Commercial Pricing and Contracts Manager

Job Description

Commercial Pricing and Contracts Manager (Job Number: 26001407)

Research and Innovation Services
Grade 7: £39,560 - £46,970 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 29-Nov-2026, 11:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

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.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.

Your application should cover the following criteria:

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Experience

1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
2. Experience of developing, reviewing and negotiating contracts and contract-related documentation preferably (commercial, consultancy and research-related).
3. Experience of costing, pricing and commercial review preferably of (consultancy, contract research, commercial and externally funded activities).
4. Experience of supporting tender submissions and commercial bids.
5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements.
6. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
7. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University’s reputation.
8. Experience of managing and developing a team or teams and/or a line management qualification.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

9. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
10. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps.
11. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
12. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
13. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.

Desirable Criteria

14. Experience of working within a UK Higher Education or research environment.
15. Knowledge of research funding, consultancy and knowledge exchange activities within the UK Higher Education sector.
16. Knowledge and experience of UK Government Agency procurement and tendering regulations and procedures.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What you need to submit

• A CV: and
• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.

Contact details

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Colin Dickinson. Colin.r.dickinson@durham.ac.uk

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery/Development

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
• Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University’s frameworks and regulations.
• Manage the delivery of consultancy and contract research across the University to a high standard.
• Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required and contribute to ideas and service improvements.
• Work with your team to look for ways to improve processes, techniques and outputs/results across all areas of your work.

Planning and Organisation

• Manage the delivery of operational activities carried out by the specified services which you are responsible for.
• Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your Service.
• Review data on the level of service provided by your area to recommend areas for future improvement.

Team Development

• Manage and monitor the performance, workload and expected outcomes of your direct report and take action to respond to anything that impacts the service level provided.
• Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members.
• Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and expectations and to identify any development needs.
• Ensure that your team continues to develop by coaching and mentoring team members and responding to any training or development needs, as appropriate.
• Support the welfare and wellbeing of your team referring more complex issues to specialist services.

Communication/Liaison

• Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University’s policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.
• Use your operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.
• Coordinate and oversee committees and other business meetings, dealing with any related complaints.
• Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes.
• Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.

Version 07-2026

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk

If you have any issues logging in or creating an account, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk