Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Associate Director of Research Support & Governance, the Contracts Manager and Post-Award Team Lead will have responsibility for a portfolio of research, consultancy and knowledge exchange agreements and will provide advice and guidance to researchers and professional services staff on contractual issues related to externally funded projects. The Contracts Manager will line manage the Post-Award Team, which consists of the Contracts Officer and the Post-Award Processes Officer. The post is available immediately. For further information or to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Christie Walker, Associate Director Research Support & Governance c.walker@brookes.ac.uk. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 10th July 2025. About the team The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Enterprise provides support to facilitate world leading research and cutting edge innovation and to promote engagement with research end-users and beneficiaries. We accelerate collaborations between industry, business, the public sector, NGOs and academia. We support the commercialisation of research through licensing and the creation of spinout companies. What will I be doing?

• Administering and implementing up to 400 contracts per year with an individual value per contract of up to £1m, delivering these alongside the Contracts Officer
• Drafting, negotiating and implementing a wide range of agreements, including research, consultancy, collaboration and complex European Commission agreements, with external clients
• Ensuring contract research and related agreements are in compliance with the University's financial and other regulations, as well as external legal requirements, and have been appropriately authorised
• Providing specialist advice to colleagues on the negotiation of the terms of sponsored research, consultancy and knowledge exchange-related contracts
• Liaising with the University's Legal Services solicitors and specialists on contractual issues such as IP, VAT and insurance
• Managing the Post-Award Team, including being responsible for the work and line management of the Contracts Officer and the Post-Award Processes Officer
• Working closely with the Associate Director of Research Support & Governance as well as the other Research Support & Governance team heads (Pre-Award, Research Culture & Practice, and Researcher Development) to ensure the continuing development and delivery of high-quality research support activities., Based at our Headington campus, you'll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role is hybrid and is likely to require 1 day on campus per week.
  
  Full Time, Permanent - Professional Ser, Proven track record in negotiating and drafting contracts in a research, legal or similar context
• Wide-ranging knowledge and experience of research contracts provisions, e.g., intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, VAT
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills with a clear understanding of a wide range of contractual concepts and issues as well as the ability to understand and respond to the requirements of diverse stakeholders
• Well-developed analytic and problem-solving skills, able to interpret contract terms and to advise on their impact appropriately.
  
  Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: "shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research."
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive. In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year). We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline. We prioritise the well-being of our employees-both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team. In addition, all employees have access to:
• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on-site Nursery.
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.