Commercial Pricing and Contracts Manager

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides guidance, expert advice and hands-on support for all aspects of research and research-related activity, including securing funding, working with partners, supporting knowledge exchange and impact, commercialisation, and ensuring good practice.

The Research Operations Team, the largest team within the Directorate, provides comprehensive support to academic and Professional Support Services (PSS) colleagues across the full lifecycle of a research project. The team delivers pre-award, contracting, post-award and consultancy support. This includes tailored financial and contractual advice from the earliest stages of planning, costing and pricing proposals, through to efficient contract negotiation and robust financial management and compliance for awarded projects.

The Commercial Pricing and Contracts Manager sits within the Research Contracting Hub and leads the development and delivery of specialist commercial support for consultancy, contract research, tender opportunities and other externally funded activities. The role is responsible for providing expert advice on costing, pricing, commercial terms and contract negotiation, enabling the University to maximise income opportunities while managing financial, legal, operational and reputational risks.

Reporting to a Senior Research Contracts Manager, the postholder provides day-to-day supervision and line management for a Research and Consultancy Coordinator, supporting their development and ensuring the effective delivery of consultancy, tender and contracting support services.

Working closely with academic colleagues, Research Operations, Business Development, Finance, Procurement and Legal Services, the postholder will support the development of commercially sustainable proposals, negotiate commercial and contractual arrangements with external organisations, and provide leadership in the development of processes and approaches that enhance the University's commercial research and consultancy activities.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the costing, pricing and commercial review of consultancy, contract research, tender and business development opportunities.
- Provide expert advice on commercial pricing strategies, cost recovery and financial sustainability.
- Support academic and professional service colleagues in the preparation of competitive tender submissions, proposals and commercial bids.
- Negotiate commercial and contractual terms with customers, partners, subcontractors and funders to secure favourable outcomes for the University.
- Draft and review consultancy, service, collaboration and research-related contracts and contract-related documentation.
- Provide specialist guidance on contractual risk, commitments, liability, intellectual property, confidentiality and compliance requirements.
- Develop and maintain standard proposal and contract templates, pricing models and guidance materials.
- Contribute to the development of institutional policies, procedures and training relating to commercial research, consultancy and contracting activities.
- Maintain the University's presence on relevant procurement and tendering portals, ensuring organisational information, accreditations and supporting documentation remain current and compliant.

Service Delivery/Development:
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.
- Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures relevant to your area of work.
- Manage the delivery of consultancy and contract research across the University to a high standard.
- Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required and contributing to ideas and service improvements.

Planning and Organisation:
- Manage the delivery of operational activities carried out by the specified services you are responsible for.
- Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your Service.
- Review data on the level of service provided by your area to recommend areas for future improvement.

Team Development:
- Manage and monitor the performance, workload and expected outcomes of your direct report.
- Ensure your team can deliver required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities appropriately.
- Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and identify development needs.
- Coach and mentor team members, responding to training or development needs.
- Support the welfare and wellbeing of your team.

Communication/Liaison:
- Provide advice and share guidance with stakeholders to ensure compliance with University policies, procedures and regulations.
- Use operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.
- Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks.

Essential Criteria:
1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
2. Experience of developing, reviewing and negotiating contracts and contract-related documentation (preferably commercial, consultancy and research-related).
3. Experience of costing, pricing and commercial review (preferably of consultancy, contract research, commercial and externally funded activities).
4. Experience of supporting tender submissions and commercial bids.
5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements.
6. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
7. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share good practice and develop strong working relationships.
8. Experience of managing and developing a team and/or a line management qualification.
9. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships.
10. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps.
11. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
12. Ability to solve problems and plan appropriate solutions.
13. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.

Desirable Criteria:
14. Experience of working within a UK Higher Education or research environment.
15. Knowledge of research funding, consultancy and knowledge exchange activities within the UK Higher Education sector.
16. Knowledge and experience of UK Government Agency procurement and tendering regulations and procedures.

Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (42 days total).
- Generous USS pension scheme with automatic enrolment.
- Parking, cycle to work scheme, local transport discounts, and Tusker Car Benefit Scheme.
- Comprehensive professional development courses and apprenticeships.
- Health and wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Outstanding on-site nursery and holiday camps for children aged 5–16.
- Generous family-friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave.
- Volunteering opportunities and exclusive staff discounts portal.
- Relocation assistance and visa cost support where applicable.