Contracts Officer - Commercial Education and Research

University of Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is looking for a part-time legal professional to join its Legal Team as a maternity cover. The role includes providing legal advice on commercial contracts associated with education and research. Candidates should have experience in contract negotiations and be organised and detail-oriented. This position offers a hybrid working model, allowing flexibility in work arrangements along with substantial benefits such as generous leave and on-site amenities.

Benefits

41 days leave per year

Flexible working options

Discounts at leading retailers

Onsite gyms

Cycle to work scheme

Leading parental leave policies

Qualifications

• Experienced with contracts and contractual negotiations.
• Organised and enthusiastic.
• Ability to work independently within a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on commercial contracts relating to education.
• Handle contractual negotiations for research activities.
• Ensure effective contractual negotiation and administrative function.

Skills

Experience with contracts

Organisational skills

Good communication

Attention to detail

Job description

This new part-time (0.9 FTE) post is available from 1 February 2026 on a fixed term basis to cover a maternity leave until 1 February 2027.

This position could be an opportunity for an internal secondment, with approval from your current line manager.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours.

Summary of the role

This is a role within the Legal Team at the University which will work alongside other members of Professional Services to ensure the provision of an effective contractual negotiation and administrative function to the University, covering a range of activities primarily relating to the University’s commercial education and research activities.

The role will include providing legal advice on commercial contracts relating to education (including degree apprenticeships and continuing professional development) and research (including commercial clinical trials).

We wish to recruit someone who is experienced with contracts and contractual negotiations, organised and enthusiastic with an eye for detail, and a good communicator. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work independently within a supportive team.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

Benefits

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Chrysten Cole, General Counsel and Director of Legal and Student Cases [e-mail].