Job Title: Contracts Manager

Directorate: School of Social Sciences

Contract Type: Full time (35 hours per week), Fixed-Term (12 months) 

Grade and Salary: 7 (£36,023 - £45,845) 

Organisation Name: Edinburgh Business School

Purpose of the Role

Heriot-Watt University is leading a consortium of seven universities, supporting the formation of a new national research centred funded by a significant UKRI and stakeholder co-investment for a 5-year and £45M programme of challenge-led research into digital twinning for transport decarbonisation. The Contracts Manager will prepare, negotiate and conclude commercial contracts, including confidentiality, research, collaboration & consultancy agreements. The role will support the Research Hub’s activities with contractual advice for research, knowledge exchange and services as required.

Detailed Description

The research will build on highly successful consultation which explored transport decarbonisation and mode integration. This new national research hub will be responsible for delivering new knowledge, technical capabilities and policy advisement relating to UK transport decarbonisation priorities. This highly ambitious programme of research is supported by over 65 industrial, research and stakeholder organisations.

The Contracts Manager will report to the Head of Legal within the Research Engagement Directorate and to the Transit Hub Manager. They will work closely with the Research Hub team based at Heriot-Watt University and across all partner organisations. The post holder will be expected to spend time working within the research environment to be aware of emerging issues. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To draft, negotiate and advise on research, knowledge exchange and related contracts, subcontracts, confidentiality agreements, studentships, collaboration agreements, etc.
• To provide commercially focussed advice on industrial sponsorship deals and contracts.
• To provide advice on standard data and software licences, data protection agreements and associated documentation.
• To provide general intellectual property advice to academic and professional services colleagues.
• To assist the Head of Legal on a variety of contractual matters as required.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

About our Team 

The Research Hub is led by Heriot-Watt University, and the support team of seven roles is based principally in Heriot-Watt, with two additional members also based at Glasgow University. All support roles report directly to the Hub Manager, who sits on the Executive Team of the Research Hub. The Finance Manager will be based at Heriot-Watt University, within the Research Hub offices. They will also have professional management support from the had of Research Finance, based in the Research Engagement Directorate. 

Education, Qualifications & Experience:

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be based. 

Essential

Education & Qualifications

• Educated to SCQF Level 9 in Law or Business subjects, or equivalent professional experience 

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Commercial contracts experience.
• An understanding of Intellectual Property and an ability to apply that understanding in a practical manner
• Knowledge of the HE sectors and/or contractual matters 
• Highly motivated with excellent communication skills and networking ability
• Able to work within an established team and show initiative
• Able to plan, prioritise and organize workload to achieve agreed objectives
• Able to exercise judgement while not compromising the integrity of the project on which you are working
• Familiar with drafting documents and preparing summary reports
• Willingness to participate in networks both internally and externally to influence and further Research Hub’s mission
• Competent in the use of relevant IT packages 
• Well-developed interpersonal skills 
• Demonstrable professional and proactive approach
• Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment
• Demonstrable provision of excellent customer service 

Desirable

• A successful track record operating with a wide range of stakeholders
• Understanding the different aspects of commercialisation in a university context.
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the Higher Education sector 
• Proven track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of colleagues beyond legal teams.
• The ability to listen, engage, persuade and to relate well to stakeholders and colleagues

About Heriot-Watt

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. 

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt University is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. 

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.

Applications must be submitted by midnight on 14 July 2024. 

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.