Senior Manager, Contracts Management (2-year contract)

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Manager to lead contracts management efforts that enable the Department's strategic agenda—spanning novel partnerships, new initiatives, and collaborations across research and non-research domains. This role sits within the Strategy team and advises on contracts documenting transfers of funding, technology (IP/know-how), equipment, and various materials. You will strengthen contract literacy across the Department through training, resources, and hands-on casework, while streamlining processes in partnership with University-level offices.

Key responsibilities:

First port-of-call for contracting needs

• Triage and respond to contract-related queries from NUS Medicine staff and units.
• Advise on pathways, offices, and resources; facilitate timely, accurate support.

Casework and due diligence

• Guide stakeholders through end-to-end contract processes and prevailing policies/guidelines.
• Identify risks, enforce contractual compliance, and uphold NUS Medicine's professional standards.
• Lead or support negotiations for special projects and complex cases.

Stakeholder engagement and networks

• Build platforms for dialogue with University offices (e.g., Office of Legal Affairs, NUS Enterprise, TTO/TTI, ODPRT) and NUHS RO.
• Clarify and streamline contracting processes; surface issues and co-develop solutions.

Community building and training

• Identify, appoint, and train Contract Liaisons across NUS Medicine units.
• Develop and deliver learning sessions, briefings, and practical guidance to raise contract literacy.

Resource development

• Lead the creation and refinement of a contracting handbook and contextualised materials (including exploration of tools such as chatbots).
• Maintain clear, accessible documentation of best practices tailored to NUS Medicine.

Systems and archival

• Promote adoption of NUS-wide contracts management systems (e.g., ECMS) to strengthen archival and governance.
• Track usage and encourage consistent record-keeping across units.

Qualifications:

• Good university degree; background in science (especially biomedical science) advantageous.
• At least 10 years experience in an academic or research-intensive environment.
• Familiarity with technology transfer and research collaboration processes is advantageous.
• Experience supporting senior clinicians and/or scientists.
• Strong administrative discipline with excellent attention to detail.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; able to explain complex terms clearly.
• Pragmatic, service-oriented, and comfortable handling diverse stakeholders and priorities.
• Working knowledge of legal documents and contract structures; prior training in contract law is advantageous.
• Proficiency with MS Office and familiarity with records/contract management systems.