Director of Operations, Research and Innovation Cores

Union: Non Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: Replacement
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Research
Reports to: Executive Director, Theranostics and Core Facilities
Salary Range: $129,649 - $179,649
Hours: 37.5 per week
Shifts: Days
Status: Permanent Full Time
Closing Date: October 2. 2026
Position Summary
The Director, Operations, Research & Innovation Cores provides strategic and operational leadership for UHN's portfolio of research and innovation core facilities, serving internal investigators and external partners across industry, academia, and healthcare. This role sits at the intersection of business development, operations, and innovation, driving revenue-generating activities, optimizing service delivery, and advancing UHN's research mission.
The Director leads the development of scalable business models, operational systems, client engagement strategies, and innovation initiatives that strengthen UHN's research enterprise and global competitiveness. Success in this role requires the ability to navigate complexity, align diverse stakeholders, and translate ambitious strategic objectives into practical, sustainable solutions.
The ideal candidate enjoys building systems, solving organizational challenges, leading through influence, and creating structure in dynamic and evolving environments.
In one sentence: A strategically-minded, system-building operator who thrives in ambiguity, orchestrates complex stakeholders, and translates high-level research strategy into structured, scalable execution.
Duties:
Lead the strategic and operational direction of UHN Research & Innovation Cores, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.
Oversee business operations across the core facilities portfolio, including service delivery, client experience, process optimization, and operational performance.
Develop scalable operational models, workflows, and systems that support growth, efficiency, and consistency across diverse scientific and business units.
Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, measurable objectives, and sustainable business practices.
Lead business development initiatives, including market expansion, partnership development, service positioning, and diversification of revenue streams.
Oversee innovation initiatives that improve operational effectiveness, resource utilization, and organizational scalability.
Lead financial and operational planning, including budgeting, forecasting, performance monitoring, and resource allocation.
Provide leadership on contracts and business agreements, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, risk management requirements, and organizational objectives.
Build and lead a multidisciplinary team spanning operations, business development, finance, marketing, and innovation.
Collaborate with scientific leaders, institutional stakeholders, and external partners to advance the impact, sustainability, and competitiveness of UHN Research & Innovation Cores.
Completion of a Bachelor Degree; or recognized equivalent
Strong strategic, analytical, and systems-thinking capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to create structure, alignment, and momentum in complex, fast-moving environments.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across scientific, clinical, academic, and corporate environments.
Proven track record translating complex research capabilities into sustainable business models, partnerships, and operational solutions.
Strong business acumen, including financial planning, operational optimization, and business development.
Ability to lead through influence, manage competing priorities, and drive organizational change.
Knowledge of healthcare/research systems, funding environments, and commercialization pathways is an asset.
Background in science and/or contract, legal, or regulatory environments is considered a strong asset.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No