Legal Officer / Contracts Manager

Rand Europe; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Cambridge seeks an experienced Legal Officer to manage and advise on contracts and legal matters. You will work closely with internal teams and external clients, ensuring compliance with company policies and addressing contractual risks. The role offers flexible work options, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including pension and medical insurance.

Benefits

Pension - 8% Employer contribution

33 days holiday allowance

BUPA medical insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in law.
• Proven track record of collaborative working with internal clients.
• A proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential contractual risks.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate client, supplier and partner contracts.
• Provide legal advice on project delivery in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with other internal departments including research teams.

Skills

Contract negotiation experience

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent organizational skills

Proficient in MS Office suite

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in law

Tools

Digital signatures

Legal support systems

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

RAND is a not-for-profit research institute with over 30 years of experience in conducting policy research for governments, international organisations, research councils, charitable foundations, and other organisations. We believe that good research helps shape sound answers to pressing societal challenges, ultimately making communities safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous in the future. RAND Europe has approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.

Due to continued, accelerated growth, we are seeking a Legal Officer to join our legal team at RAND Europe. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for an experienced legal professional to manage and advise on a wide range of contracts and legal matters, working closely with both internal teams and external clients to help make a positive impact on public policy. The role will be based at our Cambridge office with the opportunity to work from home up to 2-3 days a week.

We are willing to consider both full time and part time applicants for this role.
Key responsibilities

Contract Legal

• Reviewing and negotiating client, supplier and partner contracts as directed by Legal Manager
• Responsibility for a portfolio of contracts including services contracts, purchase orders, sub-contracts, teaming agreements, licence and confidentiality agreements.
• Ensuring that contracts are concluded in accordance with company policies, procedures and applicable approvals.
• Ensure all sub-contracts are consistent with client requirements.
• Providing guidance on typical contractual issues and identifying contract needs for internal clients.

General Legal

• Reviewing, reporting and providing advice, on the legal aspects of projects including proposals, contracts and project delivery in a timely manner.
• Negotiating directly with external clients and suppliers.
• Carrying out other tasks as assigned by the Legal Manager.
• Work closely with our in house Data Protection team to provide advice to internal clients on project data protection requirements including DSAs and DPAs.

General

• Collaborate with other internal departments including research teams, project support office, data protection, finance and IT.
• Manage your own portfolio and pro-actively communicate progress to internally.
• Comply with all company policies and RAND Europe Management Systems.
• Assist in records maintenance and reporting.

Requirements

Essential

• Educated to degree level (Undergraduate or post graduate qualification in law).
• Contract negotiation experience.
• Proven track record of collaborative working with internal clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an effective communicator.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential contractual risks.
• Proficient in MS Office suite of applications, digital signatures and other legal support systems.
• Ability to manage a varied workload.

Desirable

• Experience of contracting in a research environment.

Benefits

• Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
• Annual salary review;
• BUPA medical insurance;
• Generous company sick pay;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Group income protection scheme;
• Group life assurance;
• Compassionate leave;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Employee wellbeing training and support;
• Fresh fruit every day;
• Free on-site parking;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Access to company bikes;
• Service awards.

Application

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter below by 14 September 2025. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.