Head Of Academic Research Commercialisation

Job description / Role

Lead the strategic development and execution of research commercialisation for a leading academic institute, maximising value for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. This key role involves partnering with institute leadership, engaging with stakeholders across the higher education and R&D sectors, and guiding internal and external teams.

Client Details

This is a government organisation exploring a broad range of new cultural, educational and socio - economic strategic initiatives for Abu Dhabi to create a lasting impact.

Description

* Lead the development and implementation of a robust research commercialisation strategy for the university, encompassing governance, processes, and resource allocation.
* Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders in government entities, research institutions, and the private sector across Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
* Conduct in-depth analysis of trends, programmes, and initiatives within the UAE's higher education and R&D ecosystem to identify opportunities for collaboration and impact.
* Provide strategic oversight and thought leadership to teams of managers and analysts, ensuring the delivery of high-quality analysis and recommendations.
* Steer engagements with external management consultants and other professional service providers to support strategic initiatives.
* Serve as a key deputy to the department lead, representing the department and reporting to the CEO as required.
* Contribute to internal practice building efforts within the Policy & Strategy Department, fostering a culture of high performance and talent development.

Job Offer

* Competitive tax-free salary and package
* Unique opportunity to be a part of an entrepreneurial environment within a government entity with a focus on creating sustainable social impact.

* A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Finance, or Public Policy (e.g., BA in Economics), with a preferred postgraduate degree (e.g., MBA, MiM, EMBA, MPA).
* Extensive experience (10+ years) in a strategic role, ideally within management consulting, policy advisory, or a high-paced, strategic industry. Experience within higher education, R&D/innovation, or public policymaking in the UAE or globally is highly advantageous.
* Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, delivering impactful insights to senior stakeholders. Experience managing and coaching teams is essential.
* Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure complex issues, develop novel solutions, and communicate findings clearly and persuasively through written briefings and presentations.
* Outstanding stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships, navigate diverse interests, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

About the Company

Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.

The Group has operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In the Middle East we focus on the areas of:

Finance & Accounting Banking & Financial Services Procurement Property & Construction Engineering & Supply Chain Oil & Gas Technical and Engineering Human Resources Sales Marketing Technology Secretarial Executive Search Legal

The Group operates through 161 offices in 33 countries and employs over 5,000 employees worldwide.