our legal operating model and strategy, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, optimise existing technologies, and explore innovative new technical solutions. Working closely with the Director of Legal, Lead Senior Solicitors, and stakeholders across the organisation, you'll design, deliver, and communicate transformative change. Together, you'll redefine how we deliver legal services, establish best practice, and embed smarter, more effective ways of working across the function. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on improvement, collaboration, and making a tangible difference within a purpose driven organisation. About Cancer Research Horizons As the world's biggest medical research charity, we've helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster. We have recently developed a new approach to driving therapeutic innovation through the creation of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH). We have brought together Cancer Research UK's established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK's world-class academic network, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise to 1) Bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) Tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success. Based at sites across the UK you'll be joining over 200 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds, all dedicated to bringing forward the day we cure cancer. What will you be doing? Operational Strategy & Process Improvement: Review, develop, and innovate the legal service model to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Lead process mapping, workflow design, and implementation of best practices, including contracting and approval processes, playbooks and operating procedures. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence across legal services. Oversee design, development, and maintenance of process documentation, governance strategies, and workflows. Technology & Legal Tech Integration: Develop and implement a long term roadmap for legal technology and AI adoption and optimisation, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and R&I Legal needs. Manage integration of legal technology and AI tools within existing systems, working closely with suppliers and internal technology teams to ensure smooth deployment and interoperability. Evaluate, pilot and roll out new technologies - such as case management systems, intake portals, automation, document intelligence tools, knowledge-management and other AI enabled solutions - addressing operational challenges across R&I Legal and wider organisation. Design and prototype lightweight custom AI solutions where required, lead responsible implementation (including governance, risk and compliance considerations), deliver stakeholder training, and monitor emerging AI capabilities to drive continuous improvement. Data & Business Intelligence: Develop high-quality management information and reporting processes. Work with senior team members to collect, analyse, and present relevant metrics to inform strategic decision-making. Use AI assisted analytics tools where appropriate to enhance reporting, trend analysis and decision support insights. Knowledge Management & Training: Facilitate knowledge hubs, templates, and best practice materials to prevent knowledge loss. Work with Learning & Development to deliver training, presentations, and demonstrations on legal tech and new processes. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to design and communicate transformative changes. Assisting the Director of Legal in preparing and delivering impactful communications to foster collaboration, ensure consistency and build user confidence, including roll-out plans, service updates, and training materials. Build and maintain good working relationships across the organisation. Coordinate internal team operations - including regular team meetings, documentation, scheduling, and action tracking, and support governance of the departmental budget through structured monitoring, reporting, and alignment with Finance What are we looking for? Significant experience in legal operations or project/change management. Experience identifying, piloting or implementing AI or automation tools within in-house legal teams or comparable environments. Ability to design or customise AI based solutions (e.g., utilising LLMs, prompt engineering, automation platforms, or basic scripting) is a plus. Strong understanding of legal technology and its application to improve workflows, including knowledge of market leading vendors, and core use cases. Excellent project management, prioritisation, and organisational skills. Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels, including leadership. Analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in business intelligence and data-driven decision-making. Strategic thinker with a genuine interest in solution design and innovation. Commitment to Cancer Research UK's mission and values. Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism Human : Act to have a positive impact on people Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still love to hear from you. What will I gain? We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page. How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us. For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
MBDA UK
Stevenage, Hertfordshire
