Capability Manager II

Plans and manages the activities of a Capability consisting of technical staff members, laboratory facilities, and assets for conducting quality research and development. Supports priority market areas and project delivery, while ensuring professional growth and stability of the Research Capability. Collaborates with Portfolio Directors, Business Development, and Program Managers to ensure capability team members understand scope, budget, and timelines for both proposals and project execution.

This position reports to the Resource Director. Plans, organizes and directs the activities of a group of technical staff to perform appropriate projects in collaboration with key personnel. Requires the ability to plan and forecast activities, perform research, provide the necessary equipment, and ensure a safe and secure work environment with strict adherence to quality requirements. This position will generally spend the majority of their time performing technical leadership activities and serving as the scientific principal investigator, direct client interface or high-level subject matter expert on technical projects. This position requires both technical and managerial skills.

1. Manages the resources associated with a Capability. Provides input for the annual budget and tracks monthly performance metrics to meet established budgets for staff utilization, laboratory expenses, and asset maintenance.
2. Maintains a significant portion of the overall Resource Center budget and works with the Resource Director to control expenses within the operating budget.
3. Determines staff assignments, reviews/approves timesheets, and ensures the quality of the technical work product delivered during project execution. Provides leadership and guidance for staff during technical task execution, scientific research, training and career development.
4. Provides a safe work environment for each staff member by ensuring that safe working procedures exist, and practices are enforced.
5. Develops work plans, works on technical programs, serves as Principal Investigator, direct client interface, technical task lead, or high-level subject matter expert on technical projects, and maintains a personal utilization that is in-line with the Resource Center's overall targets.
6. Collaborates with Portfolio Directors, Program Managers and Principal Investigators and reviews proposed project scope of work to determine feasibility within proposed cost, schedule, resources, and performance constraints.
7. Collaborates with Business Development and serves as a primary point of contact to assess and provide feedback to proposals' potential for success and the investments required. Provides input for the technical approach, budget, and schedule sections of proposals.
8. Maintains key assets and stays current with leading edge science/technology in market segments that support core competency areas and significant business development opportunities.
9. Gathers information on client problems and presents technical solutions to decision makers/influencers to help the client understand the significance of problem consequences to justify taking action.
10. Responsible for technical deliverable output of Capability team's staff. Takes appropriate action to correct deficiencies. Writes draft and final technical reports and technical sections of monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
11. Assists in the development of procedures within the Research Operations Resource Center to ensure adherence to standards of ethical business conduct and technical work requirements.
12. Utilizes the team budget for technical diversification initiative projects aligned with Business Development priority focus areas.
13. Keeps abreast of technical and leadership skills. Attend all applicable training.
14. Actively participates in all Corporate-wide initiatives.

1. Evaluates capability team members' performance accurately and fairly. Communicates and discusses performance on a regular basis. Prepares performance appraisals.
2. Approves the selection of all new hires for the capability team. Works with Resource Director in defining staffing needs, selection/assessment criteria, and hiring strategy for research staff.
3. Identifies key development needs for staff and works with other line managers to mentor staff and provide appropriate training and assignments in core competency areas.
4. Recommends training needs of staff to improve performance and assist in career advancement. Establishes and executes a formal training program to ensure professional development and staff engagement within the capability team.
5. Leads scientific impact initiatives for staff publications, participation at technical meetings and key contributor recognition.

Advanced degree in a technical related field plus a minimum of 6 years relevant experience; B.S./B.A. in a technical related field plus a minimum of 10 years relevant experience; or appropriate combination of education and experience.

Must be a US Citizen