Science Business Manager - Forest Research

Location: The role will be based at the Northern Research Station, Roslin or Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham with blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace.

Forest Research (FR) is the research agency of the Forestry Commission, and a world leader in applied forest science and a trusted and recognised provider of expertise, data, products and services for governments and the tree, wood, forest and natural resource sectors. Our work feeds into policy and practice on many aspects of protection, expansion and management of trees and how they can be used to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. Please explore www.forestresearch.gov.uk to find out more information about our organisation.

Forest Research are looking for an enthusiastic Science Business Manager (SBM) who will work within the Chief Scientist’s (CS) Office. The CS Office coordinates science strategy and scientific support across the diverse tree and forest research portfolio of FR, encompassing climate change, biodiversity, sustainable forest management, nature and well-being, and many other topical subjects. The team includes programme strategists, and advisers on international forestry, research impact, and knowledge exchange who work together to strengthen FR’s applied research. The SBM would have an integral role within this team, interacting with colleagues and scientists across FR on a diverse and stimulating range of topical work.

Job description

The SBM role will enable the identification and competitive bidding for research, development and innovation funds from a wide range of sources. In doing so, they will interact with many organisations and funders across a varied and interesting set of topics relating to trees, woods and forests and provide strategic advice, expertise & practical assistance to encourage FR entry into new scientific and geographic markets. The SBM will contribute to the development of innovative services and products through the definition of market strategies and supporting scientific developers in selling data, software and products into existing and new forestry markets. They will also provide support to contract review, developing new partnership working and protecting FR’s intellectual property generation.

We require someone who is adaptable, interested in a wide range of ideas, and can align their experience and skill sets to the forests, woods and trees sector. The SBM must be comfortable providing reports to the Chief Scientist, Finance Director and FR Board to analyse and highlight the current bidding situation, pipeline and revenue forecast. This role will necessitate providing support to and dealing with customers across UK and also internationally, defining strategies for success and supporting the Chief Scientist's team with increasing the impact of science programmes.

The post will report to the Chief Scientist, who is based at FR’s office at the Northern Research Station (near Edinburgh, Midlothian) and may require occasional travel within the UK, between FR’s offices and to visit current and potential funders. This is a full time, permanent post.

Responsibilities

1.Supporting the growth of business competence and success across FR:

Provide support to scientists covering the full range of activities (from bid development and review to submission) ensuring that all bids are compliant with internal FR and funder requirements. Liaise with FR’s external legal providers to ensure that all agreements related to consortia, collaboration, contracts and IP are dealt with professionally and within time requirements

2. Identifying and developing critical business relationships in UK and internationally:

Work with the Chief Scientist and colleagues to further develop relationships, commercial opportunities and messaging to ensure the FR science strategy, expertise and activities are known to external markets. As required be the main point of contact to Government Dept panels or advisory groups, highlighting FR’s expertise and identifying opportunities in UK and through developing international relationships.

3. Proposing and progressing key strategies to develop FR and its business:

Define, develop and report on FR strategic business activities to the FR senior management team and FR Board. Work with scientists to develop new markets for our scientific research outputs and with FR Communications colleagues to market the outcomes of our projects.

4. Manage staff, foster skills development and make an active team contribution:

Manage the Business Development Adviser to deliver the service and to ensure training and career progression. Work with the FR Science Heads to develop cross centre working solutions and processes that result in strong collaborations. Contribute to team development amongst those delivering science strategy and support.

Essential Criteria

Commercial, business management or business development experience and expertise

Relationship management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Experience of working in a commercial or scientific environment

Closing date: 30 October 2022.

Applications here.