OPPORTUNITIES

Operations Manager – Job Posting

Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED)

Job Title: Operations Manager

Job Location: University of Victoria Marine Technology Centre, Victoria, BC

Salary/Wage: $72,000 – $80,000 negotiable dependent on qualifications, experience and the negotiated hours of work per week

Hours of work per week: Part to Full-time (suggested 25-37.5 hrs.)

Location: Marine Technology Centre Bay 111 (N. Saanich) & IESVic (MAC D202, UVic Gordon Head Campus)

Start Date: August 18^th, 2025

Number of Positions: 1

Application Deadline: July 25^th, 2025

Who we are

The Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED), is a marine energy research and development hub hosted by the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria (UVic). PRIMED’s mandate is to leverage research outputs at IESVic to accelerate the development and adoption of Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) in BC Coastal Community Energy Systems.

In this role PRIMED staff:

• Use computational models and field measurements to define the energy characteristics in BC’s marine winds, waves and tides
• Apply computer modeling tools to assess how MRE devices convert these resources into usable forms of energy.
• Support of detailed MRE project design including MRE device siting, mooring design, electrical integration, partner identification and development of operating strategies.

Job Description / About this position

PRIMED’s projects include marine energy resource assessment, pre-feasibility, front-end engineering design and MRE construction projects. Across these activities, PRIMED works with an extensive network of community, private sector, academic and government agency partners. Projects merge financial, operational and in-kind supports from a myriad of sources with these contributions being formalized through bespoke contribution agreements. Field activities and construction projects involve institutionally funded assets being installed in BC communities and private enterprises, and this requires extensive dialogue on how procurement and operational costs are shared amongst stakeholders. Field activities are carefully coordinated with community representatives to ensure that traditional uses are well-understood and respected, and that local vessels and qualified people are identified and meaningfully engaged wherever possible. As a university research group, we seek to disseminate best-practices and knowledge developed in projects to the benefit of the BC MRE sector. But, this requires thoughtful dialogue with partners to ensure intellectual property is protected.

The advertised position will be based inside PRIMED, serve as the hub for this network of partners and support project planning, team formation, proposals and agreements, procurement and site operations.

In completing their duties, the Operations Manager is expected to interface regularly with the teams in the UVic Innovation and Partnerships Office, Purchasing Services, Research Accounting and the UVic Office of Risk Management and Insurance. Building excellent working relationships with these teams, the PRIMED Operations Manager will help them identify ways to execute on PRIMED’s portfolio of unique MRE projects on the BC Coast.

In addition, the PRIMED Operations Manager will work closely with the Victoria Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST).  COAST and UVic jointly operate the BC Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub (“The Hub”), which delivers knowledge and data services to companies developing MRE technology solutions, and provides sites for physical testing and demonstration of MRE devices. Working with the COAST team, the PRIMED Operations Manager will: represent PRIMED in the development of funding calls and innovation challenges issued by The Hub, collaborate with COAST in the formation of new project proposals, manage cost sharing of Hub project expenses in coordination with the UVic Purchasing Services and Contracts teams.

PRIMED’s activities fall into 3 categories: academic research, applied research and activities executed in support of commercialization programs under The Hub.

Responsibilities

The PRIMED Operations Manager will:

• Work with the PRIMED Directors and project technical leads to identify funding opportunities and form project proposals
• With direction from the UVic Innovation and Partnerships Office, draft agreement content with input from across UVic, PRIMED, COAST and external project stakeholders.
• Through dialogue with relevant UVic offices, ensure contracts, research agreements and service agreements are compliant with university policies and procedures.
• Engage with UVic Purchasing staff and COAST project managers to procure equipment and services in support of PRIMED led project and project supported through the Hub.
• Prepare and deliver project briefings (in person and on-line) to stakeholders that connect project objectives to task assignments.
• Be principle point of contact with the COAST Executive Director and Project Management teams on all matters relating to the development and operation of assets and facilities under The Hub.
• Assist in the generation of workplans and timelines for new PRIMED projects.
• Monitor project progress and be proactive in gathering inputs from team members and partners to ensure that deliverables are submitted on time.
• Assist in scheduling and coordination of operations and contracted services at field sites.
• Be point of contact for service providers and assist in resolving compliance issues such as zoning, permits, insurance, etc.
• Other duties as assigned (examples include but are not limited to proof reading non-technical works, account reconciliation, assistance in preparation of reports, etc).

Required Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to respectfully engage with internal and external stakeholders through email, conference calls and face-to-face meetings.
• Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, conflict and dispute resolution, and stakeholder relation skills.
• Experience developing contracts and agreements with suppliers and stakeholders
• Demonstrated willingness to work between project stakeholders to problem solve
• Demonstrated time-management and organizational skills, with an ability to independently and effectively prioritize tasks in response to changing priorities.
• Highly motivated, solutions-oriented and adaptable to dynamic project requirements
• Excellent planning and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, especially in regards to document storage and generating and tracking project timelines and budgets
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders at all organizational levels

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of recognized Project Management principles and methodologies.
• Understanding of contract law, procurement processes and construction management.
• Knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices
• Proficient with project management software, MS Office, collaboration platforms etc.

Assets

• Project management professional certification, e.g. Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience in Marine Sciences, or Marine Industry (engineering, software development, data management).
• Proven experience in office management, contract facilitation, construction management (particularly marine infrastructure) or similar.
• Familiarity with construction project management, particularly marine-based infrastructure.
• Familiarity with University procurement and contracting processes is an asset.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, [Project] Management, or a related field. Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree will be considered if they can prove relevant experience.

Contact and Application

Interested candidates should email primed@uvic.ca with the subject PRIMED Operations Manager, and attach:

• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• A one-page cover letter describing your relevant experience and motivation for applying for the position.
• Names and contact details for two references