The McGill Retail Innovation Lab’s (MRIL) objective is to blend multidisciplinary research
and cutting-edge technologies in the “store of the future” to investigate and practice
responsible innovation. Currently under construction at the center of the McGill
University campus, the MRIL will work together with a large global retailer and an
innovative local AI start up, serving as the first “live retail hub” worldwide dedicated to
retail related research, solution, discovery and validation.
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Research Director of the McGill Retail Innovation Lab (MRIL),
the Projects and Operations Manager will be chiefly responsible for the operations of the
lab to meet the daily needs of students, teachers and staff, external partners and
stakeholders of MRIL. Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for project
management and the facility as well as to aid in research operations.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Act as the principal project manager for the MRIL; build short-term agendas and
execute on key long-term project deliverables; foster strong working relationships
with internal and external stakeholders and prepare necessary reports for them. - Work in close collaboration with the BSRM (Bensadoun School of Retail Management)
and its partners, as well as the Desautels Faculty of Management (Professors,
Students, Administration, Marketing and Communications, and University
Advancement) and other relevant University departments and faculties to make the
best use of resources, share information and conduct good project governance. - Support researchers’ access to state-of-the-art computing resources and manage
infrastructure developments involving vendor partnerships. - Participate in the design of the MRIL during the initial start-up phase. Raise the
profile and reputation of the MRIL as it grows to help ensure its attractiveness to
students, academics, and partners. - Oversee research projects to ensure the conformity of the spaces to be used.
Report to the Academic Director of BSRM and Research Director of MRIL on a regular
basis, about resource management, financial performance and budgets, partnerships,
as well as future and ongoing initiatives. - Work closely with the assigned team and partner organizations. Identify new
partners, investigate project opportunities and handle contracts, in consultation with
the Academic Director (BSRM) and Research Director of the MRIL as well as other
relevant parties in McGill. - Work with MRIL Research Director to ensure that IP issues are in line with McGill
policies and ethics compliance. Lead the alignment of IT architecture standards with
the feasibility of the technical solutions involving data management and overall retail
lab operations. - Define how information is linked, transferred and shared between systems and lead
the decision-making and troubleshooting processes to achieve consensus, ultimately
fashion IT solutions. - Support researchers in their use of state-of-the-art advanced computing resources
and participate in research activities of the MRIL in order to remain at the forefront
of knowledge. - Responsible for all hardware, software and multimedia equipment, including
supervision camera systems, computers, projectors, AI and robotic equipment. - Oversee human resources for the MRIL including contracts for any student hiring;
manage the overall workload for the unit while establishing a healthy and safe
environment for all stakeholders, while respecting University standards and practices.
Minimum Education & Experience:
Master’s degree with work experience in project management, preferably in an academic
research environment.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:
Knowledge of retail sector coupled with project management certification are considered
strong assets. Familiarization with the academic environment and excellent ability to
understand and communicate orally and in writing (English and French). Autonomy in
carrying out his/her mandates; strong ability to set his/her priorities and respond to new
trends. Professional attitude and ability to manage cross-functional teams in a setting that
requires managing budgets, as defined by program of work. Note that teaching
experience is not required, but teaching opportunity may be available.
Reporting To:
Research Director, MRIL
Faculty/Unit:
Desautels Faculty of Management
Bensadoun School of Retail Management
Position Type: Full-Time
Application Instructions:
How to Apply: Cover letter and curriculum vitae should be submitted via email to
Melanie Lane (melanie.lane@mcgill.ca) no later than January 17, 2020
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and
diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible
minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and
persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified
candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of
designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing
accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca or 514-398-3711.
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