Operations Manager (Research)

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

Unit 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.

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

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the following to communicate accomodation needs:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679