Senior Manager, Standards Research

Employment Status:

Time Type:

BUILDING A WORLD CLASS TEAM STARTS WITH YOU

At the heart of CSA Group is a vision: making the world a better, safer, more sustainable place. It's been part of our mission for nearly one hundred years: from the first engineering standard for railway bridges developed in 1919, to more than 3,500 standards, codes & related products today.

Headquartered in Canada, with a global footprint of more than 30 labs and offices across Europe, Asia and North America, CSA Group tests, inspects and certifies a wide range of products - from every day househould items to leading edge technology-to meet exacting requirements for safety, performance and environmental impact.

Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We're looking for people like you to help make it happen.

Job Summary:

Primary Function
The Senior Manager, Standards Research will be responsible for growing and strengthening CSA's research program such that the research produced enhances the quality of the current standards portfolio and grows it to address emerging Standards' needs. Playing a vital role in achieving Standards' strategy and long-term objectives in Research and Advocacy, they will develop strategic relationships with internal and external parties and ensure that the activities align with the mandate of the program. This role will manage the operations of the research program including the setup, drive and coordination of research projects, overseeing the research evaluation process, research project approvals, and successful completion and publication of research reports. They will work with CSA staff and committees to identify research needs that would enhance the current CSA portfolio of standards and identify emerging trends and technologies that could be part of the research portfolio. This individual will work to promote CSA's research program both internally and externally, enhancing the awareness and reputation of CSA's research program. They will be responsible for managing the budget of the research program. They will have exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills, experience building and executing on strategy, and experience managing people and budgets. Their background in scientific research will support staff and other engaged parties in the successful selection and execution research activities, the development of strategic internal and external collaborations, and the identification and securing of external research funding, where applicable.

Working Relationships

• Reports to the VP, Research and Education
• Supervises Managers, Standards Research (3+)
• Works with CSA staff and management - Standards Project Managers, Program Managers, Strategic Initiatives Managers, Directors, VPs, Education Product Managers and Senior Managers, Strategic Standards Development staff
• Develops collaborative working relationships with corporate functions (Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Marketing) and external stakeholders (members, industry, government, academia, research institutions)

Dimensions

• Management of budgets between $1-3million
• Staff size: 3+ (Managers, Standards Research)
• Accountable for the selection and management of high value research projects resulting in publications in line with annual targets
• Accountable for management of research budget and developing strategic collaborations with internal and external parties to achieve the long-term targets of Research and Advocacy

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Understanding the Business

• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of scientific research methods and applies principles in the management of research projects. Supports team members and external vendors in applying these principles to ongoing projects.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the long-term objectives of Standards and how the research program helps to achieve them. Sets and guides strategy to align with these long-term objectives.
• Identifies and develops strategic research opportunities to support emerging areas in standards development.
• Understands the perspectives of external parties and the sectors they work in as they relate to research projects (e.g., government, industry, academia). Identifies and conducts strategic outreach to existing and potential research collaborators across North America to support the development, execution and uptake of the program.
• Ability to understand areas of risk and ways to mitigate them, communicating these to senior leadership for appropriate management, as applicable.
• Understands opportunities for external funding (e.g., government, industry, academic), identifies and jointly secures external research funds as appropriate.

Working Well with Others

• Provides leadership and direction to direct reports.
• Conducts regular meetings with the teams.
• Recruits, leads, coaches and motivates a high-performance team by building and promoting career paths for professional growth, through goal-setting, continuous feedback, mentoring and training.
• Communicates in a clear manner, with an appropriate level of detail for the situation (oral and written) and the audience including external parties, peers, supervisors and senior leadership.
• Reviews the work of others including team members and peers, providing actionable feedback and guidance.
• Supports all team members in resolving project delivery issues and maintains a continuous focus on key project risks, developing and executing plans for all high probability and high impact risks.
• Provides guidance to an optimal solution/outcome to support learning and comprehension.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships within CSA Group and with internal and external parties.
• Maintains excellent external relationships through appropriate communication channels, provides proactive solutions for key parties.

Delivering Results

• Manages portfolio of research projects to achieve high quality products. Accountable for tracking and meeting annual publication targets.
• Oversees communications on progress and achievements of research program via internal channels (e.g., CSA Connect, Communities), corporate media channels and presentations to external audiences.
• Works with and supports standards development staff in the development of research ideas, proposals, and applications for funding.
• Identifies and supports strategic opportunities for research in high-potential topics for standards development, engaging with Standards Directors or senior leadership, as applicable, to validate and support pursuit of these opportunities.
• Ensures coordination and success of project portfolios involving large, cross-sectoral, high-profile topics.
• Manages research budget to ensure funds are allocated appropriately and as planned.
• Works with Manager, Academic Engagement to support and grow research collaborations with academic institutions. .
• Manages research evaluation committee (Sector Directors, VPs) to conduct proposal evaluations.
• Manages intake, evaluation and notification of successful and unsuccessful research proposals.
• Assigns and manages workload direct reports.
• Provides input and guidance on research proposal development, including support for funding applications that include research.
• Oversees sourcing and securing of appropriate research contractors. This may include development of 'Requests for Proposals', vetting of applications, and development of contracts.
• Oversees work plans of both micro and macro research projects, achievement of research and financial milestones.

Concern for Safety

• Completes safety-related company training courses as assigned and on time.
• Encourages team to take all safety-related company training courses as assigned.
• Immediately reports hazards, near misses, incidents, observed unsafe acts and conditions and encourages team to do the same.
• Participates in corrective action processes and resolves audit related actions.
• Participates and engages in the HSSE program in a positive and proactive manner.

Work Environment

• Office work environment.
• Business travel up to 25% per year for company/regional meetings, conferences, etc.
• Carrying of portable computer when travelling.
• Extended periods of sitting during regular performance of job duties
• Work in matrix organization.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Graduate degree. A Ph.D. is preferred.
• 10 years of relevant experience in a standards or research environment.
• 5 years of experience managing people.
• Experience in developing strategic research direction, conducting research experiments, literature reviews and publishing.
• Experience in conducting collaborative research projects with academic or private partners.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills and ability to prepare clear concise, reports, correspondence, and submissions.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of research funding mechanisms (government, industry, academic) and associated research opportunities.
• Expertise in preparation of complex applications and proposals.
• Ability to self-manage, influence others without direct reporting authority, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proven ability to lead by influence.
• Experience with delivering formal presentations to senior level management and large audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, discretion and diplomacy.
• Professional and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven relationship-building abilities.
• Applicants with proficiency in French will be given special consideration.

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CSA Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on any grounds stipulated by applicable laws. We are an organization where opportunities are based on skills and abilities, and differences are respected and valued. Please contact us at human.resources@csagroup.org if you require accommodation in the interview process.