Senior R&D Portfolio Manager

Job Summary Senior R&D Portfolio Manager within TRaCE (Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy) responsible for managing a portfolio of 20+ major R&D projects and driving commercialisation outcomes in the circular economy and clean energy sectors. Key Responsibilities Lead and coordinate a high‑performing team to deliver strategic portfolio planning, project monitoring and commercialisation services across the major R&D project portfolio. Drive TRaCE’s R&D and commercialisation strategy, ensuring projects meet key milestones and progress toward scalable, commercial outcomes. Design, operate and continually improve the next iteration of a commercialisation and R&D incubator model as part of TRaCE’s legacy. Collaborate closely with UNSW research and support teams, industry partners, companies and investors to optimise portfolio success. Report to the Research & Commercialisation Director and supervise direct reports, including the R&D Portfolio Manager and Senior Contract Administrator. Qualifications and Experience Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through a combination of education, training and experience. Proven experience managing a high‑performing team 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. Proven experience 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). Excellent consultation, influencing and relationship building skills with a proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and proactivity in the development of robust solutions. 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 responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training. 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, improving 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 and delivering the critical skills needed to build Australia’s clean energy and circular industries for global deployment. 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 Please email your application to Larry Little at Kennedy Austin Executive Search Consultants at Applications close at 9am AEST on Thursday 27 November 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr