RKE Contracts Manager: Manchester Metropolitan University
The Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Directorate at Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking to appoint a Contracts Manager to join the RKE Delivery team and provide legal support for research and knowledge exchange activity for the University.
Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate:
The Directorate is responsible for the central management and delivery of RKE strategy. We support academic departments in the development of research income and the wider research environment, impact and public engagement activities, business partnerships and collaborations.
The team also supports the University’s growing partnerships and widening regional activities across a range of sectors, and are responsible for the leadership and administration of the University Graduate School.
The role:
The Contracts Manager will manage all aspects of contract negotiation for research and knowledge exchange activity across the University. The post-holder will manage the drafting, review and authorisation of research and knowledge-exchange grants and related contracts and will act as a business partner and primary point of contact and advice for RKE-active staff across the University.
You will report to the Research Operations Manager and work closely with colleagues in RKE Delivery and the wider RKE Team to ensure all University RKE agreements are compliant with the University’s financial and governance regulations.
About you:
The ideal candidate will have experience in negotiating and drafting research and knowledge exchange contracts, having previously worked in a firm of solicitors or in-house in a contracts manager role.
They will be able to liaise credibly and articulately with colleagues at all levels including executive/professoriate, the post holder will have the ability to influence and advise, managing a high-volume workload to meet high standards and client expectations, and work under pressure to meet precise deadlines.
This is a key role within the RKE Delivery Team, and the Contracts Manager will have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to supporting strategically important RKE activity within the University.
This is a key role at central level, giving the successful applicant the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the implementation of the University’s ambitious RKE strategy.
Working here:
Manchester Met offers a fantastic range of benefits to employees, including a central location, which is excellent for commuters, a generous annual leave allowance (35 days, plus Christmas Closure, and Bank Holidays), and a very competitive pension scheme. You will also get access to retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Program, cycle to work scheme, plus many more rewards and benefits.
How to apply:
Please ensure that you include a CV and detailed Covering Letter with your application. You should be clear about how you meet each relevant criteria in the person specification and give evidence of your experience within your Covering Letter.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sharron Lobley, Research Operations Manager, S.Lobley@mmu.ac.uk.
Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, who we recognise are underrepresented in this area.
Hybrid working is offered for this role, where you will be able to work a proportion of time on campus and a proportion remotely. We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations throughout the application process.