Manager - Research and Development, Kelowna

Manager– Research and Development (Position Number: S01213) Location: Kelowna (expected presence at all OC campuses and in industry and community; travel required).

Responsibilities

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, maintaining a forward‑looking perspective on industry trends to identify new technologies and high‑potential growth areas.

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.

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 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.

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.

Provide leadership for business and project management services, including resource allocation, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and financial oversight.

Collaborate 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.

Collaborate with the Director and Research Officer to maintain oversight of projects and contracts through all stages—from concept to completion—to ensure quality outcomes and partner satisfaction.

Work with College leadership to maintain a comprehensive understanding of research facilities across all OC campuses, including off‑campus resources.

Provide direct supervision to assigned staff within the team and act as a resource and senior advisor to leadership on business development and R&D trends.

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

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

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in a relevant field; Doctorate or equivalent preferred. MBA or 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 for 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, 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

Experience in securing competitive funding from governmental and industry sources.

Knowledge of BC Beverage Technology Access Centre and its partnership models.

Experience managing research facilities and laboratories.

EEO 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, .

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