Commercial Pricing and Contracts Manager

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department

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

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.

The role acts as a key specialist adviser on commercial research and consultancy matters, supporting the successful development of new business opportunities while ensuring compliance with University policies, contractual obligations and sector best practice. Through effective stakeholder engagement, process improvement and staff leadership, the postholder will help strengthen the University's commercial capability, increase income generation and deliver a high-quality service to internal and external partners.

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

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University\:

• You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.

• We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

• Our family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

• Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest-free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.