Position Information

Position Number

S01213

Position Title

Manager - Research and Development

Division/Portfolio

Applied Research

Department/Program

Applied Research

Location

Kelowna

Other Flexible Work Options

Your Opportunity

The Manager, Research & Development plays a key leadership role in advancing the College’s applied research strategy and strengthening its impact across regional communities. Reporting to the Director, Applied Research, the position focuses on identifying and developing high-value research opportunities in collaboration with researchers, industry partners, and community organizations. Responsible for providing leadership in business development across Applied Research and the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre, the Manager ensures applied research efforts align with institutional priorities and regional economic and social needs, while also developing industry relationships and research contracts, and leading the development of competitive funding proposals to enhance the visibility of research across the institution.

With strong strategic insight, business acumen, and communication skills, the Manager, Research & Development is a results-drive role that cultivates partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders to support innovation, knowledge transfer, and long-term research growth. The role provides guidance on research concepts, project design, and resource needs, helping shape initiatives from early exploration through to proposal readiness, while maintaining a forward-looking vision that identifies emerging opportunities and areas for growth in the College’s research portfolio. Comfortable engaging with industry associations, negotiating complex research contracts and agreements, and championing new directions, the Manager contributes to a dynamic research environment that supports regional development and institutional excellence.

The primary work location will be the Kelowna Campus. However, the Manager, R&D, is expected to have a strong presence at all OC campuses and in industry and community. Ability to travel is required.

Functions and Duties

1. Strategic Leadership & Applied Research Development

• Develop and implement multi-year R&D strategies that align with institutional priorities, regional economic needs, and the College’s vision for innovation and community impact.
• Provide senior business development leadership within Okanagan College and the region.
• Maintain a forward-looking perspective and comprehensive expertise about regional, provincial and national industry trends to identify, new technologies and high-potential areas for growth within the College’s research portfolio.
• Shape early-stage research concepts and strategic initiatives, guiding faculty and external partners in exploring new opportunities and building competitive, impactful proposals.
• Collaborate with the Director, Applied Research to guide departmental focus, research planning, operational targets, and resource allocation.
• Serve as the Director’s delegate at leadership tables when necessary

2. Business Development & Partnership Growth

• Work collaboratively with College leadership, faculty, researchers, program advisory committees, industry associations, Indigenous communities, and regional, provincial and national organizations to identify applied research opportunities aligned with College priorities.

• Proactively cultivate new industry, government, and community partnerships to expand the College’s applied research footprint and create sustained pipelines of project opportunities.

• Identify and assess potential markets, sectors, and partnership models that support revenue generation, long-term collaboration, and the diversification of research activities.

• Lead outreach to industry associations, innovators, and sector leaders to promote the College’s research capabilities and secure interest in future projects and facility use.

• Represent the College at regional and sector-specific events to increase visibility, build strategic relationships, and position the institution as a hub for applied research and innovation.

3. Funding Acquisition & Proposal Leadership

• Lead the development of competitive research proposals and funding applications for government, industry, and non-profit partners.
• Lead the development of research contracts, collaborative research agreements, and non-disclosure agreements to support research relationships and deliverables.
• Guide researchers and external partners in shaping project ideas, defining scope, and aligning proposals with funder priorities and industry opportunities.
• Monitor funding landscapes and emerging programs to position the College for early engagement and strategic investment.+

4. Project Oversight, Operations & Research Facility Management

• Provide leadership for business and project management services, including resource allocation, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Collaborates with the Director and the Manager – BCBTAC to maintain oversight over day-to-day operations of research facilities, equipment, and laboratories, ensuring safe and efficient environments for research activities.
• Collaborates with the Director and Research Officer to maintain oversight over projects and contracts through all stages—from concept to completion—ensuring quality outcomes and partner satisfaction.
• Works with College leadership to maintain a comprehensive understanding of research facilities across all OC campuses, including off-campus resources.

5. Team Development & Mentorship

• Provides direct supervision to assigned staff within the team.

• Acts as a resource and senior advisor to leadership on business development and R&D trends.

• Provides guidance and support to project coordination functions to ensure deliverables meet partner expectations.

• Works collaboratively with research personnel and project staff to develop new projects and proposals.

Education and Experience

• Requires completion of Master’s degree in a relevant field with Doctorate or equivalent preferred. An MBA or a graduate degree in a scientific or technical field preferred. Formal training in Communications is an asset.

• Graduate-level research experience and/or additional certification in research administration, innovation management, or project management is an asset.

• Minimum of 7 years progressively senior experience in business development, applied research leadership, or R&D project management is required. Experience with defense, advanced manufacturing and/or construction research and development is a significant asset.

• A combination of experience and education may be considered.

• Ability to travel regionally, provincially, and nationally when required

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience leading applied research projects that generate meaningful impact and address the needs of regional communities, industry partners, and academic stakeholders.
• Extensive expertise in securing and managing external research funding from federal, provincial, and industry sources, with a strong understanding of competitive grant processes and budget management.
• Skilled in developing persuasive grant proposals and funding applications, including clearly articulating research objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and potential impact to funding agencies and partners.
• Expertise in negotiating sponsored research agreements and contracts with private, non-profit, and government partners.
• Strong collaborator, able to build and maintain productive partnerships with faculty, interdisciplinary teams, students, industry representatives, and community organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of communicating technical information, business opportunities, and strategic priorities to a variety of audiences including academic peers, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Committed to upholding ethical research standards, with knowledge of research ethics, data governance, privacy legislation, and institutional policies to ensure compliance across all applied research activities.

Knowledge of Applied Research and Innovation in a Canadian Context:

• Knowledge of strategic planning, partnership development, and business development approaches relevant to applied research and innovation.
• Familiarity with Canadian applied research funding landscapes, including government, industry, and community-based funding opportunities.
• Working knowledge of research ethics, data governance, privacy legislation, intellectual property considerations, and related institutional policies.
• Awareness of regional economic trends, industry needs, emerging technologies, and community priorities that inform applied research opportunities.
• General understanding of laboratory or research facility operations, technical environments, and safety considerations.

Project Development & Facilitation Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present research proposals, articulate complex ideas, and build persuasive cases for partnership.

• Strong relationship-building and business development skills, with the ability to engage confidently with industry partners, government agencies, and community organizations.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, including interpreting data, assessing opportunities, and developing strategic recommendations.

• Effective time management, organizational, and multitasking skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.

• Demonstrated leadership skills, including mentoring, guiding teams, and fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Desired Start Date

06/22/2026

Position End Date (if temporary)

Schedule

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate

Salary range $94,443 to $138,516, typical hiring range $113,316 to $125,924

Appointment Type

Exempt - Continuing Full-time

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employee Group

Administration

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

C003396

Number of Vacancies

1

Posting Open Date

05/05/2026

Posting Closing Date

05/31/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca.