The posting
About the TeamOur mission is to enable digital transformation by delivering impactful products and services to the research and education sectors. Jisc Licensing brokers and negotiates sector-leading agreements, empowering members with the tools, content and insights needed to achieve their teaching, learning and research ambitions. We work collaboratively across three portfolio areas: learning, teaching and assessment; research; enterprise systems. These areas are guided by strategic groups that represent the needs of UK universities, colleges and research institutions. About the role Working at the forefront of digital innovation, you will identify, develop and negotiate agreements that deliver value for members and support Jisc's strategic objectives. You will translate member requirements, market intelligence and sector priorities into effective commercial agreements, ensuring Jisc's portfolio remains relevant, sustainable and responsive to changing needs. Within the learning, teaching and assessment licensing portfolio, you will focus on software, platforms and services that support the delivery of education and the student experience. Responsibilities You will:
Lead negotiations and contract discussions with vendors for both new and existing business. Manage and develop your allocation of agreements including renewals and identifying opportunities to enhance value, sustainability and growth. Develop negotiation strategies, business cases and supporting documentation. Build and maintain productive relationships with vendors, sector stakeholders and internal teams. Monitor market, technology and policy developments to inform portfolio decisions. Identify opportunities to enhance portfolio value, sustainability and member benefit. Contribute to procurement activity, tenders, bids and new business opportunities where appropriate. Analyse financial, commercial and licensing information to support decision-making. Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for senior stakeholders and strategic groups. Support portfolio planning and delivery activities led by the Licensing Portfolio Specialist.
Experience Need to have
Proven experience negotiating high-value or complex commercial agreements. Experience analysing financial proposals and developing counter-proposals. Experience managing complex projects, negotiations or procurement activities through to successful conclusion. Experience producing reports, briefings and presentations for senior stakeholders. Experience working with vendors, customers or strategic stakeholders. Experience working within education, digital services, software, technology or related sectors. Experience translating customer, operational, technical or business requirements into effective commercial outcomes.
Nice to have
Experience drafting agreements and working with legal advisers. Experience identifying and developing new business opportunities. Experience working with learning technologies, educational software, digital content or assessment solutions. Experience engaging with educational institutions, learning technology professionals or teaching and learning communities. Experience supporting digital transformation initiatives within education.
Skills & personal qualities Need to have
Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes. Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and expectations. Strong analytical and problem-solving capability. Ability to communicate complex technical, legal or commercial concepts clearly to a range of audiences. Ability to think strategically while delivering operational outcomes. Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to identify risks and implement effective mitigation strategies. Knowledge of learning technology ecosystems, digital education platforms and educational software markets. Ability to translate member requirements into compelling commercial propositions and vendor negotiations. Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrate a growth mindset and openness to new perspectives. Work collaboratively and inclusively to achieve shared outcomes.
Nice to have
Advanced data and financial analytical skills. Ability to draft high-level technical, legal or product documentation. Experience developing commercial proposals, pricing models or business cases. Knowledge of copyright, contract or procurement practice. Understanding of accessibility, interoperability and standards relevant to digital education technologies.
Qualifications & training Need to have
Understanding of key trends in education and their impact on educational institutions. Understanding of digital transformation within further and higher education. Knowledge of the market for educational software, digital content, platforms and services. Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing providers of technology-enabled learning, teaching and assessment.
Nice to have
Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience. Knowledge of software licensing, contract management or procurement practice. Knowledge of accessibility, education technology standards or digital education policy.
Don’t meet every single requirement? We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the requirements, but you feel this role is perfect for you. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles! Hybrid working: Specific patterns for working in the office are not mandated, and the frequency of time worked in the office is agreed with your manager. Meeting in person is something we value so you may need to travel on occasion to any of our hub offices. Why work for us? At Jisc, every role is meaningful, and every individual is valued. We foster a culture of continuous learning and personal growth, offering opportunities to develop new skills and make a real impact in education and research. With a strong focus on work-life balance, we embrace flexible working that prioritises outcomes over hours, empowering you to create a rhythm that energises both your professional and personal life. Our Guiding Principles: Jisc’s culture is powered by our four guiding principles: putting customers first, driving innovation, creating impact, and championing inclusive collaboration to deliver sustainable outcomes and shape a better future. Discover the amazing benefits we provide! Here’s what you can look forward to:
Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) that includes three closure days over Christmas Buy up to an additional 5 days leave during the flexible benefits window Generous flexible pension schemes A range of wellbeing lifestyle benefits including company paid health care cash plan, mental health first aiders and support A company culture of continuous learning with access to thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses, and lots of resources and opportunities to support your development Financial well-being support including access to preferential loan and savings plans, mortgage advice, will writing tools and support and resources to help you make the most of your money A wide range of discounts and cashback from retailers and big-name high-street stores Family friendly policies including enhanced parental, maternity and paternity and co-parental leave as well as opportunity for career breaks Support your volunteering with up to 3 days volunteer leave
Equity, diversity and inclusion: Jisc believe our people make all the difference in cultivating an inclusive culture that welcomes ideas, encourages innovation, and values belonging. We work hard to create an equitable experience for our candidates and workforce which embraces all aspects of their identity including race and ethnicity, religion and belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, trans identities, age, class, disability, neurodivergence, or veteran status. Application process: Please let us know how we can best accommodate you throughout the recruitment process. We’re committed to making our process accessible and comfortable for everyone - just tell us what works best for you. Just so you know, we review CVs as soon as we can and aim to provide an update on your application within 4 weeks of receiving it. However, you may hear from us a lot sooner, so please keep an eye out for our emails or calls! We’re really looking forward to getting to know the real you. While we encourage the use of AI tools to help you get started on your CV or cover letter, we encourage you to review your application before submitting. Make sure it truly reflects your own voice, experiences, and personality. If you are currently a Jisc employee, please apply through your Dayforce Employee profile. We have a thorough background screening process that verifies the details you share with us in your CV and your application. Any inaccurate information supplied during the application stages can lead to a job offer being withdrawn. Please note that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. This decision is based on current Home Office eligibility criteria, which require specific conditions to be met in terms of job type, salary level, and other factors. As such, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. No agencies please.
