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Contracts Manager

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Sep 12, 2016

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Job Details

JOB PURPOSE:

To lead in the preparation, negotiation and execution of contracts ensuring that the interests of the University are protected in relation to intellectual property, contract research, consultancy and technical services, thereby enabling significant commercialisation outcomes to be achieved.

MAJOR DUTIES:

  • Contribute to the mission and strategic priorities of the University, particularly in relation to the expansion and diversification of its income base through the protection of the University’s position in contracts relating to Intellectual Property (IP), confidentiality, liability, research governance and commercialisation of research. Working with a broad range of academic colleagues, researchers and external stakeholders, provide specialist legal and professional advice and lead in the preparation, negotiation and execution of a range of contracts and other legal documents, including Research Contracts, Collaboration Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Licence Agreements, IP Transfer Agreements, Consultancy and Technical Services contracts. Lead in the identification and
  • management of complex contractual issues and the negotiation of disputed contractual clauses. Evaluate and advise the University on risk mitigation associated with warranties and liabilities and manage any disputes in relation to IP or other contractual conditions.
  • Liaise with external funding agencies including Research Councils, Government Departments, charities and commercial organisations to negotiate contractual obligations. For each research funding application and commercial funding opportunity ensure correct contract documentation is developed, executed in a timely and efficient manner, recorded and retained.
  • Develop and maintain a portfolio of contract templates and implement policies and procedures for optimisation of the contract management process, working with senior University staff and the University’s external legal resources.
  • Create and maintain an effective register of all contract documentation associated with grants awarded, cross correlating these to the IP register. Develop and implement policy and procedures for undertaking due diligence in relation to IP ownership through analysis of contracts relating to specific inventions, technologies and disclosures. Create and maintain a register of all Confidentiality Agreements, Confidential Information and Material Transfer Agreements, highlighting specific requirements to be maintained and detailing implications for any IP arising from associated research.
  • In consultation with the Head of Contracting, develop a programme for advising on contractual issues. Deliver specialist advice, awareness and training through workshops across the University.
  • Manage the Contract Officers and other staff involved in contract preparation, negotiation and execution. Set appropriate targets, manage and motivate staff to ensure the achievement of those targets, delegating responsibilities as appropriate, and assist in the development of staff to improve their performance. Deputise for the Head of Contracting as appropriate. Where appropriate, represent the University on external partnerships and liaise with companies and external bodies to promote the University’s regional profile and knowledge transfer activities.


Planning and Organising:

  • Assist the Head of Contracting in the implementation and achievement of the strategic priorities of the Contracting Team in line with the University Vision and Research and Enterprise objectives and key tasks. Plan, and organise the activities of professional and administrative staff within the Team as required. Develop and implement work schedules to meet the Team’s targets and turnaround times.
  • Plan, develop and manage programmes of work which ensure the University’s intellectual property and commercially exploitable knowledge is identified and protected in patents, contracts and agreements, and that there is provision of professional expertise in Intellectual Property, contract preparation, negotiation and execution.
  • Participate as a Member of the Research and Enterprise Directorate contributing to overall strategic planning process and implementation.


Resource Management Responsibilities:

  • Manage a team of professional Contracting staff as required, to ensure delivery of the Team and individual targets. Liaise both within the Research & Enterprise Directorate and across all University Directorates and Faculties to develop and coordinate strategic performance targets ensuring the objectives of the Contracting Team are promoted. Deputise for the Head of
  • Contracting as appropriate.
  • Be responsible for income generation through timely delivery of professional expertise in contract preparation, negotiation, closure and execution.
  • Manage budgets and the financial reporting systems for the Contracting Team where appropriate to ensure maximum value is delivered for resources deployed.
  • Contribute to overall resource and budget planning within the Research and Enterprise Directorate.
  • Contribute to the financial reporting for technology transfer, the patent portfolio and client relationship management systems.
  • Manage personal time and workload on a medium-term basis to support the Research and Enterprise Directorate objectives in line with the University’s Vision.


Internal and External Relationships:

  • Liaise and network with staff at senior management level and all academic and researcher levels across the University on issues related to the work of the Research and Enterprise Directorate and the Contracting Team.
  • Develop and manage key relationships with organisations and individuals in the public, private and community sectors as funders, partners and clients of the Contracting Team.
  • Promote the University’s intellectual property and ‘know how’ at both internal and external meetings/events to ensure that
  • University’s interests are appropriately represented and acted upon.
  • Develop contact with other areas of the University, in particular the Research Support Office, to develop new/improved processes and supporting systems.
  • Interact with external legal counsel and other technology transfer organisations nationally and internationally to collaborate and co-ordinate policy/best practice developments


ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

  • Preferably, honours degree in Law or equivalent legal qualification or A degree in science, engineering or related disciplines with significant relevant experience of managing a large portfolio of
  • contracts.
  • Evidence of recent relevant professional experience which includes a significant element of managerial responsibility in the area of contract management.
  • Advanced specialist expertise in successful, relevant contract preparation, negotiation and execution.
  • Experience of successfully leading a virtual team in a dynamic and changing environment, with evidence of formulating clear business strategies and adhering to good governance practices.
  • Proven ability of successfully developing and cultivating relationships and alliances, particularly with business, universities, research institutions and government departments and agencies.
  • Proven project management skills to manage multiple simultaneous projects of significant size and/or complexity.
  • Experience of managing and controlling budgets and resources and an understanding of financial management procedures.

 

  • Well developed analytical capabilities and ability to analyse complex information.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with university staff and external stakeholders. Ability to manage a varied workload and work to tight deadlines.
  • Willingness to work flexibly with considerable travel and substantial time commitment outside of normal working hours.


DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

  • A postgraduate or professional legal qualification with three years post qualification experience.
  • Experience of working with or within a university, a research environment or a technology transfer environment.
  • Experience of the contractual aspects of research governance within a clinical/Health & Social care environment.
  • Experience and expertise in the management of intellectual property.
  • Experience of CRM and IP management software applications.
  • Experience of writing papers, preparing and delivering talks/presentations in a number of contexts.
  • Understanding of the regional economic needs and priorities and how the University can address those needs and priorities through technology transfer.
  • Understanding of the sources of University funding for research, development and innovation.

 

 

 

 

 

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"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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