Manager, Major Research Initiatives

Join Research Services at Swinburne University

• Full-time, ongoing position at our Hawthorn campus
• HEW Level 8 salary + 17% super and staff benefits

About the Role

The Research Grants and Contracts team within Research Services are seeking a highly experienced Manager, Major Research Initiatives to lead the delivery of research management and operational support for Swinburne’s largest and most strategically important research initiatives.

You will support a defined portfolio of high value, complex, reputationally important, multi-party research awards, such as ARC Centres of Excellence, ARC Industrial Transformation Program, Australian Government funded projects, Cooperative Research Centres, State Government projects and other important industry projects and consortia.

This role encompasses the full grants’ lifecycle, managing all pre-award and post-award activities associated with securing large grants, including support in bid preparation, budget analysis, compliance checks, ensuring certification processes, drafting and reviewing proposals, coordinating stakeholder inputs, and ensuring alignment with funding body guidelines. As the Manager, you will provide tailored project management advice, guidance, and support for the establishment, monitoring, reporting, and post-award administration of major research projects. You will also provide expert advice and strategic recommendations to inform key business decisions and develop and implement processes, workflows, and systems to ensure the effective and active management of major research projects from pre-award planning through to project completion.

The position will work closely with research project leaders and staff, teams in Swinburne Research Services, and colleagues in Schools/ Centres, Commercialisation and Innovation area, to support the successful delivery of these projects and the research enterprise.

About You

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• Substantial experience in complex program or research management including provision of expert, strategic advice, reporting and consulting.
• Demonstrable experience in project management and/or evaluation and/or contract management, with project management qualification(s).
• Highly developed planning and organisational skills with experience in establishing priorities, allocating resources and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent relationship management and consultation skills including the ability to undertake consultative processes, engage with senior management, influence and negotiate with a variety of stakeholders.
• Highly developed analytical and conceptual skills including demonstrated ability to quickly assimilate new concepts and information and deliver positive, innovative solutions
• Advanced computer literacy, particularly with current business management software packages and their various application capabilities is preferred.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
• Progress towards accreditation through the Australasian Research Management Society is preferred.

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and Cover Letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.

Click here for the Position Description

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check.

Applications Close: Friday, 12 June 2026 at 11:30pm.