Research Grants and Contracts Manager

University of Auckland; Auckland; On-site; NZD 87,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks of annual leave

Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up 6

Parental leave options

Professional development opportunities

On-campus staff benefits

Job summary

The University of Auckland is seeking a skilled Research Grants & Contracts Manager to lead the negotiation and execution of complex contracts for research and consulting projects.

You will work with researchers, Faculty and Institute Research Services, UniServices, and external partners to deliver optimal contracting outcomes within our delegations framework and risk appetite. The role is based at the Newmarket Campus with hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented contracts professional with strong drafting, reviewing and managing of complex agreements.
• Ability to interpret contractual terms and explain them clearly.
• Proven stakeholder management skills with internal & external partners.
• Excellent written communication with emphasis on risk awareness.
• Organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage drafting, negotiation and execution of complex agreements.
• Build and maintain relationships across the University and external partners.
• Provide timely communication on contract progress and outcomes.
• Review contracts with attention to risk and accuracy.
• Support colleagues with contractual advice and workload during peak periods.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and contract management reporting.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

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University of Auckland – Auckland, North Island

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 9000 academic and professional staff to support over 50,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well‑being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 9000 academic and professional staff to support over 50,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well‑being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a skilled and collaborative Research Grants & Contracts Manager to join our team at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland. In this role, you will lead the negotiation and execution of complex contracts, subcontracts, and variations for research and consulting projects with external clients, funders, and partners. You’ll work closely with researchers, Faculty and Institute Research Services Teams (FIRST), UniServices teams, and commercial stakeholders to deliver optimal contracting outcomes within the University’s delegations framework and risk appetite.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage the drafting, negotiation and execution of complex agreements.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across the University and external partners.
• Provide clear and timely communication on contract progress and outcomes.
• Review contracts with a high level of attention to detail and risk awareness.
• Support colleagues with contractual advice, training and peak-period workloads.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and accurate contract management reporting.

This position is currently based at the University of Auckland's Newmarket Campus. We offer flexible hybrid working arrangements that support a balance of working from home and on campus, subject to business requirements.

This is a full time, permanent employment agreement, working 37.5 hours per week. This is a salary band G, offering a salary range of $87,000 - $103,000 per annum. depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information about the role and requirements, please refer to the position description.

About the team | Mō tō mātou rōpū

The Research Grants & Contracts team manages a high volume of commercial and research agreements that help enable world‑class research and innovation across the University. It's a collaborative, high‑performing team that takes pride in delivering quality outcomes and supporting researchers to make a meaningful impact.

With a strong "one team" culture, team members work closely together, share knowledge freely and support each other through changing priorities and busy periods. The team enjoys the satisfaction of knowing that the work they do every day contributes to research, partnerships and initiatives that create positive outcomes for the University and wider society.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a detail-oriented contracts professional with a strong ability to draft, review and manage complex agreements. You combine excellent written communication skills with sound commercial judgement and enjoy working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

You are organised, adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing and managing complex contracts and agreements.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to interpret and clearly explain contractual terms.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to identify risks and ensure contractual accuracy.
• Proven stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build collaborative and trusted relationships with both internal and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.
• A collaborative and customer-focused approach, with a willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Experience working in a tertiary education, research, legal, commercial or professional services environment would be advantageous.
• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) qualification or equivalent experience in contract management and drafting would be highly regarded.

Additional Information

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer you more than just a job. We offer you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, world‑class educational institution.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Leading and inclusive parental leave options.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities and access to a range of discounted on campus services and amenitites.
• Hear more about our partnership with Māori,our Te Ao Māori principles, our impact, our staff, and life in Auckland on ourcareer’s website.

For further information please visit ourstaff benefits page.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go towww.equity.auckland.ac.nz