The Opportunity

The Senior R&D Portfolio Manager within TRaCE (Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy) is responsible for a portfolio of 20+ Major R&D Projects, working with the lead researchers and industry partners to ensure projects are on track to meet key milestones and drive them toward a commercial and scalable outcome.

The key focus of the role will be to drive TRaCE’s R&D & commercialisation strategy for the Major R&D Project’s Portfolio, including provide commercialisation services for key projects and working collaboratively with UNSW research and support teams, companies, and investors to optimise the portfolio’s success.

The role will lead a team to provide commercialisation, analytical and project administration services across the Major R&D Projects portfolio and TRaCE’s R&D Vouchers program. The role will also drive the design and operation of the next iteration of a commercialisation and R&D incubator model as part of TRaCE’s legacy.

The role reports to the Research & Commercialisation Director and has two direct reports, the R&D Portfolio Manager and Senior Contract Administrator and dotted reporting line for TRaCE’s Business Development & Partnerships Manager.

• Remuneration: Competitive Salary
• Employment Type: Full time, 35 hours per week
• Duration: Fixed term contract
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About TRaCE

TRaCE is creating an innovation ecosystem that will foster the change needed to de-risk and get incredible research solutions to market faster and improve Australia’s standing on international innovation and complexity indices by:

• strengthening institutional capability
• incentivising and derisking research commercialisation through funding
• supporting industry partners, SMEs, scaleups and startups to commercialise their technologies 
• making it easier to access infrastructure for technology development
• delivering the critical skills needed to build Australia’s clean energy and circular industries for global deployment.
• Our focus is on transforming building ecosystems to accelerate the delivery of scalable technologies that will have a significant impact on emissions reduction

About you (Skills and Experience)

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Proven experience in managing high performing teams and a portfolio of R&D projects spanning multiple disciplines and market sectors.
• Proven experience in research commercialisation and developing commercialisation plans for deep tech/hardware, ideally within the circular economy and clean energy sectors.
• Demonstrated success in delivering strategies, programs and partnerships that deliver
commercialisation outcomes.
• Proven experience in building networks and relationships with external stakeholders across the innovation and research commercialisation ecosystem in Australia or internationally.
• Knowledge of design thinking, new product development and innovation processes, and entrepreneurship methodologies or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation frameworks such as Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Commercial / Adoption Readiness Level (CRL / ARL).
• Knowledge of research project management, with an understanding of the project life cycle and strategic development of project plans, objectives and documentation.
• Excellent consultation, influencing and relationship building skills with a proven ability
to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and proactivity in the development of robust solutions to problems.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• High level organisational skills with a proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

How to apply

The University of New South Wales will be supported in the search for this appointment by the executive search firm Kennedy Austin Executive Search Consultants.  For confidential enquiries, please contact Larry Little at larry@kennedyaustin.com 

Please email your application to Larry Little at Kennedy Austin Executive Search Consultants at larry@kennedyaustin.com

CLOSING DATE: Applications close at 9am AEST on Thursday 27 November 2025

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