Contracts Manager - 47,776 p.a. + benefits

We are currently looking for a Contracts Manager to join our Standards Lifecycle Function within the Science and Research Group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The Science and Research Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique regulatory proposition for patients and users via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.

Role Purpose

The Contracts Manager role will drive impactful research, services and business agreements and negotiations. The postholder will enjoy working in a stimulating and challenging environment and will ideally have a scientific background/understanding with experience working in research/business contracts negotiation. They will work as part of a small research and business contracts team comprising legal experts, Contract Officials, Grants Manager and administration support. The postholder will work closely with both scientific project leaders to gain further insight into the scientific objectives of the project and with the legal experts to review and draft associated legal agreements. Legal agreements may take the form of research contracts, specialist commercial contracts, collaboration agreements, studentships, confidentiality agreements, material transfers and intellectual property agreements. The postholder will be comfortable with independent working and advising a range of MHRA colleagues on complex points of law and contracts, though will seek senior team members support with the most complex and demanding cases.

The post holder will have experience of stakeholder management. The role will involve extensive internal interactions as well as with external stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, academia, global governmental organisations, and grant-funding bodies to support the Agency's global scientific research and development programs.

The role will work alongside other government agencies and internal teams to support the development of commercialisation activities, delivering a sustainable approach to innovative research activities.

Key responsibilities and results areas

• Contract Management and Knowledge of Key Contract Issues: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements to ensure they are clear, legally sound, and aligned with the Agency's objectives. Work and secure contract clauses to protect the organisation's interests and meet public health needs. Key contract subjects might be but are not limited to intellectual property provisions, insurance, confidentiality, publication, performance, warranties, liability and indemnities, governing law and jurisdiction, etc. Commercial and pragmatic contract negotiation skills.
• Stakeholder Communication: Establish and maintain excellent customer and stakeholder relations. Communicate complex contractual matters effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including scientific experts, legal professionals, and external organisations. Ability to convey complex and technical information to non-specialist audiences.
• Scientific interactions: The postholder will have extensive internal interaction with scientific teams as well as with external stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, academia, global governmental organisations, and grant-funding bodies to support the Agency's global scientific research and development programs.
• Document Control and Monitoring: Maintain a high standard of contracts administration, ensuring accurate record keeping and traceability. Ensure templates, guidelines, and training materials are up to date. Ensure proper traceability and record-keeping for all agreements.
• Reporting and Analysis: Provide regular reports and management information to track contract-related activities, identify trends, and monitor performance against agreed metrics and targets.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about contract law and best practices. Propose and implement improvements to contract management processes to ensure efficiency and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of drafting and negotiating effective research and business contracts in the Life Science sector.
• Demonstrable experience of building and maintaining effective and successful relationships with a variety of stakeholders in a client-facing role, responding to enquiries from clients and colleagues in a timely, efficient and appropriate manner.
• Professional business, legal or paralegal qualification and/or equivalent proven contract drafting and negotiation experience, preferably gained in a research environment in academia or Life Science sector.
• Demonstrable knowledge of how to conduct a thorough review of a contract to ensure its accuracy and completeness.