Manager, Research Program in Winnipeg

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 150 full- and part-time degrees, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields – while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Accessibility and Accommodations: RRC Polytech is committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you experience barriers accessing or using the online application system, or require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please contact People Services at peopleservices@rrc.ca or 204-632-2319. We will work with you to identify appropriate supports and discuss available options.

Program Manager, Research (Term Full-Time)

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Term Position Available (anticipated November 2, 2026 up to March 31, 2030). RRC Polytech reserves the right to modify work arrangements in alignment with operational and organizational needs.

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Union (MGEU)

For the purposes of this job posting, internal applicants and applicants from MITT will be given preference over external applicants. At RRC Polytech we aspire to have a workforce that is representative of the diversity within our communities. For this hiring process, a preference hiring practice will be applied. Consideration will be given to applicants who self-identify within their application as one or more of the following equity-deserving group(s): Women, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Racialized Persons, Persons of the 2SLGBTQlA+ Community.

Employment support is available to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) seeking employment at Red River College Polytechnic. For guidance on the application process, interview preparation, or to discuss accommodation needs, applicants are invited to contact our Indigenous Recruitment Consultant at Indigenoustalent@rrc.ca.

TALENT POOL: This competition may be used to establish a 12-month talent pool of qualified candidates for future vacancies. Even if you do not meet all of the listed qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

ABOUT THE TEAM: The College-University network for entrepreneurship and research commercialization has received $24.1 million in federal funding across a network of institutions to develop and deliver entrepreneurship training for researchers. This programming will drive research-based entrepreneurship and commercialization across Canada, leveraging Canada’s innovation ecosystem and collaboration with 38 co-applicant and collaborating postsecondary institutions. This network also prioritizes driving impactful change in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: RRC Polytech is seeking a Program Manager, Lab to Market to serve as the lead for the Manitoba regional Hub led by RRC Polytech. The Program Manager will oversee program delivery, administrative leadership, financial and metrics reporting, and collaborate with post-secondary institutions and the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Manitoba region. This role involves significant internal capacity building and external relationship development and ecosystem building in addition to research program administration. The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing program success by:

• Facilitating regional entrepreneurship training, fostering ecosystem development, and ensuring alignment with federal funding requirements and budgets.
• Collaborating with a team of eight Program Managers and a National Director across the country to deliver entrepreneurship training to students and researchers through 8 regional program delivery hubs and 3 Indigenous entrepreneurship hubs.
• Executing program processes, protocols, and guidelines and ensuring adherence to Tri-council and applicant requirements, including reporting on financials and deliverables.
• Leading program development through recruitment, engagement, promotion, and knowledge transfer to raise awareness of the program.
• Sustaining effective processes to capture and track metrics, program outcomes and success stories.
• Developing and implementing strategies to achieve training and mentorship targets, ensuring program goals and participant outcomes are met.
• Generating high-quality reports and documentation for internal and external partners and public distribution.
• Acting as a resource to learners, facilitators/instructors, and administrators on the application of program policies and procedures.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING: Graduate Degree in a related field of study such as Business, Innovation, Science or Engineering. Combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience and familiarity with research management and program and policy development, particularly in the areas of research commercialization, entrepreneurship, or innovation. Experience overseeing large-scale applied research proposals, and the development of applied research projects. Demonstrated experience in applying for and managing research grants (i.e. Tri-Agency- NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR). Demonstrated excellent organizational, analytical, research and creative skills. Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas and strategies clearly to diverse audiences. Excellent interpersonal and networking skills. Demonstrated strong financial management skills with the ability to oversee large budgets and ensure compliance with funder/Tri-Agency requirements. Demonstrated effective human resource management skills with the ability to manage decentralized teams, inspire collaboration, and lead diverse, cross-functional teams. Demonstrated project management skills. Demonstrated skill in the development and management of effective data collection and reporting systems and processes with the ability to define, track, and report on program metrics, and outcomes, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with strategic goals. Knowledge of intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and research commercialization. Demonstrated research dissemination planning and delivery skills. Knowledge of capital planning, property management and space planning. Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of constituents and organizations including academic institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and Indigenous communities. Experience building a respectful workplace culture that promotes diversity, learning and continuous improvement.

NICE TO HAVE: Comfortable using AI assisted platforms to streamline strategy, planning, and operational workflows. Formal training and/or certification in Project Management. Experience with a relevant field of technology. Proven experience in leading multi-site, national programs with a focus on training, research commercialization, or entrepreneurship. Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in delivering programs tailored to Indigenous students.

WHY WORK WITH US: At RRC Polytech, we believe our people are our greatest assets. We offer supportive, inclusive workplace where you can grow, contribute and thrive. Salary Range for this position: $96,865 - $136,510 per annum. Generous Paid Vacation: full-time employees accumulate a minimum of 15-days vacation per year, increasing to 30 days with service, while full-time Instructors accumulate 44 days per year. Information on casual and part-time vacation accrual is outlined in the Collective Agreement or the Terms and Conditions for Excluded Employees as applicable. December Break: employees receive time off with pay during the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Defined Benefits Pension Plan: Employer and Employee contributions to future retirement benefits. Comprehensive Benefits: Including Health and Group Life insurance, Long Term Disability, employee & family assistance program, mental health support up to $1,000, and a robust Health Care Spending Account. Inclusive Leave Programs: Wellness, maternity, adoptive, and parental leave, as well as ceremonial, cultural, religious and spiritual leave. Growth and Recognition: Professional development, professional licensing and fees coverage, and severance pay on retirement. Union Representation: For complete details on benefits and employment terms, see the MGEU collective agreement.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. This position may be required to work evenings and/or weekends. This position may be required to travel. This position may be required to work overtime.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.