We are currently working in partnership with an educational institution in Merseyside, who are looking to appoint a Solicitor to lead their Research Contracts function on a permanent basis.

This will be a full-time position offering £59,000 - £67,500 per annum, and they are looking for someone to attend the office 3 times per week, with 2 days home working.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience within Higher Education and have a current practising certificate.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Leading the research and innovation legal function, overseeing workload prioritisation and ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality legal support

• Providing expert, practical legal advice across a broad range of complex commercial, research, and governance matters to senior stakeholders across the organisation

• Managing a diverse caseload, taking the lead on drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of contracts, including high-value and complex agreements

• Acting as a strategic legal partner to research and innovation teams, supporting key projects, collaborations, and funding arrangements with a solutions-focused approach

• Advising on legal risk, compliance, and governance issues, ensuring adherence to relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies

• Supporting the structuring and negotiation of partnerships, joint ventures, and other external relationships, safeguarding organisational interests

• Developing and maintaining legal templates and processes, delivering training to staff, and proactively keeping stakeholders informed of legal developments and emerging risks

• Line managing and supporting junior team members, providing guidance, oversight, and development to ensure a high-performing legal function

Experience required:

• Experience required in Higher Education (desirable)

• Experience with research contracts

• Advising on complex and sensitive matters at a senior level

• Current, detailed understanding of legal principles of contract, IT and intellectual property law

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Attention to detail and excellent written communication skills

• Ability to cultivate relationships to communicate the importance of legal compliance and consideration

• Ability to manage a personal workload to meet high standards and precise deadlines

Rewards and Benefits:

• Hybrid working

• Flexible working days

Working hours:

• 35 hours per week

• Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.

James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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