We are looking for a highly motivated business professional, willing to travel internationally, to join our growing Export Strategy & Industrial Participation team within the diverse 'Major Equipment Procurement' (MEP) department at MBDA. Salary: Circa £ 50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2/3 days per week on-site due to workload classification Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team. What we can offer you: Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14% Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more. The opportunity: Major Equipment Procurement (MEP) focus on the sourcing, contracting, supply and licensing of bespoke high value / high complexity sub-systems needed to deliver world leading defence capabilities for our Customers. The MEP Export Strategy & Industrial Participation team focus on developing and delivering technology transfer to support both Offset propositions and licensed manufacture between our MEP Suppliers and our Customers industrial base. Industrial Participation which encompasses Technology Transfer and Offset is essential in the export domain as a means of generating indigenous capability in return for a significant competitive advantage. The Major Equipment Procurement Industrial Participation Team supports export campaigns globally, working with both MEP Suppliers and Customers industry to plan and deliver complex transfers of know-how and capability to support Licensed production. The Senior Delivery Manager role is primarily devoted to the delivery of a large industrial transfer project from an MEP supplier to an MBDA customers Transfer Recipient or supporting a Delivery Executive to deliver multiple industrial transfer projects in support of an MBDA contractual obligation. This involves managing the internal resources from supporting functions including Project MEP, Quality, PCO's & RMO's associated with the transfer while reporting to senior Programmes and MEP leads. Managing the delivery to the Customers Transfer Recipient of large-scale Technology Transfer projects by our OEM Suppliers to schedule, cost and quality. Owning the Transfer Recipient facing Statement of Work, including maintenance of the topicality of all deliverables and furnished items including management of the update process. Ensuring that all Export Control authorizations, EUC's Licenses etc. for export of deliveries (services, documents and hardware) to the Transfer Recipient have been obtained in due time avoiding delays to programmes. Preparation and drafting of reports of progress of Work Packages, including drafting status reports (e.g. Quarterly) based on detailed inputs (e.g. Monthly reports, Suppliers updates, procurement reports etc.). Manage (working with Project Control resources), relevant P6 plans to ensure these are topical including preparation of input data and presentation of status information to senior management. Apply robust project governance, including schedule management, budget tracking, resource allocation, and change control. Use recognised project management methodologies to ensure delivery on time, within scope, and within budget and generate the required reports. Support the production and maintenance of key project items: project plans, risk registers, issue logs, progress reports, and stakeholder communications. Developing and maintaining key relationships with Transfer Recipient personnel and key MEP Supplier personnel. Leading Transfer Project Progress reviews between MBDA and the Transfer Recipient supported by the MEP Suppliers. Tasking internal Technical, Quality, Operations and Programmes resources as required to accept deliveries from MEP Suppliers locally or at Transfer Recipients premises. Preparing and maintaining Transfer Project risk and opportunity registers and budgets. Administering the appropriate internal systems to ensure the criteria are met for the receipt from the Transfer Recipient and payment onto the MEP supplier of Intellectual Property Licenses Fees and Royalties Provide support to further Tendering/Bidding activities associated with additional technology transfer projects on other Campaigns Supporting MEP Project Procurement personnel in the negotiation and management of subcontracts with MEP Suppliers in relation to the Transfer of Technology to achieve robust sub-contracts. Reporting of progress of all aspects of Transfer Projects performance up to Director Level. What we're looking for from you: A self-starting individual who is flexible, adaptable and comfortable working within environment associated Technology Transfer, where existing MBDA business processes are often ambiguous. A curious individual with a naturally enquiring mind, able to question requirements, explore options and identify novel ideas and solutions. A tenacious individual comfortable with problem solving in a challenging commercial environment able to ask and answer difficult questions. A confident individual with excellent communication and presentation skills, you should be confident presenting to a room of internal and external stakeholders. A team player capable of influencing and managing multiple relationships, you should also be comfortable working and travelling autonomously at short notice to a range of European destinations. An assertive individual with a can-do attitude who continually seeks way to maximise on opportunities - you will need to analyse situations and be adept at understanding and presenting different possibilities, balancing risk. An individual able to work on multiple activities simultaneously and self-prioritise according to the business needs. Ideally Degree level academic qualifications (Business, Project Management) orexperience in Project Management, Offset Management or Technology Transfer Experience in the use of common Project Management techniques such as Gantt charts, EE01's, resource plans, TNU's and schedule risk analysis. An understanding and experience of dealing with non-UK nationals and culture sensitivities. An understanding of commercial constructs associated with Technology Transfer including contracts (prime and sub), Requests for Quotations, Statement of Works, Technical Requirement Specifications, Intellectual Property valuation and Licensing (Royalties and Fees) etc. An understanding of Intellectual Property, and how it should be protected, is desirable. Experience in managing multi-national Export Control issues. Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
