CIRUS General Operational Lead

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. ARIS is on the leading edge of novel technology development. As one of Canada’s top applied‑research colleges, SAIT has 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and full‑time research staff who are solely dedicated to providing the services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.

One of ARIS’s research centers is the Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS). CIRUS is committed to enhancing the role of remotely piloted systems in data collection, processing, management, analytics, and dissemination, while also creating organizational efficiencies across different sectors and regulatory environments. The center aims to tackle significant industry challenges, including the innovative use of remotely piloted systems and sensors, as well as the customization, validation, analysis, and integration of data products derived from these systems.

Reporting to the Research Chair of the CIRUS group, the Operational Lead will be responsible for the operations of the research group. This includes assisting with the preparation of high‑quality proposals and reports, maintaining and improving business processes, implementing effective project management practices, and tracking internal project capacity and industry portfolios. In collaboration with the entire team, this position will work closely with the Research Chair to prepare funding proposals, oversee staffing and budgets, and enhance productivity through the development and refinement of management tools.

The Operational Lead will also support day‑to‑day project management, deliverables, and productivity. Strategic responsibilities for this role include executing major facilities grants aimed at expanding the research group and collaborating with operational leads from other ARIS research groups. Additionally, this position will involve tracking and reporting metrics and financials for the institution and major funding partners.

Note:
This is a 1 year temporary position.

• Project/Operations Management
• Consult with a highly trained and motivated research team regarding strategies to assist in meeting project deliverables successfully.
• Assist the write up of high‑quality scientific/engineering proposals and reports to increase external funding with a strong industry relevant focus.
• Develop, oversee and communicate business and project management process and procedures internally.
• Work collaboratively with team to aid them in coordinating day to day tasks, project deliverables and reporting activities.
• Identify internal control weaknesses and assist with implementation of best practices for accountability, productivity and process improvements.
• Track and report on all project financials – time allocations, invoicing, budgets, expenses and revenue.
• Work with ARIS’s Business Operations Manager and finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Coordinate agreements, POs, NDAs, invoices, purchases, and research infrastructure inventory on behalf of team with business operations.
• Assist in development of service offerings to meet industry R&D and technical service as recommended by stakeholders, and the ARIS leadership team.
• Assist in the trial of new service offerings to improve service response, workplans and scientific and engineering proposals that maintain quality assurance.
• Consult with the Research Chair, to hire, onboard, support and mentor staff, students and HQPs needed for the operations team.
• Identify team competencies to better contribute to project work, professional development, leadership, growth and maintenance of professional designations in good standing.
• Technical writing and reporting
• Working with Research Chair to prepare reports for internal, advisory council and funders, including full financial and metrics accounting.
• Working with the team to aid in the discovery of new funding opportunities, identify application needs and participate in the execution of industry‑based capital, infrastructure, R&D and technical grant…