Operations Manager (Research)

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Hamilton, Ontario is seeking an Operations Manager (Research) to oversee the research program focused on Indigenous health data and aging. The role involves managing operations, financial responsibilities, and project management to support various initiatives. Candidates should have a relevant degree and 3-5 years of experience in comparable roles.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years working in comparable roles, preferably within an academic research environment.
• Strong team building, management and leadership skills are essential.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth and efficient operation of the research program.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to the centre operations.
• Monitor the centre's research activity and ensure appropriate reconciliation.

Skills

Administration of research programs

Team building

Financial management

Problem-solving skills

Leadership skills

Education

University degree in a relevant field

Master level training in relevant field

Job description

The Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) is currently welcoming applications for an Operations Manager (Research) to join our team! This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to join us in an essential role supporting Dr. Jennifer Walker and her Indigenous Health Data and Aging (IHDA) research team.

Dr. Walker is a member of Six Nations of the Grand River and an epidemiologist. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health Data and Aging, which supports an Indigenous community-engaged research program that focuses on dementia and aging.

Job Summary:

The Operations Manager (Research) will oversee the smooth and efficient operation of the research program, with projects and initiatives that focus on supporting Indigenous community-engaged research specializing in dementia, aging and research using large health services databases.

The Manager provides essential ongoing expertise, support and leadership in operational strategy, financial and human resources management, project management and business development. Additionally, the Manager will help identify opportunities that integrate various aspects of research, identify appropriate funding opportunities, and network with other centres, institutes and community partners.

Accountabilities:

Operations Management:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to the centre operations including financial management, budget projections, policy development and direct supervision of core research and administrative staff with oversight of additional research staff hired to work on various projects/teams.
• Lead people planning, training, resourcing and development functions of the program. This includes recruitment, coordination of work priorities and schedules, and managing employee issues/concerns including those of performance.
• Liaise with researchers, internal stakeholders (research finance, research services, human resources, departmental partners, etc.) and external community partners and advisors.
• Develop and manage relationships, funding agreements, and collaboration agreements with external research partners.
• Serve an active role on the centre's leadership committee to identify and implement strategic priorities.
• Manage the efficient utilization of physical resources across the centre.

Financial Management:

• Oversee the financial administration of the centre and produce regular financial reports.
• Develop and implement an annual operating budget for the Centre, in collaboration with the Research Director.
• Monitor the centre's research activity and ensure appropriate reconciliation in collaboration with Research Finance and the core administrative team.
• Develop and monitor research metrics to measure indicators of progress, impact, and success.
• Authorize expenditures and ensure compliance of process and policies.
• Monitor and maintain contractual obligations of partnerships.

Planning and Development:

• Manage relationships with other centres and institutes across campus and externally.
• Lead the development of business plans to ensure efficiency of the centre and responsive to new opportunities.
• Leads planning discussion of new projects and initiatives to implement plans to ensure availability of resources.
• Collaborate with Research Director on efforts to establish new partners to strengthen the reach of the centre and promote the centre's capabilities.
• Coordinate committee and working group meetings.

Project Management:

• Oversight of the research grant activities within the centre.
• Liaise with university-based research administration partners and advancement teams.
• Provide annual reporting information and ensure submission deadlines are achieved.
• Seek out and oversee proposals of new funding opportunities.
• Ensure project milestones and targets are achieved.
• Guide and oversee leadership, steering committee, and core members on grant submissions.
• Help identify, guide, and oversee commercialization opportunities.

Qualifications:

Education:

• University degree in a relevant field
• Master level training in relevant field desirable

Experience:

• 3-5 years working in comparable roles; preferably within an academic research environment

Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to administer research programs, platforms or initiatives and their budgets.
• Ability to plan and coordinate activities, prioritize workflow and monitor work performance.
• Strong team building, management and leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain relationships with stakeholders and collaborators.
• Financial management and human resources skills; knowledge of University policies and procedures is an asset.
• Capability to guide strategic and management planning.
• Effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Self-starter, able to work, plan and perform with independence.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.