Employment Status: Regular Time Type: Full time 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: The Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Research) will be responsible for providing leadership and direction for leading-edge initiatives in exploratory research. They will be responsible for successfully identifying emerging trends and technologies, enhancing existing areas of exploratory research, and incubating new research opportunities. The individual works with the VP, Research and Education in driving and implementing strategic plans for the exploratory research program. They also work with Standards leadership and external advisory panel to ensure the stewardship of the program, including funding support, managing sponsors, and fostering collaborators and strategic alliances. This role will represent CSA Group professionally to external audiences and develop long-term strategic relationships with key parties. The individual is accountable for identifying, communicating, and integrating program initiatives and insights with both internal and external parties, including but not limited to academic and other research institutions, government, not-for-profits, and industry associations. The individual is also responsible for communicating research insights and activities to staff and members to advance standards readiness in areas of exploration. Responsibilities: Significant knowledge of academic research environment, government and industry environment as relates to scientific research, including key parties, funding opportunities, leading edge activities, risks, influencers. Applies research and engagement knowledge and expertise to help identify potential emerging trends and technologies, oversee foresight research to identify topics of interest, develop and manage exploratory research activities in key areas, manage advisory panel. Oversees and manages the business requirements and specifications for relevant new exploratory research programs. Understands the various processes and procedures of the company, as well as those within research institutions including Research Ethics, contracts and research study management. A key element of the position is to ensure that these processes and procedures are adhered to, risks are anticipated and mitigated, and that the timelines of projects are achieved within defined budgets. Develops and maintains strong relationships with team members and diverse external parties, such as volunteers with no formal reporting relationship to CSA Group, e.g., industry experts, parties with lived experience, academia and government. Delivers excellence in relationship management, both with internal and external senior-level parties, to build support and buy-in for key exploratory research initiatives. This activity includes development and management of strategic alliances, issues monitoring and management, representation in external forums and determination of CSA Group positioning. Works closely with the Marketing, Research, Standards Development, Strategic Standards Development, Membership and Education teams, interfacing with other groups as required, to drive development opportunities within the scope of the program, ensure successful development and communication of research insights, facilitate the advancement of standards readiness and promote thought leadership. As part of the management team, participates in defining functional strategies and leading, directly and indirectly, aspects of strategy implementation. Monitors and provides ongoing review of active and planned initiatives against plan, recommending adjustments as necessary. Represents CSA Group professionally to external audiences and develops long-term strategic and business relationships with key parties. Provides guidance and leadership outside of direct reporting relationships to motivate and focus volunteers, staff and researchers to achieve program objectives and, as required, building consensus, obtaining buy-in, and presenting recommendations in oral and written formats. Leads program activities to identify research opportunities that will advance standards readiness in key emerging areas. In collaboration with Marketing and Communications, Membership and Services, is responsible for program communications, engagement strategies and curating content pertaining to the program, development and communication of research insights. Drives external engagement, including external and internal communications for program awareness, advisory panel operations, events and knowledge mobilization. Supports program strategies with business development activities to achieve short-term and long-term objectives. Activities include networking, member and client liaison. Monitors external and internal environments for relevant opportunities. A key sector interface with CSA Government Relations to monitor relevant key policy developments in jurisdictions across North America and internationally as it relates to exploratory research program areas. Promotes thought leadership to relevant parties in academia, government and industry, as appropriate. Experience and Education: Graduate degree science, engineering, health, or related field. Minimum 5 years’ experience in relationship management, business planning, project management and budgeting. Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in an academic or research environment. Experience in standards and/or strategic foresight an asset. Proven ability to lead by influence. Experience with strategy, business development and planning. Strong facilitation/negotiation and engagement capabilities. Experience in delivering formal presentations to senior level management and large audiences. Ability to self-manage, influence others without direct reporting authority, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams. #CSASTANDARDS 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 talentacquisition@csagroup.org if you require accommodation in the interview process. CSA Group is one of the largest standards development organizations in North America, conducting research and developing standards for a broad range of technologies and functional areas. CSA Group is also a global provider of testing, inspection and certification services for products in many market sectors, and a leader in safety and environmental certification for Canada and the U.S. The CSA mark appears on billions of products worldwide. For more information about CSA Group, please visit www.csagroup.org.
