Legal Contracts Manager to support research at the University of Sheffield. Hybrid working up to 50% remote, excellent professional development opportunities, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
- Contract Negotiation – draft, review, negotiate research and innovation contracts, including research, material transfer, MoUs, IP licences, scholarships, consultancy, collaborations, and funding agreements.
- Line Management – provide management for staff, prioritise workloads, support development, and maintain a collaborative team environment.
- Expert Contractual Advice – give pragmatic recommendations aligned to University policy and regulations, translating legal language into practical terms for researchers and project staff.
- Process Improvement and Collaboration – work with colleagues to adopt a risk‑based approach to contracting, contributing to guidance and process developments.
- Contract Interpretation and Documentation – interpret clauses for non‑specialist audiences, prepare recommendations for signatures, and maintain timely records in the contract database.
- Professional Development and Networking – pursue continuous development, stay abreast of legal changes, and maintain a professional network within higher education.
- University Citizenship – embed the University’s sustainability strategy and make ethical decisions in all working activities.
- Other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community values the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all staff. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly, your contribution is valuable and we encourage you to apply. Please reference the application criteria in your application statement.
Essential Criteria
- Extensive knowledge and experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of legal contracts, with a working knowledge of English law.
- Proven ability to identify key risks and opportunities within complex contractual arrangements.
- Demonstrable experience providing expert contractual advice and guidance to diverse audiences, translating complex legal language into practical terms.
- Experience in line management, including leadership, development, mentoring, and performance management.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels.
- Proactive and solution‑oriented approach, with the ability to identify potential issues and develop creative solutions.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and staying up to date with relevant legal and regulatory changes.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working within a higher education or research‑intensive environment.
- Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts across an organisation.
Compensation and Benefits
Grade: 7Salary: £38,784 to £47,389 per annum, with potential progression to £51,753 through outstanding contribution.
Benefits include 41 days annual leave (pro rata) with purchase option, flexible working, generous pension scheme, a wide range of retail discounts, staff networks, recognition awards, learning opportunities, family‑friendly policies, and more.
BPSS check (including DBS) required.
The University is a Disability Confident Employer.
Work Arrangement
Full‑time, up to 50% remote, hybrid.
Contact
Verity Clarke, Contracts Team Managere: v.e.clarke@sheffield.ac.ukp: 0114 222 1439
Closing Date
28/06/2026
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