Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Contracts Manager to join their busy Research Grants and Contracts department and support world leading research.
Working alongside our current Contract Managers as well as colleagues across the Partnership and Institutes you will lead on drafting and negotiating high quality contractual arrangements for sponsored research including, but not limited to, collaboration agreements, commercial contracts, confidentiality agreements, consultancy agreements and material transfer agreements. Working in support of the researchers and driven by business needs, you will provide a professional, effective, timely and responsive contracts service.
The role is important in protecting the Institutes' reputation with third parties and stake holders in how it drafts and negotiates contracts. It is key in managing risk in contracts, ensuring appropriate indemnity and mitigation from litigation. It will ensure scientific freedom to operate for the Norwich Bioscience Institutes researchers whilst ensuring appropriate Intellectual Property provisions including access rights and financial considerations.
Key Relationships
The Contracts Manager will be a member of the Contracts Team and will be an expert in contractual management for the Institutes. They will need to work closely in support of researchers across the Institutes and their relevant Business Development teams. They will need to liaise on negotiation of contracts with other academic Research Organisations and HEIs as well as Companies across the sectors relevant to the Norwich Bioscience Institutes research activities.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Contract drafting and negotiation
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating terms on a variety of research and commercial contracts on behalf of the Norwich Bioscience Institutes.
• Ensuring that contractual terms meet the Institutes' requirements, or that variations are highlighted and appropriately managed in liaison with the Head of Contracts.
• Ensuring that institutional risk is identified and appropriately assessed and mitigated within each contract.Liaison and Management
• Liaising with the researchers and the Business Development teams to understand the aims of the researchers, ensuring the terms of a contract are appropriate.
• Develop and maintain a trusted relationship with researchers, keeping them regularly informed of the status of contract development and appropriately involving them in the process.
• Work closely with the other members of the Contracts Team and the Business Development managers, to ensure effective and co-ordinated approaches in support of research and knowledge exchange plans.
• Liaise with HR and Finance on Contractual matters using best practice to facilitate efficient contractual management and best use of resources.Policies
• Maintain a good understanding of Partnership and Institutes' policies as they relate to research and knowledge exchange.
• Implement, develop and maintain an understanding of critical regulatory requirements and / or policy issues.Intellectual Property
• Facilitate and liaise with Plant Bioscience Ltd and take account of other third party technology transfer companies (if appropriate) to ensure the interests of the Institutes are protected.
• Dealing with ongoing IP protection and IP matters as they ariseAs agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementBachelors Degree or equivalent in a relevant subjectQualification in intellectual property law / processes, or relevant experienceLegal qualification
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementA problem solver able to propose solutionsAble to multi-task and manage diverse workloads and deliver to tight deadlines Able to work independently within a broad framework and accept individual responsibility Ability to assimilate information from a wide variety of sourcesCompetence using a broad range of IT packages, Word, Excel, Email, databases and PowerPointExcellent knowledge and understanding of contractual arrangements Knowledge and understanding of research contracting
Relevant Experience
RequirementRecent, substantial experience of contract law and drafting and reviewing contractsRecent, substantial experience of negotiating contractsRecent experience of working in a similar role in a university or research organisation Recent experience of Intellectual Property management and protection
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementExcellent communication skills, both written and verbal Able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders Excellent organisational skillsCommitted and results drivenStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well as part of a team
Additional Requirements
RequirementAttention to detailAble to present a positive image of self and the PartnershipPromotes equality and values diversityWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to workWillingness to work outside standard working hours as requiredApplication must include a supporting statement which shows how the applicant meets the person profile criteriaAbility to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate