We are currently working in partnership with an educational institution in Merseyside, who are looking to appoint a Solicitor to lead their Research Contracts function on a permanent basis.
This will be a full-time position offering £59,000 – £67,500 per annum, and they are looking for someone to attend the office 3 times per week, with 2 days home working.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience within Higher Education and have a current practising certificate.
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Leading the research and innovation legal function, overseeing workload prioritisation and ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality legal support
- Providing expert, practical legal advice across a broad range of complex commercial, research, and governance matters to senior stakeholders across the organisation
- Managing a diverse caseload, taking the lead on drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of contracts, including high-value and complex agreements
- Acting as a strategic legal partner to research and innovation teams, supporting key projects, collaborations, and funding arrangements with a solutions-focused approach
- Advising on legal risk, compliance, and governance issues, ensuring adherence to relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies
- Supporting the structuring and negotiation of partnerships, joint ventures, and other external relationships, safeguarding organisational interests
- Developing and maintaining legal templates and processes, delivering training to staff, and proactively keeping stakeholders informed of legal developments and emerging risks
- Line managing and supporting junior team members, providing guidance, oversight, and development to ensure a high-performing legal function
Experience required:
- Experience required in Higher Education (desirable)
- Experience with research contracts
- Advising on complex and sensitive matters at a senior level
- Current, detailed understanding of legal principles of contract, IT and intellectual property law
Skills, knowledge and expertise required:
- Attention to detail and excellent written communication skills
- Ability to cultivate relationships to communicate the importance of legal compliance and consideration
- Ability to manage a personal workload to meet high standards and precise deadlines
Rewards and Benefits:
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working days
Working hours:
- 35 hours per week
- Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.
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