Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Research)

CSA Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Manager for Strategic Initiatives who will lead innovative research projects and foster relationships across academia and industry. This role is pivotal in identifying emerging trends and enhancing research capabilities while ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in research environments and a strong background in project management and relationship building. Join a team committed to making the world safer and more sustainable, where your contributions will directly impact future standards and innovations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in an academic or research environment.
• Proven leadership by influence and strong facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for exploratory research initiatives and manage relationships.
• Identify emerging trends and technologies to enhance research activities.

Skills

Relationship Management

Project Management

Business Planning

Negotiation Skills

Strategic Foresight

Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Graduate degree in science, engineering, or health

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Teams

Job description

Employment Status: Regular

Time Type: Full time

BUILDING A WORLD CLASS TEAM STARTS WITH YOU

At the heart of CSA Group is a vision: making the world a better, safer, more sustainable place. It's been part of our mission for nearly one hundred years: from the first engineering standard for railway bridges developed in 1919, to more than 3,500 standards, codes & related products today.

Headquartered in Canada, with a global footprint of more than 30 labs and offices across Europe, Asia and North America, CSA Group tests, inspects, and certifies a wide range of products - from everyday household items to leading-edge technology - to meet exacting requirements for safety, performance, and environmental impact.

Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We're looking for people like you to help make it happen.

Job Summary:

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Research) will be responsible for providing leadership and direction for leading-edge initiatives in exploratory research. They will identify emerging trends and technologies, enhance existing areas of exploratory research, and incubate new research opportunities. The individual works with the VP, Research and Education in driving and implementing strategic plans for the exploratory research program. They also collaborate with Standards leadership and external advisory panels to ensure program stewardship, including funding support, managing sponsors, and fostering collaborators and strategic alliances. This role will represent CSA Group professionally to external audiences and develop long-term strategic relationships with key parties. The individual is accountable for communicating research insights and activities to staff and members to advance standards readiness in areas of exploration.

Responsibilities:

1. Possess significant knowledge of academic research environments, government, and industry sectors related to scientific research, including key stakeholders, funding opportunities, and emerging activities.
2. Apply research and engagement expertise to identify potential emerging trends and technologies, oversee foresight research, and develop exploratory research activities in key areas.
3. Manage business requirements and specifications for new exploratory research programs.
4. Understand company processes and research institution procedures, ensuring adherence, risk mitigation, and timely project delivery within budgets.
5. Develop and maintain relationships with internal teams and external parties such as industry experts, academia, and government.
6. Build support for research initiatives through strategic relationship management, representation in external forums, and positioning of CSA Group.
7. Collaborate with various internal teams to develop opportunities, communicate research insights, and promote standards readiness and thought leadership.
8. Participate in strategy definition and monitor initiatives, recommending adjustments as necessary.
9. Represent CSA Group externally, fostering strategic and business relationships.
10. Provide leadership and guidance to motivate volunteers, staff, and researchers, building consensus and presenting recommendations.
11. Identify research opportunities that advance standards in emerging areas.
12. Coordinate program communications, engagement strategies, and content development with marketing and communications teams.
13. Drive external engagement and knowledge mobilization activities.
14. Support business development activities aligned with program strategies.
15. Monitor relevant policy developments and external environments.
16. Promote thought leadership in academia, government, and industry.

Experience and Education:

• Graduate degree in science, engineering, health, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in relationship management, business planning, project management, and budgeting.
• Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in an academic or research environment.
• Experience in standards and/or strategic foresight is an asset.
• Proven leadership by influence.
• Experience in strategy, business development, and planning.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and engagement skills.
• Experience delivering presentations to senior management and large audiences.
• Ability to self-manage, influence without direct authority, and handle multiple projects.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.

#CSASTANDARDS

CSA Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Opportunities are based on skills and abilities, and differences are respected and valued. Contact us at [e-mail] if you require accommodation during the interview process.