Licensing Manager Jisc

Zip Hustle; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital solutions provider in the UK is looking for a Licensing Manager to negotiate and manage agreements that support institutions' sustainability and flexibility. The role involves working closely with stakeholders, managing software portfolios, and driving digital transformation. The ideal candidate has strong negotiation skills, exceptional communication abilities, and experience in project management. This position offers a hybrid working model with competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

31 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous flexible pension schemes

Company paid health care cash plan

Access to LinkedIn Learning courses

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading projects and contract negotiations to successful outcomes.
• Confidence presenting to senior stakeholders and explaining complex concepts.
• Experience negotiating high-value agreements and analysing financial models.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and secure agreements for institutional operation.
• Manage a dynamic portfolio of software tools.
• Support revenue and sustainability goals through digital transformation.

Skills

Strong negotiation and advocacy skills

Exceptional communication

Advanced data and financial analysis expertise

Ability to think strategically

Education

Degree level or higher or equivalent experience

Tools

Software architecture and networking knowledge

Job description

Licensing Manager – Hybrid

Salary : c£40,000 per annum (negotiable based on experience) + comprehensive benefits package

Jisc grade : PRS3

Job Type : Permanent

Hours : 35 hours per week

Reports into : Licensing Portfolio Specialist

Working style : Hybrid – A blend of working from home and your nominated hub office. We have hubs located in London, Bristol, Manchester and Oxford.

About Jisc

For 30 years Jisc has pioneered digital solutions for UK education and research, transforming how knowledge is created, shared and used.

We are uniquely positioned to protect, promote and lead the sector in digital and data transformation, making a difference to students, communities and society. Together, we are working to build a better digital future for education and research.

Raise your potential at Jisc through our culture of lifelong learning. At Jisc, we’re all about growth, so embrace new challenges, sharpen your skills and shape a career that excites you.

The role

In this role, you’ll negotiate and secure agreements that enable institutions to operate sustainably, securely, and flexibly. Working closely with sector groups, funders, and members, you’ll turn complex financial, legal, and technical requirements into effective solutions.

Using market insights and data, you’ll manage a dynamic portfolio of software tools that drive digital transformation in teaching, learning, research, and institutional management—all while supporting our revenue and sustainability goals.

What we are looking for

• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills – able to craft compelling arguments and adapt to different audiences with creativity and flexibility.
• Exceptional communication – clear, concise, and tailored messaging for diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading projects and contract negotiations to successful outcomes.
• Confidence presenting to senior stakeholders and explaining complex concepts in simple terms.

Bonus

• Knowledge of UK copyright and contract law.
• Experience drafting commercial offers, licensing agreements, and pricing proposals.
• Solid understanding of IT – from software architecture and networking to cloud platforms and emerging technologies.

Skills and Personal qualities

• Strong knowledge of institutional information systems and relevant market
• Ability to think strategically and tactically, anticipate outcomes and mitigate risks
• Skill in translating technical, legal and commercial requirements into compelling proposals for vendors
• Advanced data and financial analysis expertise
• A proactive approach to identifying complex issues and leading cross‑organisation solutions
• Experience negotiating high-value or complex agreements, including creating counter proposals and analysing financial models

Qualifications & training

• Degree level or higher or equivalent experience

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience managing people and supporting team development.
• A background in drafting agreements, reviewing legal terms, and collaborating with internal and external legal counsel.
• Ability to create high‑level technical, legal, or product specifications.
• Experience driving digital transformation or working in customer management, support, or business development.

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 if 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Allocated allowance of up to £250 to equip your home office
• 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.