Manager, Research Services & Systems

Manager, Research Services and Systems (Contracts, Commercial and Project Fulfilment)

Job Reference: 1028753

About the Role:

Curtin University is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join as Manager, Research Services & Systems (Contracts. Commercial and Project Fulfilment). In this role, you will lead the high performing team Contracts and Commercial and Project Fulfilment Teams to deliver post-award research and project support services that underpin Curtin’s research strategy across both Researcher-Driven and Demand-Driven research.

Working collaboratively with other managers within the Research Services and Systems portfolio, as well as with internal and external stakeholders, you will drive improvements in research support services, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and responsive to the needs of researchers. The successful candidate will bring a strong contracts or legal background, enabling them to manage complex agreements, provide expert commercial advice, and support high quality research outcomes.

Your team will lead the development, review and coordination of research and strategic contracts, provide contract and commercial advice, and monitor and report on project milestones to ensure obligations are met. You will play a key role in managing contractual risk, maintaining governance standards, and representing Curtin in negotiations and discussions. Through a personalised and solution focused approach, you will support researchers and partners with clear guidance and fit-for-purpose outcomes that enable high-quality research delivery.

You will foster and embed a values-led, high-performance culture, leading change and driving excellence in service delivery. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic initiatives, empower our researchers with improved research processes, and to contribute to Curtin’s world-class research outcomes.

This role is a full-time, permanent contract with a salary range between $148,452 - $162,785 (G10) per annum.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead a team to deliver a broad range of research services seamlessly to stakeholders, supporting both demand-driven and researcher-driven research.
• Collaborate with Research Services and Systems Managers and Team Leads to identify opportunities for improvement and implement service enhancements across the area.
• Support key stakeholders to navigate Research Office at Curtin (ROC) and Research Services and Systems processes by managing clear communication, expectations, and service delivery standards.
• Providing strategic leadership to drive organisational effectiveness and cultural alignment, fostering a high performing, values-led team that delivers on Curtin’s strategic objectives.

We are looking for (selection criteria):

• Strategic Service Improvement: Proven ability to implement best practice, drive continuous improvement, and deliver client-focused, efficient, and effective services.
• Values-Driven Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading and embedding change in alignment with organisational vision and evolving research priorities.
• Team Development and Coaching: Skilled in guiding, mentoring, and managing high performing teams in complex, dynamic environments.
• Commercial and Organisational Acumen: Proven record of delivering business outcomes through strategic coordination and collaboration across organisational boundaries.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders with competing priorities.

Role Requirements:
About the Research Office at Curtin

At Curtin, our research strikes a dynamic balance between demand-driven projects that tackle real-world problems for industry and society, and researcher-driven pursuits that push the boundaries of knowledge. From science and engineering to health, society and business, our work is broad, ambitious and impactful.

The Research Office at Curtin plays a vital role in enabling this diverse research activity. As a collaborative team, we provide expert administrative support and manage the key systems that underpin the research lifecycle - helping Curtin researchers set up, manage and grow their projects with confidence.

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more information, check out our benefits page!

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW and provide the following documents:

• CV
• Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria in the advert (2 page maximum)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: 8.30pm (AWST), Monday, 19 January 2026.

Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.