Research Area Director - Physical Systems Reliability & Resilience

Area Director

FM is a leading property insurer of the world's largest businesses, providing more than one-third of FORTUNE 1000-size companies with engineering-based risk management and property insurance solutions. FM helps clients maintain continuity in their business operations by drawing upon state-of-the-art loss-prevention engineering and research; risk management skills and support services; tailored risk transfer capabilities; and superior financial strength. To do so, we rely on a dynamic, culturally diverse group of employees, working in more than 100 countries, in a variety of challenging roles.

Responsibilities

Direct and coordinate all activities, and manage all personnel, facilities, and collaborations within a Research Area encompassing a broad discipline of Engineering and Science related to business value hazard assessment and loss prevention.

The Area Director is responsible for setting and leading the execution of the optimum technical strategy for both strategic and problem solving research to meet the current and anticipated future needs of FM as well as current and potential future clients. The strategy and its implementation is to meet or exceed the expectations of knowledge-based value for clients, all FM business units including Operations, Chief Engineers Group, Underwriting and Reinsurance, FM Approvals, and Executive Management. Technical work in the area should be fit-for-purpose, represent best-in-class and therefore maintain and continually enhance international leadership, recognition and credibility in loss prevention research.

The Area Director is also responsible for maintaining and continually improving a culture of innovation, safety and efficiency in all activities within their broad technical discipline. Define, develop, and oversee the management of the portfolio of programs and projects in the research Area to meet current and expected future FM needs and aligned with the strategies of the Chief Engineers Group and FM Approvals. Establish, monitor, and revise as needed, portfolio priorities and maintain a balance of timely problem solving research to meet present needs and strategic research to build core capabilities required in the future.

Provide technical leadership to Group Managers and Technical Team Leaders that ensures the scope and quality of all work within the area is fit-for-purpose, core competencies are state-of-the-art, relevant innovations are encouraged and developed, and results are communicated accurately and effectively. This activity includes performing reviews and seeking appropriate additional technical expertise when required.

Oversee the management of resources (including staff, budget, capital equipment, contracts, laboratories) related to the research area to meet needs in a timely and cost effective manner and to mitigate crises by avoiding potential problems.

Ensure the development of managers and staff to ensure inclusion and best add value to FM Global as well as meet their personal and professional goals. This activity includes the appropriate development of technical, organizational, interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills and abilities and applies to both current activities and the development and execution of succession plans. Increase efficiency, leverage resources, and establish and build credibility by developing and maintaining key collaborations with other Research Areas, FM business units, clients, industry and stakeholder groups, academia, and government labs. Monitor international technical, organizational and business trends related to the Research Area and provide guidance and leadership to staff and managers to ensure FM Global leadership in core disciplines and application areas, and avoid distracters that do not add business value.

Bring FM Global technical and programmatic leadership to key corporate and relevant external technical and professional organizations.

Provide key input to the Manager of Research, and collaborate with other members of the research management team, to define the strategic and tactical plans, and major objectives and initiatives for the research division.

Qualifications

Advanced degree in relevant engineering or scientific discipline, e.g., Ph.D. or M.S. in engineering or science required.

Required 11 - 15 years of Demonstrated technical excellence including deep knowledge in a specific discipline as well as general knowledge across the spectrum of activities in the area.

Programmatic / business knowledge related to risk management and / or insurance Demonstrated excellence managing a team, preferably including multidisciplinary researchers and / or first line supervision of research personnel Successful project management (personnel, tasks, budget, schedule) of large, multiyear, technically complex projects with multiple, potentially conflicting, constraints.

Program development and management including portfolio management, project prioritization and reprogramming.

Leadership in national and / or international technical and professional organizations.

The ability to quickly understand and grasp new technical and business related concepts.

Technical knowledge level recognized as a worldwide leader in discipline encompassed by or related to research area.

Technical leadership skills illustrated through success of personnel, projects, programs and initiatives.

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical issues and results to non-technical audiences.

Resource management including staff, budget, schedule, equipment and facilities.

Safety management including basic principles and practices required to efficiently establish and maintain a safety culture.

Understanding of basic business conduct including personal, legal, organizational, and programmatic issues.

The ability to be creative and encourage creative thinking by others.

The final salary offer will vary based on individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM's comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, generous health and well-being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, time off allowances and much more.

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce.