Manager, Research Strategy & Operations

University of Regina; Regina; On-site; CAD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental and Vision

Pension Plan

Flexible spending

Job summary

University of Regina is seeking a Manager, Research Strategy & Operations to lead the operational launch and implementation of major institutional research initiatives. The role involves governance design, budgeting, and cross-unit coordination to ensure successful project delivery.

The position requires a master’s degree and 5–7 years in related fields, with PMP/Lean Six Sigma considered an asset and a strong focus on strategic guidance for researchers and ORS leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 5–7 years in project management or research administration.
• PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification is an asset.
• Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational launch of major research initiatives.
• Develop implementation plans, governance, and performance measures.
• Coordinate activities across HR, Finance, Facilities, IT, and more.
• Manage space planning, infrastructure, and technology projects.
• Lead recruitment and workforce planning for research staff.

Skills

Project management

Operational leadership

Financial planning

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & compliance

Education

Master’s degree (MBA/Project Management/Research Admin/Public Admin)

Tools

PMP Certification

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Manager, Research Strategy & Operations

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Details

Posting Summary Competition Number 20260145A/S

Position Title Manager, Research Strategy & Operations

Faculty/Department VP Research Unit Office of Research Services

Employee Group URFA APT Collective Agreement Consideration Open with preference given to APT members. CUPE 5791 Job Family Category Staff

Number of Vacancies 1

Position Summary Join our vibrant and innovative community at the University of Regina, where research excellence drives discovery, innovation, and community impact. We are seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to fill the role of Manager, Research Strategy & Operations. If you are passionate about turning ambitious ideas into reality, navigating complex projects, and building sustainable systems that support research success, we want you on our team!

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the operational launch and implementation of major institutional research initiatives, translating funded proposals and strategic priorities into fully functioning research enterprises.
• Develop implementation plans, governance structures, operational frameworks, project schedules, and performance measures to support successful project delivery.
• Coordinate activities across multiple university units including Human Resources, Financial Services, Facilities Management, Information Services, Supply Management Services, and academic departments.
• Lead research space planning, facility fit-ups, infrastructure development, laboratory readiness activities, and technology implementation projects.
• Coordinate contractors, consultants, vendors, and service providers to ensure infrastructure and operational milestones are achieved.
• Design and implement financial planning tools, expenditure tracking systems, forecasting models, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms for major research investments.
• Monitor project budgets, funding commitments, and operational performance to identify and mitigate risks.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of agreements, contracts, subawards, partnership agreements, and service agreements required for research initiatives.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning activities for research staff, technical specialists, and project personnel.
• Provide operational leadership, guidance, training, and coordination to project teams and stakeholders.
• Develop standard operating procedures, toolkits, templates, governance models, and best practices that can be applied across future institutional research initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice and operational consultation to researchers, principal investigators, ORS leadership, and senior administrators.
• Lead strategic projects that advance research capacity, institutional priorities, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate the transition of major projects from launch phase to sustainable long-term operations.
• Be ready to take on additional related responsibilities that contribute to the success of the University’s research enterprise.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Impact: Play a key role in enabling transformative research initiatives that support institutional priorities and societal advancement.
• Professional Growth: Expand your expertise in project management, research administration, strategic planning, and operational leadership.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside researchers, university leaders, and partners from across the institution and beyond.
• Dynamic and Diverse Work: Every project brings new challenges, opportunities, stakeholders, and experiences.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including Health, Dental and Vision benefits, flexible spending options, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: We value employee well-being and support a healthy balance between professional and personal commitments.

Position Requirements

What You’ll Bring to the Position:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Research Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in project management, operational leadership, research administration, institutional planning, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional ( PMP ), Lean Six Sigma certification, or equivalent project management training is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, professional certifications, specialized training, and directly related experience may be considered.

Skills That Will Ensure Your Success in this Role:

• Experience working within a complex university, healthcare, government, research-intensive, or similarly regulated environment.
• Advanced knowledge of project management methodologies, implementation frameworks, and organizational change management.
• Strong understanding of university administrative environments, governance structures, and institutional processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving competing priorities and timelines.
• Advanced financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of research administration, research funding environments, and compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating activities across Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Procurement, Information Technology, and other operational units.
• Ability to develop and implement operational frameworks, policies, processes, and governance models.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated success navigating ambiguity and complex challenges.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, business cases, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, manage risk, and drive projects to successful completion.

Physical Demands

Pay Grade APT 8

Salary Range $89,132 - $120,284 annually

Status Term

Work Hours 8:15 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday

Some evening and weekend work may be required as operational needs emerge.

Duration (if Term/Temporary) 3-year term (with possibility of extension or becoming permanent)

Full-Time/Part-Time Full Time Preference

Posting No Preference

Target Posting Not Targeted

Additional Information Contact Information

Job Open Date 09/03/2026

Job Close Date 09/16/2026

Open Until Filled

Safety Statement

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and strengthening a culture of safety across the campus community. All employees share responsibility for contributing to a safe working environment.

Diversity Statement

The University of Regina is committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University’s employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Required

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Reference Contact Info