Job Description

A strategic role to drive innovation and technology advancement. Focus investment funding to help strategically advance SLR's competitiveness in Canadian market. Drive SLR's scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax credit program, a key element of our innovation and technology development program aimed at driving our position as leaders in our market. Collaborate with SLR's Global business and Information technology leaders to enhance and align our efforts and program development. Promote and maintain a positive work environment through a culture of teamwork and One Team approach. Based in any of our Canadian offices with flexible work options.
We are SLR Consulting (Canada), a 800+ team of advisory, environmental/engineering, and regulatory professionals across 20 office locations in Canada. We deliver environmental and sustainability services to our clients through the integration of advisory and over 30 technical environmental and engineering disciplines to help clients address some of their most complex challenges around sustainability; we are Making Sustainability Happen.

The Role

As our Research and Innovation Director, you will take on a challenging and diverse role focused on driving innovation in SLR's services across Canada, while building strong relationships with our existing client base and applied research partners. Driving innovation requires a strong knowledge of the current states of practice across SLR's services, and an awareness of the scientific and technological challenges that they face in solving some our clients most challenging problems. It also requires experience in identifying and overcoming those challenges within a consulting business context to bring innovation that drives business performance and competitiveness in the marketplace.


This role operates at the intersection of applied research and innovation, which is why you'll need a balance of science/technology acumen and service, product/technology development, and client understanding. Ideally, you'll bring significant experience on applying scientific and technology methods in overcoming challenges, with proven strategies for turning the improvements gained into practical solutions that are in demand by our existing and new client. The goal will be to advance SLR's capabilities in a rapidly transition marketplace.

Key Accountabilities

This is a unique opportunity to bring your expertise and experience to a highly engaged team, where your efforts and impact will be recognized and valued immensely. Specific day-to-day responsibilities will include:


Identify, develop, and support our research themes across Canada by regularly communicating on progress made in tackling the scientific and technological obstacles identified in themes. Facilitate the annual internal research call for proposals and contribute to execution of awarded projects with tools, inter-service collaboration and regular progress reviews. Identify innovation opportunities and create a long-term strategy that positions SLR for key investments, providing for sustainable growth and business performance. Establish a program management team for delivering SLR's research and innovation program across Canada. Work with our Technical Disciplines to identify capability gaps and assist in actively helping identify technology solutions to enhance our performance, capabilities, and address capacity gaps. Champion innovation across SLR Canada through an active outreach and engagement program, harnessing the program team to increase awareness of and participation in the program. Develop strategic partnerships and strong working relationships with applied research and innovation partners as well as stakeholders across SLR. Be a resource for SLR Technical Discipline Managers seeking to advance innovation within their services and in response to technical and scientific challenges faced by their clients. Continuously improve SLR's SR&ED annual intake through improving processes to identify, quantify and describe work undertaken by SLR eligible for credits under federal and provincial tax credit programs.

Leadership and Management Style:

Culture - demonstrates a safety ethos and an ability to work alongside and support others in driving a collaborative One Team culture and approach that is inclusive. Leadership - demonstrates strong leadership, team building, and management skills. Strategic - identify and lead the development of innovative solutions and technology to drive business performance and position SLR as a leader in our marketplace.

Working @ SLR

With SLR, there is no doubt you'll grow your subject-matter expertise and industry knowledge. We care about investing in our employees for the long-run, and if you ask our team, they will tell you that is just one of the many benefits of working here. We want to be a place where you can experience career growth and satisfaction for many years.

Here's what else you'll enjoy as part of our team:

Competitive total compensation plan including a base salary in the $120,000-$160,000 range and industry competitive benefits (vacation, benefits, and a suite of wellness initiatives). Final agreed upon compensation will be commensurate with individual education, professional designation, experience, internal parity, and location. Full-time, permanent role with flexible scheduling available (core hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm) Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

Master's or PhD in engineering, geoscience, or related discipline. 10+ years of experience working in the applied research and innovation sector. Experience working in the environmental services industry is a strong asset. Significant network with industry partners and innovation hubs, i.e. Creative Destruction Lab, Communitech, MaRs, Innovation Factory Strong understanding of industry trends and new or alternative areas of funding Experience and strong working knowledge of federal and provincial SR&ED tax credit programs. Experience building and implementing an innovation strategy, with program management and delivery to address and drive business efficiencies. Experience in management of multi-disciplinary program teams. Broad knowledge of a variety of technical areas, including contaminated sites; hydrogeology; ecology; environmental management and permitting; environmental noise, acoustics, and air quality; and mine waste engineering/mining advisory services is an asset. Willingness to travel as needed to participate in leadership events, conferences, and partner meetings.
SLR strives to build diverse teams that reflect the communities we work in, and encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, veterans, and people with disabilities.