Research Portfolio Manager

Location: Preferably Adelaide but will consider exceptional candidates from other locations

Employment Type: Full Time

Employment terms: 3-year contract including 6 months’ probation period 

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

At HILT CRC we are passionate about decarbonisation and following a career path that will make a difference. 

We offer a dynamic and truly flexible work environment where you will work with a dedicated team that is small enough to make decisions and enact change daily. 

The Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) was established in 2021 and is a 10-year consortium of industry, research organisations, and government agencies. Our mission is to de-risk the technology pathways needed by Australia’s hard to abate heavy industry to decarbonise.  We have over 50 partners and ~20 cutting edge active research projects, designed to solve low-carbon challenges facing the iron ore, steel, alumina and cement sectors. As Research Portfolio Manager you will oversee the delivery of this Research Portfolio, together with our industry and research partners, to translate ideas into outcomes and impact that decarbonises heavy industry. 

PRIMARY ROLE

The Research Portfolio Manager primary role is to help manage all aspects of project development, approval and execution to ensure that HILT CRC’s research projects deliver on their milestones to the satisfaction of our Partners. Excellent communication and developing strong relationships with HILT CRC’s stakeholders (researchers, industry partners and CRC executive) will be crucial to the success of this role, along with attention to detail in managing project approval, project reporting and outcome communication. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer but working closely with the executive team, the Research Portfolio Manager will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the CRC. Fundamental to the role is the support of and close collaboration with the Research Director, Program Leaders, and Project Leaders to coordinate project concept initiation, development, and execution. 

The Research Portfolio Manager is responsible for day-to-day management and future development of the Project Management system (Salesforce platform) where all project information is held. This includes tracking of stakeholders, milestones, timelines, and reporting information and being proactive to help ensure milestones are met.

The Research Portfolio Manager will co-ordinate the Research Advisory Committees and Steering Committee which all play an important governance role in approving all research projects. 

The Research Portfolio Manager will also help to manage the HDR program; industry internships program, coursework grants program and act as the secretariat for the Education & Training Advisory Committee. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Steward new project proposals through the approvals process ensuring that evaluation feedback is documented and actioned as necessary.
• Be lead administrator of the software system used to manage HILT projects as well as leading the development of new functionality as required.
• Manage the quarterly project reporting process to ensure reports are completed in timely fashion with sufficient detail to adequately track progress.
• Escalate issues that are causing delays to assist the project in meeting its schedule.
• Coordinate and participate in project reviews/update meetings with each project team ensuring that feedback from industry partners is captured and addressed.
• Assist with the communication of research outcomes. 
• Administer Policies and Procedures relevant to the research program.
• Capture and collate information about publications arising from CRC projects, in line with HILT CRC policies.
• Assisting in managing the Research Advisory Committee, Steering Committee and Safety Working Group meetings. 
• Assist in managing the HDR scholarships program; coordinate industry internships, administer the coursework grants program and the Education & Training Advisory Committee. 
• Undertake other administrative duties required from time to time, including assisting with events.

ABOUT YOU

• Tertiary degree, preferably in science and technology. Knowledge of, and experience in, iron ore/steel, cement/lime, alumina and/or related industries will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated capability and a successful track record in scientific or research project management including technical milestone management.
• Experience in a University environment (desirable but not essential).
• Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with proven experience in delivering a professional, client-focused service to a diverse range of stakeholders including the ability to take a nuanced approach to communications according to stakeholder needs, perspective, and background.
• Solutions-focused approach, with excellent judgment, problem-solving skills, and an ability to work with autonomy and part of a team.
• Demonstrated high-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in interpreting guidelines, implementing procedures, and maintaining accurate records and data, particularly in research management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer applications and systems including the MS Office suite and Salesforce (desirable).
• Experience with applying for grants and grant writing (desirable but not essential) 
• Honest, reliable, and ethical in all dealings

RELATIONSHIPS

• Program Leaders
• Executive team
• Project leaders
• HDR students
• Industry, government, and research partner stakeholders
• Project management system developers

APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY NOW!

Please apply through SEEK with a cover letter that specifically addresses the  candidate specifications above plus a current concise resume.

Applications close on Monday 13 May 2024, 11:59pm ACST

For further information on HILT CRC, please visit hiltcrc.com.au