Co-Centre Operations Manager

The School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to recruit a talented Co-Centre Operations Manager.

The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems encompasses a research programme of oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and social sciences across three jurisdictions – the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB) - with the aim of directly assisting the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment. The Co-Centre will build on the shared objectives of nine leading agri-food educational and research institutions to develop a robust, resilient and sustainable food system that meets changing consumer demands. The Co-Centre will foster R&I to accelerate radical transitions towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable and transparent agri-food sector.

Reporting to the Co-Director at QUB and working closely with the Co-Centre Manager based at UCD, this postholder will provide specialist project management expertise and administrative oversight to a team that will efficiently manage all functions of the Co-Centre across the three jurisdictions (ROI, NI, GB), including budgetary management, funder reporting to DAERA, SFI and UKRI, human resources, grants management, and overall progress monitoring of a portfolio of projects . The Co-Centre Programme Manager will work closely with the Co-Centre Manager, the Co-Directors and Executive Management Committee and will be responsible for managing the implementation of the Co-Centre strategy, developing the structures and supports to ensure that it meets its core objectives. The Co-Centre Programme Manager will work closely with the Business Development Manager, and Research Funding Manager based at UCD to develop/co-develop new industry partnerships and research opportunities. The Co-Centre Programme Manager will be a key point of contact for funding agencies, and responsible for developing and maintaining excellent relationships with the other partner institutions.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Honours Degree and/or postgraduate or professional qualification in a scientific, technical or business subject area OR significant relevant experience as outlined
• Recognised Project Management qualification
• Substantial experience in the management of large projects within a business or academic environment including:
  • Experience of working with funding bodies or government agencies
  • Experience of developing and implementing project management processes and procedures.
  • Experience in preparation of funding bids, publications, and board level papers and presentations
  • Experience in management of and reporting on KPIs and project deliverables
  • Experience of networking and building collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including industry and commerce, government departments and agencies and business and public bodies, to deliver, influence and impact organisational strategy.

Please note the above are not an exhaustive list. For further information about the role including the essential and desirable criteria, please visit our website.