LINE MANAGER: Group Director
STRI Group is a global design, engineering and research organisation operating primarily in the sports surface, amenity and environmental sectors.
Throughout its 95-year history, the Group has delivered globally respected commercial R&D services, primarily into the sports turf sector. The type of work undertaken includes grass cultivar testing and appraisal, herbicide, pesticide and biological product testing and analysis, consumer product testing, internal R&D delivery
Our internal R&D is used to furnish our wider business units with the latest information relevant to their sectors, ensuring STRI Group remains at the cutting edge of the services we provide.
Our primary commercial R&D hub is in Yorkshire, serviced by a team of approximately twenty R&D specialists and grounds people. R&D is also undertaken in separate sites across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
JOB PURPOSE
This is a senior leadership position with overall responsibility for providing direction, growth and strategy for our global R&D teams. The role holder will ensure the successful, cost effective, efficient, and profitable delivery of services provided by the commercial R&D business unit.
You will be responsible for client success as well as driving growth of our commercial R&D client base and expansion into new markets. Taking a pivotal role in internal R&D strategy and delivery you will collaborate with colleagues across the Group to secure and maintain a position at the forefront of innovation in our chosen markets.
As a role model within the business, you will support and develop the team for mutual success.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
· Develop and agree business plan and budget, providing monthly and quarterly updates to the Board, ensuring financial targets are met
· Devise business growth strategy for increasing market share and expansion into new markets
· Lead the team, ensuring client success and supporting professional development
· Oversee all R&D activities for both external clients and internal IPR generation
· Secure new revenue streams though funding acquisition, client development and partnership development
· Ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the business unit to produce a high-quality service for clients and to maximise income and profits
· Work with all business unit leaders across the group to collectively lead and manage the strategic direction and operations of the Group
· Participate as appropriate in the project planning, management, and delivery of projects
· Ensure projects are priced correctly and checked before being sent to the client
· Manage commercial and technical risks and ensure appropriate risk factors are considered when bidding and pricing work
· Manage contracts appropriately from an internal business management perspective, with projects being registered, tracked to ensure they are on target and invoiced on time
· Maintain an understanding of the volumes and value of work won, the amount out to tender at any one time and the success rate of fee proposals using appropriate management information systems and data
· Monitor the team’s work output to ensure that it is to the relevant standard and fit for purpose
· Assist as appropriate with the recruitment and training of new team members
· Manage performance of direct reports and ensure all other team members within the business unit are managed effectively
· Develop innovative systems and delivery methods to meet clients’ needs
· Oversee management of the department’s equipment and supplies to ensure effective service delivery on budget
· Final sign off on all research documentation and agreeing contracts and discounts.
· Final sign off for all SOPs and research policies
PERSON SPECIFICATION
· A commercially focussed R&D leader who has experience in diversification and development of business units.
· An enthusiasm and willingness to work to develop business, not only for the R&D business unit but also for the wider Group
· A track record of successful business development and client management
· Excellent leadership and management skills to support maximum performance of the team
· A willingness to travel, domestic and international, to manage and develop the business unit.
· A PhD in a relevant discipline
· Proven experience in R&D and project management within a relevant sector e.g. sports turf, agricultural, environmental or similar
· Technical competency of the highest order in a relevant scientific discipline
· Excellent communication, networking and relationship building skills
· Competent in delegation and team management
