Managing Director, MMRL

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University’s Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) invites applications for a Managing Director who will support strategic planning, external engagement, and large project management to advance research facilities and programs. The role supervises staff, manages communications, and partners with Purdue leadership to grow impact and funding across collaborations.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree and 2+ years in related fields, with strong leadership, budgeting,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, technology, engineering, or related field required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of experience in project or program management, business development, operations, fund raising, or research administration.
• Preferred: at least 4 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director of MMRL with near-, mid-, and long-term strategic planning and day-to-day tactical execution.
• Oversee internal Laboratories programs (e.g., funding sustainability initiative, undergraduate research initiative, targeted student recruiting, industry education program, focused workshops, conferences).
• Provide supervision and management for administrative staff and handle HR actions (hiring, development, promotions, terminations, disciplinary procedures, reviews, salary adjustments).
• Assist with ideation and execution of large center-level research projects and support expansion of facilities and equipment.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and engage stakeholders with Purdue and Industrial Advisory Committee.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Project management

Strategic planning

Proposal development

Budgeting

Team building

Education

Master’s degree in business, technology, engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) at Purdue features state-of-the-art fundamental and applied research and education shared facilities for physical, digital and sustainable domain manufacturing, materials and designs. MMRL advances manufacturing on Earth and in Space through government and industrial research that advances collaborations across academic institutions, industries and foundations, accelerate tech transfer and transition for commercialization in manufacturing and attract top talent.

As one of the first major outcomes of Purdue's new eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations (XMO) initiative, MMRL focuses on manufacturing education, research and experimentation. Together MMRL and XMO are vital components of a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing, logistics and supply chains for resiliency – part of our nation's fresh commitment to revitalizing its industrial base, by linking physical, digital and sustainable manufacturing into a resilient, sustainable ecosystem that ensures jobs and national security.

The Managing Director will support business development and external engagement; assist with large project and consortium management; supervise administrative staff; and manage communications, brand management, and marketing efforts. The Managing Director will work closely with the Director of MMRL to develop and execute strategic initiatives, support ongoing efforts, and ensure the smooth operation of the Laboratories’ unique research facilities and processes.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together.

What You'll Be Doing:

Director Support

• Support the Director of MMRL with near-, mid-, and long-term strategic planning, as well as day-to-day tactical execution of the shared research activity.
• Oversee, manage, and facilitate internal Laboratories programs (e.g., funding sustainability initiative, undergraduate research initiative, targeted student recruiting, industry education program, focused workshops, conferences, etc.).

Supervision and Management

• Work closely with Center faculty to ensure technician times are appropriately being allocated to grants. Ensure recharge centers are effectively managed
• Provide overall supervision and management for key administrative staff. Participate in the administrative processes for human resource actions (hiring, professional development, promotions, terminations, disciplinary procedures, periodic reviews, and salary adjustments) to maintain effective operations. Set expectations and focus, assign duties, delegate responsibilities, evaluate activities, etc. Provide ongoing performance feedback, goal setting, and advancement/development plans for staff. Plan for future staffing needs. Provide timely communications to staff.

Large Project and Consortium Support

• Support the ideation and execution of large, center-level research projects.
• As requested, provide high-level administrative support for the Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) and any additional industrial consortia that are established.
• Work with Director to facilitate and manage the expansion of existing facilities and/or the acquisition of large equipment; aid with space planning and safety.

Business Development and External Engagement

• Work with Director to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Engage new and existing stakeholders.
• Support interactions with the Laboratory’s Purdue and Industrial Advisory Committee.
• Support fundraising and development efforts.

Business Development and External Engagement

• Work with Director to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Engage new and existing stakeholders.
• Support interactions with the Laboratory’s Purdue and Industrial Advisory Committee.
• Support fundraising and development efforts.

Other

• Assist the Laboratory Director with any emerging challenges to Laboratory operations.
• Represent the MMRL at events/functions the Director is unable to attend or in the Director’s absence.
• Lab user log and analysis, and lab safety.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in business, technology, engineering, or related field
• Two (2) years of experience in project or program management, business development, operations, fund raising, or research administration required.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Preferred: at least 4 years of related experience.

Skills needed

• Strong communication skills; comfortable engaging leadership at peer institutions, small businesses, and large industrial companies.
• Strong organization and project management skills.
• Experience with strategic planning, programmatic execution, and assessment.
• Experience with business and/or research development and/or large proposal preparation.
• Understanding of budgeting and fiscal policy.
• Team building

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information

• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately

Career Stream

Compensation Information:

• Management 3
• Pay Band S075
• Job Code#20002823
• Link to Purdue University’s Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University