PROJECT DIRECTOR - DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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ABOUT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
We are a world-class visitor attraction and lead- ing science research centre. We use the Museum’s unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world to- day. We care for more than 80 million objects span- ning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influen- tial than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. 300 of our staff are scientists, who wotk with the collection and who need the very best facilities to suceed. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create ad- vocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world. This is an exciting time to join the Museum as we have secured investment from the UK Government to build a new science and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park, University of Read- ing. The purpose-built centre will house much of the Museum’s collection and will include laborato- ries, digitisation suites, collaborative research spac- es, conservation labs and workspaces
Diversity and inclusion matter to us.
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are commit- ted to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
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VISION & STRATEGY We are creating advocates for the planet. We face a planetary emergency. Our future depends on the natural world, but we are not combating our own destructive impact on the planet. Earth is now changing fast under the influence of human behaviour. Climate change and biodiversity loss are just some of the manifestations. By threatening natural systems, we threaten our own future. We must act now, we must act on scien- tific evidence and we must act together. Our vision is of a future where both people and plan- et thrive.
Our hope
Understanding life on Earth is the greatest scientif- ic challenge of our age. We cannot hope to develop solutions without research that unlocks the underly- ing biology and applied science. Alongside the science, all of us need hope: hope that there is a future where both people and the planet thrive. Building and spreading this hope through evi- dence and action will be the foundation of our strat- egy in the coming decade. In today’s challenging times, we will create advo- cates for the planet: individuals who feel sufficiently informed, confident and motivated to make wise de - cisions, to get involved, and to use their influence and actions to make a positive difference to the global future. To achieve this, we will harness our collection, our research and our reach.
Our success
Given the urgency of the issues facing the planet, we are aware that we have a global responsibility. We need to shape the future by learning from the past and seeking solutions which will bring a prosperous future. Success lies in solutions and action. Once peo- ple can begin to feel optimistic about the op- portunities to create a sustainable future, we will have achieved success. We can’t change the world alone, so we will work in partnership with others towards a common goal.
Our mission is to create advocates for the planet.
Our Strategy to 2031 sets out the part the Museum will play as a global, scientific and cultural leader.
Our priorities
Five strategic priorities will be at the core of the Museum's activities until 2031: • securing the future of the collection • transforming the study of natural history • developing the gardens and galleries • creating a resilient and sustainable organisation • engaging and involving the widest possible audience
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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SCIENCE & DIGITISATION CENTRE
A planetary emergency demands an unprece- dented response. We’re securing the future of the collections and embarking on a new era of explo- ration and discovery to unlock crucial data and de- liver innovative solutions for nature. With over 80 million objects spanning billions of years and representing planetary to microscopic scales, the collections at the Museum are a pow- erful scientific tool. For people and planet to thrive, we must harness this power. The Museum’s new science and digitisation centre will be a gateway to the natural world, dedicated to widening access to vital scientific information and developing novel analytical technologies to understand changing natural diversity. The centre will be based at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, Wokingham. The Science Park is owned and run by the University of Reading, and the Museum are delighted to be entering into a partnership with another organisation that has environmental research and education at the core of its mission. The 28 million specimens due to be housed at the centre will sit alongside innovative digital, analyti- cal and genomic technologies and facilities. The centre will enable Museum scientists, visiting researchers, partners and collaborators around the world to address urgent questions and devel- op new solutions to global challenges; from track- ing genetic responses to climate change, to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. The acceleration of digitisation will enable global access to the collections, transforming research capability and impact. Which collections are moving? Collections that will be at the science centre in- clude:
Zoology (invertebrate collections) Mammal collections Fossil mammal collection Fossil invertebrates Micropalaeontology collections Ocean bottom deposit collection Molecular collections Associated library material
The collections on the move are vast in terms of size and diversity. It ranges from whale skulls to micro fossils. Our giraffes and fossil rhinos will also be making TVSP home along with 9.5 kilometers of library material and the most delicate sponges. In addition to new collections storage facilities, the energy efficient building will house laboratories, digitisation suites, collaborative research spaces, computing labs, conservation labs and workspac- es. These will be available for Museum scientists and visiting researchers. This is a long-term project to secure the future of the collections. 2022-2027 The collections are prepared for the move, and we develop our partnership and research programme. 2025-2026 Construction is complete. Collections and people start to move into the centre.
innovation in the UK, with close links to the Univer- sity of Reading, to build on existing partnerships and develop new ones to maximise the impact of collections-based research. Each year Museum scientists and more than 8,000 visiting researchers from across the globe use the Museum collections to study the natural world and inform action to protect it. Through the centre we will open up the collections, and the data contained within them, to even more re- searchers and partners than ever before to drive forward scientific innovation. Harnessing digital data Demand for digital data from the Museum’s col- lections is significant and rising. Digitisation is transforming how the collections are accessed and is revealing new information.
