Who we are:
Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation providing a portfolio of operations research, training, and consultancy services to Industry across the following four thematic pillars: Digitisation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Design for Manufacturing, and Robotics and Automation. As a leading manufacturing Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with labs and industrial pilot lines in Dublin and Mullingar, IMR works with leading global and indigenous brands to demystify, and derisk new and emerging technologies and to deliver high-impact collaborative research and services to enable advanced manufacturing for a broad range of clients across Ireland's manufacturing network.
What IMR offers:
* An opportunity to contribute to the national economic growth agenda
* A competitive salary and pension
* A friendly and flexible working environment with State-of-the-art Innovation Centres
* Lots of diversity in terms of people, technology, projects and ideas
* The opportunity to join a dynamic and committed team
* Interaction with a diverse range of industrial clients and state partners
* 5 weeks holidays
The Role:
This is a new role in IMR's expanding Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship Group. This is a pivotal role in driving IMR's spin-out agenda and supporting our client companies on their market evolution journeys. Reporting to IMR's Director of Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship, you will utilize your skills to scout and assess opportunities, manage a pipeline & portfolio of entrepreneurial projects, and think creatively to expand and evolve opportunities to maximize their potential.
For this role, we are seeking a motivated, mid-career candidate with extensive experience in the start-up world, ideally someone who has served as a CEO and is eager to apply and share their learnings.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and execute market engagement & scouting strategies to identify opportunities which can support spin-out development through IMR.
* Manage a project pipeline, building a portfolio of potential spin-out projects and contributing to IMR's metrics and goals.
* Identify candidate "spin-in" entrepreneurs & founders to generate high potential start-up teams.
* Lead the collaborative development of compelling funding applications.
* Manage the commercial maturation of Comms Fund projects, including overseeing and supporting the development of go-to-market strategies, business plans and founding teams leading to successful spin-out events.
* Work with client companies in assessing new market opportunities and developing go-to-market strategies, enabling them to evolve their market positions.
* Other responsibilities as required.
Required
Skills and Experience:
* Master's degree in business or equivalent.
* Proven leadership experience in start-up environments or related roles.
* 4+ years in strategic consulting/coaching with early-stage entrepreneurs.
* Project or Programme Management Qualification, e.g. Agile would be ideal.
* Proven experience managing project pipelines & portfolios.
* Proven experience building funded business plans.
* Demonstrated effectiveness in extracting and interpreting customer needs.
* Experience operating in a manufacturing environment is beneficial.
* Experience developing successful Enterprise Ireland Comms Fund proposals is beneficial.
* Experience with industrial clients and technology awareness.
* A valid driver's license is essential. National travel is required, and candidates must be capable of travelling nationally by car.
Location:
IMR offices are located in Rathcoole, Co Dublin and Mullingar, Co Westmeath. This position is based in our Mullingar office. We offer a hybrid working model. Travel between offices and client sites will be required from time to time.
Salary & Benefits:
This position will command a package consisting of basic salary (€86,013 - €94,118 depending on qualifications and experience), employer pension contribution and 5 weeks holidays.
Closing Date:
All applicants must include an up-to-date version of your CV with their application. Electronic applicants only via LinkedIn or to
Closing date for receipt of all applications is 12 noon Friday, 3
rd
October 2025. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 13
th
October 2025.
IMR is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively promote equity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We strive to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and free from bias.