Salary Range: $108,147-$155,461/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Office of Research Administration (ORA) and/or the Department Head of an established research department or program under the portfolio of the Senior Executive Director, Research, the Manager, Research Operations provides operational and administrative leadership, fiscal accountability and development and is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of operational programs, policies and procedures to the assigned research area. The Manager, Research Operations provides specialized knowledge to define, clarify and streamline processes related to research laboratory operations, staff administration, payroll, benefits and project management including budgets and budget justifications for BC Cancer Research areas.  This role supports the Executive Director, ORA in the implementation of BC Cancer Research’s strategic plans and goals and is responsible for all management duties as they relate to the day-to-day operations of the assigned department or program within BC Cancer Research. This role works in collaboration with Department Head to deal with site-specific issues and ensure that assigned research areas are provided with sufficient guidance to solve individual problems, meet educational demands and research and development requirements as well as being cognizant of all applicable PHSA policies.  The Manager, Research Operations is responsible for all administrative functions of the academic programs with all partner universities, including finance and human resources, and ensures that there is a consistent application of PHSA policies.

Duties/Accountabilities:

•    Develops short-term goals in collaboration with research administration leadership to enhance organizational performance of assigned research teams.  This involves taking a lead role in the analysis of the current situation and future requirements, initiating the development of specific goals and objectives and setting priorities for planning and implementing solutions to enhance the teams’ capabilities.
•    As part of the Research Operations Leadership Committee, ensures consistent and appropriate processes and procedures are developed and practiced within BC Cancer research areas in accordance with PHSA policies.  Collaborates with PHSA Human Resources and Restricted Funds Finance to provide administrative, financial and staff management support and guidance to department heads, research laboratory managers, administrators, investigators and staff on the development of effective staffing and retention strategies, financial policies and processes, hiring and disciplinary practices, policy and collective agreement interpretation, application and problem solving.
•    Communicates on a regular basis with a wide variety of staff at all levels within BC Cancer, BC Cancer Foundation, PHSA, and partner Universities (UBC, SFU, UVic, UNBC) for collaboration and the exchange of information on research and operational activities.  Works closely with ORA and establishes and maintains relationships with other external organizations for the purpose of university affiliations, supporting Principal Investigator and student appointments/joint appointment and funding opportunities.  
•    Monitors, assesses and reports on the fiscal performance of assigned research department in the areas of resource utilization, expenditure patterns, and budgetary targets. Develops, recommends and manages the research program budget and ensures budget submissions are consistent with existing guidelines and timelines are adhered to. Identifies areas of concern and makes recommendations to the Executive Director, ORA and Manager, Research Financial Planning and Analysis to resolve issues that would result in a financial or operational impact.
•    Manages assigned research department business operations, administrative, and finance team in collaboration with Department Head; recruits, coordinates, supervises and provides leadership to operational, finance and administrative support staff in assigned department and multi-departmental Research Programs through coaching, guiding and modeling key behaviors/strategies, encouraging dialogue and providing guidance and advice to facilitate resolutions to work issues. Assists team members to define goals, meet target dates and promotes employee recognition programs. Gives meaningful feedback during performance reviews and initiates disciplinary action where necessary.
•    Represents the interests of BC Cancer Research and PHSA when required on internal and external committees.

Qualifications:

A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or Project/Quality Management, plus seven (7) to ten (10) years of leadership experience in a research environment, with emphasis on human resource, finance and facility operations.

Strong leadership skills to influence/guide others and ensure effective and consistent service delivery are required. The ability to work as a team member, while supervising and leading a team. Proven critical thinking, planning and decision-making skills. Comprehensive knowledge of the role of research within both a healthcare and academic structure. Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to synthesize issues and convey ideas with clarity. Strong sense of accountability and diplomacy. Advanced knowledge of a variety of software products (word processing and spreadsheets) is required. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.