The Opportunity

Collaborating closely with internal stakeholders, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful negotiation and management of research contracts across all faculties and divisions at UNSW.

As Contracts Manager, you’ll spearhead the review process, offer expert advice, and facilitate negotiations, working collaboratively with the Legal and or Industry & Innovation teams, on complex matters, as necessary. Additionally, you'll contribute to team-building efforts alongside the Senior Managers, ensuring a cohesive and efficient workflow.

The Contracts Manager role reports to the Senior Manager Contracts and has 3+ direct reports.

The Organisation

Research Grants and Contracts (RGC) within the Division of Research and Enterprise contributes to UNSW’s research performance and profile via the effective management of the University’s research income. RGC is the key link between UNSW researchers, executive and funding agencies such as the NHMRC, ARC, other government and non-government research funders, philanthropic competitive grant funders and industry partners. The RGC teams are a crucial component in the university’s ongoing strategy to increase knowledge exchange and towards meeting the S25 aims.

Each year the RGC manages more than 2800 applications and 6000 ongoing projects, supporting more than 2,000 UNSW academics.

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Flexible/Hybrid working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements
• Affordable on-campus parking

About the successful applicant

You can demonstrate your experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements for contracts and competitive grants, as well as the following Skills and Experience: -

• Experience and ability to identify and resolve complex legal contractual issues with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage relationships with researchers, external partners, government agencies, industry clients and multilateral agencies, maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity
• Contributing to high-level strategic planning, policy formulation and implementation, including developing and implementing plans for the team
• Experience in training and mentoring staff to deliver customer focused services
• Proven track record of suggesting and implementing improvements in workflows, service delivery, and quality assurance.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

To Apply: Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and a brief response to Skills and Experience required in the Position Description via the APPLY button.

Click to view: Position Description - Contracts Manager - L8.pdf

Applications close: 11.55pm, Monday 11th August 2025

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.