Business Development Project Manager

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
The BioProducts Institute (BPI), a UBC Global Research Excellence Institute (GREx), is a leading international research and innovation hub focusing on accelerating the adoption of bio-based materials and chemicals. It brings together researchers spanning the full spectrum of research from genetics to pilot scale bio-refineries to advanced materials research with the goal of establishing the Institute as the leading institution for scientific endeavors in bioproducts research, training, and education and the only Canadian entity capable of aligning and leading a globally-relevant scientific program that delivers a critical combination of science and technology, economic, social, and environmental advances into the bioeconomy space.

The Business Development Manager provides expert and strategic consultation and advice to researchers, faculty members, external stakeholders, and the BPI Directors on navigating innovation and technology commercialization for a portfolio of projects. This role oversees a substantial and broad variety of responsibilities for their portfolio, including overseeing complex program and project planning and milestone achievements and translating high level priorities into actionable project workplans, milestones, and budgets.

The Business Development Manager provides leadership in developing and implementing strategies and tactical plans for their portfolio of projects and identifies and stewards specific project opportunities in support of enhancing the impact of the institute, faculty, and university. The position is responsible for the management of budgets and resources for existing and new projects, and has oversight of ensuring that each project within their portfolio is implemented and completed in an effective and efficient manner.
Organizational Status
The position is at the managerial level to facilitate and to manage interaction between members of multiple Faculties, Innovation UBC, Development Office, Co-op office and other UBC groups as required, as well as senior management in industry and government. The candidate should be comfortable meeting with senior level management both on a one-on-one basis as well as in a presentation format.

The role reports to Director, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships of the BioProducts Institute.
Work Performed

• Identifies, develops, leads, and manages, from inception through to completion, a portfolio of business development projects that facilitate innovations/technologies towards commercialization

• Identifies and advises BPI Directors on strategic opportunities and priorities in relation to the development and implementation of new projects and programs within the Manager's portfolio.

• Serves as the central contact, knowledge base, and advisor to faculty members, researchers, and BPI Directors in relation to innovation and technology commercialization for a portfolio of projects

• Provides expert and strategic guidance and advice to project stakeholders throughout all stages of commercialization, and provides clear and seamless direction on navigating through university, government, and industry complexities involved in commercialization.

• Provides consultative services and project management to researchers on the pathway of commercialization and development of intellectual property (IP), including de-risking technology, technical economic analysis, life cycle assessment, and technology development plans.

• Strategically identifies, develops, and manages relationships with key and critical partners for a portfolio of projects including industry and government partners, university researchers, technology transfer representatives. Acts as the first point of contact for these projects, manages complex relationships, facilitates strategic conversations, and mediates between parties to achieve project specific funding opportunities and successful outcomes.

• Under the strategic guidance of the BPI Directors, champions the establishment of new initiatives and stewards major projects

• Oversees the development of project strategies, including defining goals and activity outcomes, and leads the development of business plans for new initiatives within the portfolio. Develops tactical plans, utilizes research and industry specific knowledge to resolve complex and unique issues that arise, and works to remove barriers to successful project completion.

• Establishes and manages complex project relationships between researchers, collaborators, funding agencies, and external stakeholders. Identifies inter-dependencies and facilitates collaboration across various groups and projects within the portfolio.

• Identifies opportunities for improvement, provides constructive advice and guidance for change, and manages the process of incorporating innovations effectively. Leads meetings with appropriate team members on action plans to drive progress as required, and creates and gives progress review presentations

• Manages administrative and operational requirements for existing and new projects, including budget and resource management.

• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of industry trend and potential project and program opportunities.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Decisions and recommendations provided by the Business Development Manager concern and impact the effective and efficient operation of BPI and UBC. Incorrect interpretation or communication of university policy and procedures or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity in dealing with industry and government contacts could potentially result in damaged relationships and loss of credibility for the Institute and the University. Judgment is required in determining the implications of activities, projects, and recommendations for alternatives as appropriate will be made.
Supervision Received
The incumbent works independently under broad directives from Director Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.
Supervision Given
None
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of six years related experience in an appropriate business specialization, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own.

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

An undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field is preferred; a master's degree in business (MBA) is an asset. Candidates will have a proven record in business development & managing interaction with industry; proven ability to manage projects and programs; excellent understanding of university, industry and government culture as well as demonstrated experiences.

Further relevant experience includes:

• Strong demonstrated leadership skills; a high level of initiative;

• An ability to develop high level understanding of a broad range of engineering disciplines and to effectively communicate technological information to audiences of varying sizes and acumen;

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills with a wide variety of individuals and circumstances, including an ability to build consensus and bridge gaps between parties with differing objectives;

• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize, manage, and execute multiple, concurrent projects and initiatives while working under tight time constraints in a dynamic environment with exacting deadlines.