The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Are you looking for an opportunity to be responsible for negotiating contracts? We are looking for someone to join our Contracts team who:

• Is pragmatic, logical and proactive
• Delivers a customer-focussed approach
• Has excellent attention to detail
• Is able to communicate in a straight-forward way
• Is inquisitive and keen to learn
• Is able to manage changing priorities

We will provide guidance and training to enable you to convert your existing relevant experience to work with contracts supporting research and innovation activities. You will primarily be responsible for confidentiality agreements and standard contracts. You will work directly with partner organisations including universities, charities, commercial organisations, government departments, the NHS and overseas funders. With guidance from colleagues, you will also provide advice to academic and professional services staff at all levels and support the wider team with the review of a range of contracts such as scholarships, material transfer agreements, variations and research collaboration agreements. Being interested in the objectives of the teams undertaking research and innovation projects and empathising with their priorities and pressures will enable you to offer the right sort of support at the right time.

The position is in a friendly and supportive team, working 50% on campus and 50% remotely. You will have good professional development opportunities and CPD opportunities to develop your skills and experience, with an employer which values and promotes equality, diversity and inclusion.

Main duties and responsibilities

• With training and guidance from senior colleagues:
  • Review, adapt and negotiate confidentiality, material transfer, variations, studentship and research collaboration agreements with external organisations, ensuring that appropriate measures and terms are in place to ensure risks are acceptable and understood and the best possible outcome is secured for the University.
  • Provide a transparent and timely service, based on an understanding of the contracting issues in a given area.
  • Work within a framework of practice agreed with the University, provide advice, guidance and recommendations to academic staff and colleagues on issues including acceptable risks, Intellectual Property and project management.
• Prepare and make recommendations for the signature of agreements.
• Keep database and other records up to date to ensure that there is a full record of negotiations and agreements.
• Work closely with colleagues in the wider team and beyond to ensure appropriate financial terms are included in agreements.
• Liaise with colleagues in Research, Partnerships and Innovation and in other University departments to ensure that appropriate protocols and regulations are in place in contracts.
• Undertake ongoing professional development to extend knowledge of the contracting process, of relevant legal issues and the University context.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post. 

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Tuesday 23rd September. This will consist of an interview and a test. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 15th September. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact s.napoli@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework. A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A BPSS check will be needed for this role, which includes a DBS check. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/BPSS (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date : 05/09/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.