We are looking for a highly motivated business professional, willing to travel internationally, to join our growing Export Strategy & Industrial Participation team within the diverse 'Major Equipment Procurement' (MEP) department at MBDA. Salary: Circa £ 50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2/3 days per week on-site due to workload classification Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team. What we can offer you: Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14% Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more. The opportunity: Major Equipment Procurement (MEP) focus on the sourcing, contracting, supply and licensing of bespoke high value / high complexity sub-systems needed to deliver world leading defence capabilities for our Customers. The MEP Export Strategy & Industrial Participation team focus on developing and delivering technology transfer to support both Offset propositions and licensed manufacture between our MEP Suppliers and our Customers industrial base. Industrial Participation which encompasses Technology Transfer and Offset is essential in the export domain as a means of generating indigenous capability in return for a significant competitive advantage. The Major Equipment Procurement Industrial Participation Team supports export campaigns globally, working with both MEP Suppliers and Customers industry to plan and deliver complex transfers of know-how and capability to support Licensed production. The Senior Delivery Manager role is primarily devoted to the delivery of a large industrial transfer project from an MEP supplier to an MBDA customers Transfer Recipient or supporting a Delivery Executive to deliver multiple industrial transfer projects in support of an MBDA contractual obligation. This involves managing the internal resources from supporting functions including Project MEP, Quality, PCO's & RMO's associated with the transfer while reporting to senior Programmes and MEP leads. Managing the delivery to the Customers Transfer Recipient of large-scale Technology Transfer projects by our OEM Suppliers to schedule, cost and quality. Owning the Transfer Recipient facing Statement of Work, including maintenance of the topicality of all deliverables and furnished items including management of the update process. Ensuring that all Export Control authorizations, EUC's Licenses etc. for export of deliveries (services, documents and hardware) to the Transfer Recipient have been obtained in due time avoiding delays to programmes. Preparation and drafting of reports of progress of Work Packages, including drafting status reports (e.g. Quarterly) based on detailed inputs (e.g. Monthly reports, Suppliers updates, procurement reports etc.). Manage (working with Project Control resources), relevant P6 plans to ensure these are topical including preparation of input data and presentation of status information to senior management. Apply robust project governance, including schedule management, budget tracking, resource allocation, and change control. Use recognised project management methodologies to ensure delivery on time, within scope, and within budget and generate the required reports. Support the production and maintenance of key project items: project plans, risk registers, issue logs, progress reports, and stakeholder communications. Developing and maintaining key relationships with Transfer Recipient personnel and key MEP Supplier personnel. Leading Transfer Project Progress reviews between MBDA and the Transfer Recipient supported by the MEP Suppliers. Tasking internal Technical, Quality, Operations and Programmes resources as required to accept deliveries from MEP Suppliers locally or at Transfer Recipients premises. Preparing and maintaining Transfer Project risk and opportunity registers and budgets. Administering the appropriate internal systems to ensure the criteria are met for the receipt from the Transfer Recipient and payment onto the MEP supplier of Intellectual Property Licenses Fees and Royalties Provide support to further Tendering/Bidding activities associated with additional technology transfer projects on other Campaigns Supporting MEP Project Procurement personnel in the negotiation and management of subcontracts with MEP Suppliers in relation to the Transfer of Technology to achieve robust sub-contracts. Reporting of progress of all aspects of Transfer Projects performance up to Director Level. What we're looking for from you: A self-starting individual who is flexible, adaptable and comfortable working within environment associated Technology Transfer, where existing MBDA business processes are often ambiguous. A curious individual with a naturally enquiring mind, able to question requirements, explore options and identify novel ideas and solutions. A tenacious individual comfortable with problem solving in a challenging commercial environment able to ask and answer difficult questions. A confident individual with excellent communication and presentation skills, you should be confident presenting to a room of internal and external stakeholders. A team player capable of influencing and managing multiple relationships, you should also be comfortable working and travelling autonomously at short notice to a range of European destinations. An assertive individual with a can-do attitude who continually seeks way to maximise on opportunities - you will need to analyse situations and be adept at understanding and presenting different possibilities, balancing risk. An individual able to work on multiple activities simultaneously and self-prioritise according to the business needs. Ideally Degree level academic qualifications (Business, Project Management) orexperience in Project Management, Offset Management or Technology Transfer Experience in the use of common Project Management techniques such as Gantt charts, EE01's, resource plans, TNU's and schedule risk analysis. An understanding and experience of dealing with non-UK nationals and culture sensitivities. An understanding of commercial constructs associated with Technology Transfer including contracts (prime and sub), Requests for Quotations, Statement of Works, Technical Requirement Specifications, Intellectual Property valuation and Licensing (Royalties and Fees) etc. An understanding of Intellectual Property, and how it should be protected, is desirable. Experience in managing multi-national Export Control issues. Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Durham University
