Head of Enterprise and Commercial Services

Are you a business savvy strategic manager with an understanding of commercialising scientific research for profit, actively looking to lead a dynamic team to provide real world solutions to marine environmental challenges?

The role:

Combining SAMS scientific research capability with the Enterprise team's business expertise in innovation transfer, project management, quality and consultancy work, you will lead activity that helps provide industry clients with bespoke science-based solutions and robust products.

Leading an established team of staff including technical product specialists and business support, you will be the senior manager overseeing all commercial activity for this business area. With over 90 dedicated researchers based at SAMS, there is potential opportunities to make your mark and grow the company further.

Extensive experience delivering successful commercial activities for an academic institute or scientific research environment. Knowledge of marine environment, a bonus.
- A business degree or equivalent experiential learning, to generally lead and manage an SME: financial planning, decision-making, HR/people/EDI matters, etc.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills including influencing and negotiating and effective team management.
- Senior level experience, to lead with credibility and work closely with members of the senior management team and SAMS Board.
- A good track record of commercialising innovative research projects - ideally in environmental science.

SAMS Enterprise Limited is subsidiary company of the SAMS group and 'the business arm' of the organisation, focused on the commercialisation of our special marine science research. Your goal is to help lead the business towards greater profitably, operating as a specialist marine consultancy business, accountable for approximately 20% of SAMS annual income.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is a specialist research institute located on the beautiful west coast of Scotland, in the county of Argyll, just a 10-minute drive or 30-minute cycle from Oban.

Applications are particularly welcome from those already residing from within a commutable distance, or with the means and willingness to relocate. Happy to talk flexible working arrangements, however, this role is not appropriate for being fully remote. Onsite, in office and face-to-face working, as well as occasional (inter)national travelling is required.

Why work for SAMS?

- 25 days annual leave per year, increasing to 30 after 4 years' service
- Annual leave purchasing scheme
- 6 months full sick pay followed by 6 months at half pay (over a 4-year period)
- USS Pension scheme: 14.5% employer contribution
- Family feel atmosphere
- Active, social work environment
- Access to a number of health portals to support staff wellbeing and work/life balance
- Sabbatical Scheme
- Loan scheme
- On-site café
- Bike storage
- Cycle 2 work scheme
- Shower facilities
- Free on-site parking with access to electric charge points
- Access to discounted shopping vouchers
- Pensions plus salary sacrifice
- Payroll Giving
- Technology savings on NI
- Fantastic location - did you know, Oban was voted Scottish town of the year in 2024?

Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We are striving to constantly develop and expand the benefits and offers for our colleagues.

Interested?