Over five million specimens have already been digitised and made openly accessible through the Museum’s Data Portal, enabling new questions to be answered and deeper insights to be made. Recent research has indicated that digitisation of the entire Museum collection could benefit ad - vancements in food security, biodiversity conser- vation, medicine discovery and minerals explora- tion, with estimated economic value of more than £2bn. The new centre will enable an acceleration and enhancement in digitisation, widening the door for the global scientific community to unrivalled his - torical, geographic and taxonomic specimen data.
2027 The new centre is operational.
Collaborative solutions for nature Tackling the planetary emergency is not a solo project - it requires global collaboration. Our sci- ence is outward-facing and responsive, working across disciplines and delivering impact in areas of public and industrial need. We have chosen to position this new centre at the heart of one of the leading hubs of technology and
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JOB SUMMARY
You’ll work with a small, profes- sional client-side team who are fo- cused on delivery as well as exter- nal construction project managers and a design team. As the programme ramps up, you’ll be responsible for bringing on-boardfurther consultants and contractors to deliver the building and fit it our ready to house the collection and enable our science. Externally, you’ll hold key relation- ships with the University of Read- ing, Wokingham Borough Coun- cil and the TVSP development team. You’ll also be responsible for reporting progress to Trustees, DCMS and the Infrastructure Pro- jects Authority.
In order to deliver the new science and digitisation centre and make the changes to our historic estate in London and Hertfordshire, we require an exceptional individual to join our team. The successful candidate will be part of the Mu- seum’s Senior Leadership Team and will work across departments building strong relationships with science and engagement col- leagues. You’ll be supported by the Director of Estates, Projects and Master- planning, the Programme Director, Trustees and the Executive Board who have identified this project as one of the “Critical Few” that will ensure the Museum thrives and delivers our mission.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
• Management of budgets (>£100m), staff and consultants (> 50) and risks with clear accountability and ability to flex to changing circumstances • Driving efficiencies and simplicity in in - ternal processes including through use of technology • Setting the tone on effective internal communications and productive rela- tionships with senior stakeholders • To work effectively with other team lead- ers to manage interdependencies par- ticularly with the move of collections to the new site and development of labs in line with new science plan and research priorities
Strategic planning and leadership of 5 inter- connected projects: • Successful completion of lease and se- curing planning permission for new site; • Design and construction of a new sci- ence and digitisation centre; • Procurement and installation of the spe- cialist storage systems for Museum col- lections • Refurbishment of collections spaces in the iconic South Kensington site of the Museum; and • Disposal of an existing site with maxi- mum return
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Knowledge
Essential • Expert knowledge and practical experience of delivering design and development of new build. This includes a commitment to and knowledge of environmentally sustainable buildings, and a whole life approach to this. • Advanced knowledge and demonstrable expe- rience of overseeing the delivery of multiple pro- jects at any one time. • Expert knowledge and practical experience of overseeing the sale of a property for development, • Ability to deliver effective procurement solutions in a challenging economic environment within the boundaries of public procurement policy. Experi- ence in a central government department or arms- length body would be desirable. Desirable • Experience of work in academic, scientific research or museums sector. • Experience in a central government department or arms-length body
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience • Experience of implementing effective and in- novative supply chain solutions (particularly construction industry consultants and con- tractors) and using these to drive out value from an end user perspective. • Significant experience of managing people, budget (over £50m) and risks at a senior lev- el. • Experience of working within a complex, structured programme which involves cultur- al change as well as construction. • Proven ability to plan strategically and ad- vanced knowledge and demonstrable expe- rience of overseeing the delivery of multiple projects at any one time. • Demonstrated experience in running mul- ti-disciplinary teams and making the most of data and technology to driving efficiencies and performance improvement.
