Research Portfolio Project Manager

The Opportunity

The Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC) has an opportunity for a Research Portfolio Project Manager. In this role you will provide a high level of operational and project management support to the Director of Research. You will be responsible for working with the leads of ACM CRC funded R&D Projects to ensure they are on track to meet key milestones and help drive them toward a commercial and scalable outcome. This is a highly collaborative role where you will enable the Director of Research to meet his research and reporting commitments which will involve working collaboratively with Department of Industry, Science and Resources, CRC Partner Organisations, Research Program Leaders, Deputy Program Leaders, Third-party suppliers and providers.

The role will work closely with the Director of Research, to identify ways to add value to each project and overcome impediments to ensure the project’s success. The Research Portfolio Project Manager will also be responsible for project monitoring and reporting against set KPIs and milestones.

• Salary - $120,000 per annum + 11% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed-term contract – 3 Years and option for continuation.
• Location: Level 1, Ainsworth Building, Engineering Road, UNSW Sydney NSW 2052
• Note: This role will be working for the ACM CRC, head quartered at the UNSW Sydney.

About ACM CRC

The Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC) is a consortium of university, industry and government organisations dedicated to the transformation of the composites manufacturing industry sector. For more information go to https://www.acmcrc.com/

Accountabilities

Specific accountabilities for this role include:

• Provide operational support to the Director of Research, and ad-hoc support to the ACM CRC team.
• Develop and implement effective systems and tools including templates, procedures, and reporting mechanisms to guide, optimise and evaluate the research program, and to provide consistent, comprehensive and accurate information.
• Work closely with the Director of Research in the management and coordination of research projects, including the setup and development of research project guidelines.
• Manage and keep track of milestones and expenses ensuring projects are delivered according to the contract.
• Work closely alongside the Director of Research in the preparation and distribution of correspondence including Project Review Papers, Board Papers, Executive Committee papers etc.
• Update and maintain the CRC management system database (Knack) and provide training for new users as required.
• Create and prepare correspondence, documents, reports, PowerPoint presentations and/or publications with the use of Microsoft Office as needed.
• Provide regular updates on the status of the projects for quarterly research project review meetings, and ACM CRC reporting uses.
• Support the Director of Research with drafting, editing and submission of executive reports, Commonwealth Reporting requirements, funding applications, and presentations, including promotional material in collaboration with stakeholders and the ACM CRC marketing and comms functions.
• Maintain and build positive relationships with industry partners, and other key stakeholders internal and external to ACM CRC with support from the Director of Research
• Support the delivery of ACM CRC funded R&D Projects and aligned enabling programs
• Where applicable, manage negotiations with project parties toward successful resolution.
• Work effectively and liaise professionally with:
  • CRC Partners, suppliers, Program Leaders and ACM personnel.
  • Board/Committee members and key stakeholders.
  • Manage frontline research related enquiries and disseminate to the ACM team as required.
• Analyse processes and provide input to continuous process improvement, including participation in major projects. Work closely with staff to implement and standardise processes to ensure maximum efficiencies and ensure processes are governed by the policies and procedures of ACM CRC.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare cash and non-cash financial reports for project review meetings and track research project financial expenditure.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.

Skills and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Proven research project management experience, with an in-depth understanding of the project life cycle and development of project plans, objectives and documentation.
• Experience in progressing a research project from concept through to an end product, manufacturing and global distribution would be desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrated success in delivering strategies, programs or initiatives that support research & development.
• Knowledge of design thinking, new product development and innovation processes, and entrepreneurship methodologies or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation frameworks such as Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Commercial Readiness Level (CRL).
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills and proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and proactivity in the development of robust solutions to problems.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• High level organisational skills with a proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to ACM CRC’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

To Apply: Please provide a detailed CV and one-page cover letter outlining why you are suited to the role.

Contact: Prof. Gangadhara Prusty, Director of Research, ACM CRC (********@unsw.edu.au and/or ********@acmcrc.com)

Applications close: 29 February 2024

The Centre reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.