Consultancy Officer (A3526)

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented individual to play a central role in the ongoing development of the Consultancy Support Service at Lancaster.

The Consultancy Support Service has seen significant growth in the past two years. We want to build on that success and so are increasing our investment in the Service in line with our ambitions to diversify our income whilst scaling up our knowledge exchange and business innovation activities. 

The successful candidate will be a proactive and dynamic individual with excellent communication skills and a flair for customer service. A good understanding of consultancy, as a means of providing client support will be important, as will be the tenacity and drive to keep on top of diverse and demanding caseload.

Reporting to the Head of Consultancy Service, the Consultancy Officer will turn enquiries into opportunities by coaching and guiding staff in all aspects of responding to external requests for academic consultancy support.  The role includes advising on pricing, risk and key commercial terms, usually taking the lead on commercial discussions with external clients to finalise an agreement, enabling academic consultant/s to deliver a project. The Service provides ‘end to end’ support, so includes financial set-up and management of projects, monitoring, invoicing as appropriate and overseeing distribution of payments. On occasion, this also includes sub-contracting elements of work, or supporting bids under a tender process.

We are looking for someone with commercial awareness and experience of reviewing and analysing service contracts, as well as understanding and negotiating key changes as appropriate. This role would suit an excellent communicator who can empathise with potential service users and help to develop a consultancy support service recognised for service excellence.

Experience of financial management systems (particularly Unit4 Agresso), customer relationship management systems, and an understanding of knowledge exchange and engagement activities, would also be highly advantageous. 

The role sits within the Research and Enterprise Services (RES) division. Candidates should contact David Jordan, Head of Consultancy Support Service, for any questions or informal discussions regarding the role (d.jordan2@lancaster.ac.uk)

We welcome application from people in all diversity groups. 

Closing Date: 01 Oct 2021
Category: Professional/Management