Education
• Member of a related Property based Professional Body (such as Char- tered Surveyor, Chartered Building Surveyor or Chartered Architect or Chartered Structural, Civil or Me- chanical Engineer, or BIFM) • Recognised project management and/or programme management qualification (e.g. APM, MSP, PRINCE2) or experience commensu- rate with this
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OUR OFFER
Pay We operate a pay and grading structure that benchmarks us against similar institutions in our sector. Our salaries are competitive, while re- maining appropriate for a publicly funded body. Salaries are reviewed annually and we prioritise professional progression among our staff, under- pinned by a comprehensive learning and devel- opment programme. Holiday Our staff enjoy 27.5 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. Season ticket loan & cycle to work scheme You can apply for an interest-free season ticket loan to cover the cost of a travel season ticket, or you can apply to the cycle to work scheme. Pension We offer a defined contribution pension scheme. The Museum contributes 4-10% of your salary.
Life insurance We offer a death in service benefit. As a member of one of our pension schemes, you will receive cover at four times your basic salary. Income Protection Scheme As a member of one of our pension schemes, you may be entitled to financial support in the event of illness or injury that leaves you unable to work. Reaching your potential Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential. We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. We also can support professional de- velopment, financially and with paid study leave. Wellbeing Ours is a supportive, nurturing and caring cul- ture, and we offer a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to ensure that our staff
have access to professional care. We also offer an occupational health service and a free health MOT that includes blood pressure and cholester- ol checks. We encourage all our staff to join Civil Service Sports and Social Club (CSSC) which gives you the chance to take part in a sports club to en- courage good mental and physical health. With many clubs and classes on offer ranging from sports like football, softball, ping pong and tennis to classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and tai chi, there is something for everyone. Some activ- ities are free, while others have a small joining fee. It’s a wonderful way to meet your Museum colleagues while enjoying your favourite sports and pastimes. Membership also includes an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selec- tion of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, re- tailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry
to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures. Exhibitions and discounts Staff can visit our exhibitions for free, as many times as they like. We also offer 10 complimenta- ry tickets to our paid exhibitions for your friends and family to enjoy. Staff are invited to our popular Friends and Fam- ily evenings, the staff summer party, lectures, seminars and science events. Through a reciprocal entry scheme, staff can visit exhibitions for free at many other arts institu- tions and museums across London, the UK and New York City. We want to maximise your op- portunities for enriching experiences while work- ing at the Museum.
Staff also enjoy discounts in our shops and cafes.
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We are ambitious.
We are curious.
We share the wonder.
To make a difference on a global scale we are big and bold in our thinking and set goals which may seem im- possibly high. We act with integrity, but we are not rigid or inflexible. We are excellent at what we do and look for opportunities to make a difference for the Museum wherever we can.
We never stop learning. We look outwards beyond the Museum and ask questions to advance our under- standing. We seek out and actively listen to different perspectives. We take time to reflect, are thoughtful and open to new ideas.
We are captivated by the natural world, proud of our treasures and trusted guardians of our collections. We are passionate about the Muse- um, enjoy telling its stories and shar- ing our knowledge and expertise to inspire others. We don’t take this for granted; we feel proud to work here.
THRIVING AT THE MUSEUM: THE WAY WE WORK We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
We are pioneering.
We team up.
We act with pace.
We are not afraid to try something new and use good judgment and ev- idence to take risks. We experiment, innovate, and embrace complex problems by adapting our approach. We do not dwell on setbacks or get preoccupied with problems. We find solutions.
We respect the expertise of others and recognise that we produce the strongest outcomes when we put the best ideas together. We trust each other, keep things simple and make it easy for others to do the right thing. We share information and skills so everyone is equipped and enabled to succeed. We never let bad moments grow into bad relationships. We in- spire and empower each other to give our best.
We focus our efforts where we know we can make the biggest impact. We take tough decisions and once a plan is set, we all get behind it to make it happen. We take responsibility and don’t wait to be told what to do. We are racing against time in this plane- tary emergency, so we work with a sense of urgency.
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HOW TO APPLY The closing date for applications is Sunday 6th of November 2022. For a confidential conversation, please contact our advisors:
Nick Coppard nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk or Ben Duffill ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk of The Management Recruitment Group.
Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and a covering letter and applications should be sent to nicholas. coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk
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