Contracts Administrator

at  Durham University

Contracts Administrator (Job Number: 24001095)
Research and Innovation Services
Grade 4: - £23,751 - £24,533 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 08-Jul-2024, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DEMONSTRATE WHEN YOU APPLY

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

1. Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2. Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services or having relevant qualifications for the role.
3. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE

1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems.
3. Committed to continuing professional development.
4. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
5. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers
6. Relevant financial and/or procurement administrative experience in a busy office environment.
7. Experience of working in a team.
8. Experience of working on the front line with service delivery, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.

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 work, including securing funding, working with partners, undertaking knowledge exchange, demonstrating impact, commercialising outputs,ensuring good research practice and supporting professional development.
The Contracts Administrator will join the Contracting section of Research Operations to support administrative work related to contracts management and processing. The post holder will provide a professional, high-quality administrative support service across the Contracting team, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Core responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and circulation of template contracts to external parties for review.
• Maintain accurate records of all contract-related documents and ensure they are properly filed and accessible.
• Manage the contracts team inbox and responding to queries from principal investigators, departmental officers and funder.
• Liaise with internal departments and external parties to facilitate the contract signature process and address any issues or queries.
• Monitor contract deadlines and renewals, ensuring timely execution and follow-up.
• Provide administrative support for contract negotiations and meetings, including scheduling, minute-taking, and follow-up on action items.
• Support the maintenance of the contract management software
• Prepare regular reports on contract status, metrics, and other relevant information for management review.

TYPICAL ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.