Description:
The Senior Commercial Manager, Research (Innovation & Sustainability), is responsible for identifying future trends in commercial research needs of industry and government organisations; engage them to expand Deakin’s research outreach by providing evidence-based solutions to industry-based challenging research problems.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Develop and maintain effective networks with government, industry, non-government organisations, technology developers, and providers in assigned portfolios to establish successful and long-term commercial research partnerships.
- Maintain a deep understanding and knowledge of the research focus and strengths of the university stakeholder groups, seek out opportunities where their skills can be applied to solve real world problems and bring opportunities for the University’s researchers.
- Lead or contribute to multi-disciplinary teams of researchers, enabling functions and external partners, to identify, develop and implement initiatives for growing research
- Enhance capacity building of Deakin researchers and research teams to effectively engage with industry and government and plan for the commercialisation of their research outcomes.
- Lead the development, negotiation and execution of commercial research agreements within the context of the research activities and appropriate due diligence of research clients.
- Maintain an understanding of and work within the University’s financial policies and procedures when costing for projects and negotiating with potential partners ensuring Deakin’s interests are duly considered.
- Manage complex stakeholder issues that are integral to the change process and show integrity and empathy for individuals facing a loss from change or innovation.
To be successful, you’ll have:
- Postgraduate qualifications or an equivalent combination of qualifications and extensive industry and higher education experience in one or more of the research and development areas: Material Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Energy, and Circular Economy.
- Demonstrated capacity to build relationships and represent internal and external partners and customers across industry, government and university sectors
- Previous experience in a business development role within the research context
- Proven understanding of university research culture and the pathways for the commercialisation of research
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to achieve quality customer service for research clients and researcher groups.
- Sharp negotiation skills
- Good understanding of research and technology concepts and ability to achieve commercial outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to understand, negotiate and manage contractual arrangements and coordinate projects
- Demonstrated ability to understand costing details of pertaining to research projects and work within organisational financial frameworks.