Contracts Manager

• $113,515 Base Salary + superannuation + generous salary packaging options
• Based in Melbourne
• Full time, 3 Year Contract

About the Baker Institute

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is an independent, internationally renowned medical research facility. Our work extends from the laboratory to wide-scale community studies with a focus on diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

About the Role 

The Contracts Manager position sits within our Contracts and Legal Services team which provide a nexus between research, administration and external organisations and is integral to supporting the research agenda that forms the Baker Institute’s mission.  The Contract and Legal Services team provide contract and legal advice to all departments and laboratories often with tight schedules to meet specific deadlines. 

The position holder will be an integral member of the team who integrates the Legal, Commercialisation, Governance, Grants, External Relations, Finance, management and research staff, and other stakeholders to provide contract management that supports the business objectives of the institute in a timely way whilst properly managing risk.   The key responsibilities of the role include – management for the day-to-day operations and oversight of contract review, drafting, negotiations, contracts lifecycle, and closure. 

Key Duties

In this role you will be expected to:

• Drive the contracting process to ensure corporate business goals and objectives for research contracts are met in a timely manner.
• Direct and lead the Contract and Legal Services team ensuring that team deliverables and goals are achieved.
• Together with General Counsel, provide advice to research staff on appropriate contracting pathways, agreement selection and other contract matters. 
• Review, draft and negotiate standard research related agreements with the support of the General Counsel, including Multi-Institutional Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Research Collaborations and Services Agreement.
• Assist Institute staff with the provision of required information for contract drafting, including payment schedules and milestone tables.
• Support or lead negotiation of standard terms and conditions for agreements including timely communication both internal and external, and efficient return of documents.
• In consultation with Legal and other business units, identify and manage contract risk
• Maintain oversight of contract progress from start to finish and manage contract approval process.
• Liaise with research and admin staff to promote and facilitate smooth and effective end to end conduct of contract and contracted activities.
• Maintain oversight of contractual obligations, milestones, reporting, receivables and payables. 

Skills and Experience

You will have: 

• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualifications in the medical science field with an ability to understand research related contractual issues.
• Comprehensive knowledge of contract management & administration and fundraising regulatory compliance within each state.
• Proven experience in Contract Management and Contract Administration coupled with an understanding of the commercial landscape in which Science/Research institutes operate.
• Previous experience in providing strategic support and advice within complex organisation structures requiring the integration of a range of policies and external requirements to achieve operational objectives.
• Excellent planning, budget and organisational skills, including the ability to manage a range of tasks with conflicting priorities.
• Excellent project management skills and legal and executive support.
• Strong management skills and proven ability to work autonomously to run a team with little direction.
• Experience in Company Compliance and demonstrated abilities to liaise with Government Bodies.
• Well versed in various technology platforms used within the Team to support its function, notably, research management systems like EndPoint IQ’s RMS, finance products like Technology One and agreement management products like Minuet.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth contract management/administration.
• A high level of interpersonal skills, which enable the appointee to liaise effectively with a wide range of people at a variety of levels internal and external to the Baker Institute.
• Excellent oral  and written communication skills expressing complex concepts and presenting complicated issues clearly, concisely and succinctly, being readily understood by a variety of audiences.

Benefits

Working at the Baker Institute offers flexibility, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to a research centre of world renown. Benefits include generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, as well as modern offices and laboratories adjacent to the Alfred Hospital and walking distance to St Kilda Road, Chapel Street, and Fawkner Park.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Applications should include a current resume and cover letter, quoting reference (GK01) and state why you are interested in this role.  We are reviewing applications as they are received so if you think you're the right person for this role, we'd love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. For a position description or further information, please visit our website at: https://www.baker.edu.au/career

To be eligible to apply for this position you must be immunised with the COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions (No 4) and in accordance with Mandatory vaccination of health care workers (influenza vaccine) directions – Health services establishments.

We will close this job ad as soon as we have enough applicants so, please apply without delay.

Contact Details

Abigail Jones

Talent Acquisition Consultant

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute

*************@baker.edu.au

The Baker Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the Institute. We value diversity, inclusivity, gender equity and we promote family friendly practices. We are a proud recipient of an inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).