Durham, County Durham
The Role and Department The Senior Research Contracts Manager will provide expert leadership in the negotiation, drafting and management of research agreements, ensuring that the University's interests are protected while enabling high quality research activity to proceed efficiently. Acting as a senior point of escalation for complex or high risk contractual matters, the post holder will offer authoritative advice on contractual terms, governance requirements and compliance obligations across a diverse range of funders and partners. The role will involve drafting and negotiating a wide variety of research agreements, including collaboration agreements, contract research agreements, framework agreements, subcontracts, sub awards and studentships, working with a broad range of UK and international sponsors and collaborators. The post holder will also contribute to the smooth running of the research contract's function, including co ordinating the development of standard agreements and supporting the design and implementation of robust internal contracting processes and workflows, ensuring continuous enhancement of research contracting across the institution. You will work alongside two otherSenior Research Contracts Managers who provide leadership and oversight for the University's research contracting function, ensuring consistent practice, effective workload management and a coordinated, high quality service. The post holder will build strong working relationships with academic colleagues, Professional Services teams and external partners, providing clear guidance and negotiation leadership that balances institutional risk with enabling research activity. This role is central to ensuring contractual readiness, robust risk management and the effective transition of projects into delivery. A thorough understanding of the UK HEI research funding landscape is essential. Reporting to the Head of Research Operations, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team. The post holder must be highly organised, detail focused and proactive in solving problems, with the ability to prioritise and manage a busy and varied workload. You will be comfortable working across multiple concurrent projects at different stages of development. As a confident communicator, you will form close working relationships with colleagues across the Operations Team, the Research Development Team, Faculty Offices, Heads of Department, Directors of Research, Department Managers and other Professional Support Staff. Subject to business need, the working pattern can be arranged to suit the successful applicant. Dependent on experience, the successful applicant may need to work on campus for the majority of the time for the first three months Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
The Role and Department The Senior Research Contracts Manager will provide expert leadership in the negotiation, drafting and management of research agreements, ensuring that the University's interests are protected while enabling high quality research activity to proceed efficiently. Acting as a senior point of escalation for complex or high risk contractual matters, the post holder will offer authoritative advice on contractual terms, governance requirements and compliance obligations across a diverse range of funders and partners. The role will involve drafting and negotiating a wide variety of research agreements, including collaboration agreements, contract research agreements, framework agreements, subcontracts, sub awards and studentships, working with a broad range of UK and international sponsors and collaborators. The post holder will also contribute to the smooth running of the research contract's function, including co ordinating the development of standard agreements and supporting the design and implementation of robust internal contracting processes and workflows, ensuring continuous enhancement of research contracting across the institution. You will work alongside two otherSenior Research Contracts Managers who provide leadership and oversight for the University's research contracting function, ensuring consistent practice, effective workload management and a coordinated, high quality service. The post holder will build strong working relationships with academic colleagues, Professional Services teams and external partners, providing clear guidance and negotiation leadership that balances institutional risk with enabling research activity. This role is central to ensuring contractual readiness, robust risk management and the effective transition of projects into delivery. A thorough understanding of the UK HEI research funding landscape is essential. Reporting to the Head of Research Operations, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team. The post holder must be highly organised, detail focused and proactive in solving problems, with the ability to prioritise and manage a busy and varied workload. You will be comfortable working across multiple concurrent projects at different stages of development. As a confident communicator, you will form close working relationships with colleagues across the Operations Team, the Research Development Team, Faculty Offices, Heads of Department, Directors of Research, Department Managers and other Professional Support Staff. Subject to business need, the working pattern can be arranged to suit the successful applicant. Dependent on experience, the successful applicant may need to work on campus for the majority of the time for the first three months Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
