Co-Centre Programme and Operations Manager

The 35m EUR Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems encompasses a research programme of oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and social sciences across three jurisdictions – ROI, NI and GB - with the aim of directly assisting the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment. The Co-Centre will build on the shared objectives of nine leading agri-food educational and research institutions to develop a robust, resilient and sustainable food system that meets changing consumer demands. The Co-Centre will foster R&I to accelerate radical transitions towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable and transparent agri-food sector.

Reporting to the Co-Director at QUB and working closely with the Co-Centre Manager based at UCD, this postholder will provide specialist project management expertise and administrative oversight to a team that will efficiently manage all functions of the Co-Centre across the three jurisdictions. The postholder will be responsible for managing the implementation of the Co-Centre strategy, developing the structures and supports to ensure that it meets its core objectives. The Co-Centre Programme Manager will work closely with the Business Development Manager, and Research Funding Manager based at UCD to develop/co-develop new industry partnerships and research opportunities.

About the person:

Essential Criteria:

• Honours Degree and/or postgraduate or professional qualification in a scientific, technical or business subject area.
• Significant experience in a Senior Operations Management Role in complex projects and/or large teams in adynamic research environment.
• Project management experience on complex funded research projects of a similar scale.
• Substantial experience in managing large-scale, interdisciplinary consortia with a particular emphasis on multi-site collaboration including:
  • Experience in research operations including financial and operational reporting, Centre governance and advisory meeting support, human resource management, IP/commercial management, infrastructure access, industry and research administration.
  • Experience in preparation of funding bids, publications, and board level papers and presentations.
  • Experience in management of and reporting on KPIs and project deliverables.
  • Experience of networking and building collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including industry and commerce, government departments and agencies and business and public bodies, to deliver, influence and impact organisational strategy.
  • Ability to manage and prioritise time in a dynamic environment.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available for 48 Months or to 31 December 2029, whichever is soonest. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

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