PROJECT DIRECTOR CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
INTRODUCTION
The John Innes Centre is seeking to appoint a Project Director to lead the delivery of the construction of its Next Generation Infrastructure programme. The realisation of the Next Generation Infrastructure project will see the creation of the largest net zero carbon laboratory in the UK for the John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), in conjunction with the UK Research and Innovation and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The Project Director will take responsibility for the construction project workstream, successfully guiding a multidisciplinary team through the design, construction and commissioning stages of the project. The role offers a unique opportunity to lead an industry-leading project for two world-class and hugely important scientific research organisations.
INTRODUCTION JOHN INNES CENTRE
NEXT GENERATION INFRASTRUCTURE THE ROLE – JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION WHAT MAKES JIC A GREAT PLACE TO WORK? APPLICATION PROCESS
JOHN INNES CENTRE The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology. Their mission is to carry out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists for the future and to make our findings available to society. The scientific research at the Centre makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences, including microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology and computational and mathematical biology. By fostering a creative, inclusive and curiosity-driven approach to fundamental questions in bioscience the John Innes Centre’s research has led to major societal benefits over a 110 year history. The John Innes Centre is co-located with The Sainsbury Laboratory on the Norwich Research Park, and together their vision Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP 3 ) aims to secure a safer, healthier and more sustainable future through the power of plant and microbial science. Learn more here - https://www.jic.ac.uk
This proposed ‘once-in-a-generation’ investment will create a world-leading hub for the plant and microbial research and innovation. The John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory will re-develop their facilities into a hub for plant and microbial science, bringing together the most talented scientists and innovators in the world to the UK to solve pressing global challenges. It will supercharge our national ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions, ensuring the UK is a global leader in the innovations necessary to feed the world sustainably and protect human health for the next century. NEXT GENERATION INFRASTRUCTURE
expertise with modern, integrated research infrastructure will not only enable the UK to keep pace with rapid developments in research and technology - it will also secure the UK's position as a global leader in bioscience. The new infrastructure will be designed using the latest low carbon technology, including near site energy generation to provide renewable energy to power their research into the future. The programme, with total investment envelope approaching £400m, will comprise a phased approach to delivering new buildings alongside refurbishing existing ones and is earmarked for completion by 2030.
Connecting a critical mass of research and technical
which will enable new ways of working and help transition towards delivery of the Institutes HP 3 vision. • You will be responsible for the oversight and delivery of the capital investment, from inception through to delivery, including obtaining and discharging planning permission requirements, implementing soft landings, and handover to the operational and maintenance teams. In particular, as Project Director, you will: • Provide leadership of all design, construction, and commissioning stages of the project. • Manage a small internal team and a significant multidisciplinary team of consultants. • Chair the project board, and be accountable to, and report into the programme board. • Be a member of the programme management team, taking responsibility to maintain awareness of other workstream activities to ensure a coordinated approach to delivery of the programme • Work with the Programme Director, and other workstream leads, responding as necessary to jointly deliver the requirements of the approved business case to achieve the long-term delivery of benefits. • Take responsibility for responding to the reasonable requirements of the Programme Director and senior responsible owner (SRO). • Ensure that risks associated with the NGI projects are clearly identified, reported and managed to ensure successful delivery • Ensure the project has an effective monitoring system in place to enable deviations from plan to be readily identified and corrective measures promptly implemented. • Work to ensure that key milestones in the project are achieved and that the required outcomes are met. • Develop and maintain good relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, external advisors and contractors. • Engage in other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.
THE ROLE Main Purpose of the Role
The Project Director will lead the delivery of the construction of the new state of the art facilities for the John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). The JIC and TSL are independent, international centres of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology, based on the Norwich Research Park. The Next Generation Infrastructure programme will see the development of new, and refurbishment of existing research and innovation buildings including laboratories, horticulture facilities and other technology platforms for two world-leading institutes. The Project Director will operate at a senior/executive level and lead the construction project workstream, lead the procurement and delivery of direct works, and coordinate all associated client-side activities in support of the delivery of the overall programme of infrastructure works. The construction project workstream is one of several workstreams focussing on different areas of change. The Project Director will be accountable to the Programme Boards, and report to the Programme Director and the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for delivery of the project within the agreed governance framework.
Key Relationships • Your line manager will be the JIC Chief Operating Officer (COO) who is also the programme SRO (senior responsible owner) • You will work in a programme environment, accountable to the SRO and programme board • You will work in support of, and alongside the Programme Director, who maintains responsibility for delivery of the whole programme. • To support the delivery of the construction project you will line manage a small number of internal direct reports, and will be responsible for managing multiple external consultants and contractors. Main Activities & Responsibilities We are looking for an experienced leader who can bring a confident and collaborative approach to delivering a portfolio of construction projects within an overall programme of infrastructure works on the Norwich Research Park, and nearby at a local farm, with multiple stakeholders to support a wider programme of change. • You will work strategically to identify and manage priorities and be prepared to immerse yourself into the detail with specialists and teams to create and deliver solutions.
• You will lead the construction workstream and report directly to the Programme Director and Senior Responsible Owner, and be accountable to the Programme Board. • You will manage inputs into the Programme Board, including preparing and delivering the construction workstream reports and updates. • You will collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, both on and off the Norwich Research Park. Internally you will need to work with user representatives, the facilities team, laboratory managers, health and safety team and others to understand business needs and ensure their needs are considered during the project. • A flexible approach working with different stakeholder groups, encouraging participation and collaboration to achieve best results is essential. • You will manage a small team who will support you in discharging the project objectives and appoint and direct consultants as needed. • The existing operational and facilities teams will be responsible for day-to-day management of the existing facilities, your role will be focussed on delivery of the large new capital developments of the NGI programme
• Significant management experience including experience of successfully leading a internal and external teams in the delivery of major projects. • Similar client-side role with demonstrable success. • Experience of working on publicly funded projects. • Experience and knowledge of NEC and JCT forms of contract. • Experience of leading projects through formal gateway reviews. Desirable: • Experience in a science-based sector, or one with similar mechanical and electrical design components is desirable. • Understanding of public sector procurement processes. Interpersonal and communication skills • Personable collaborative approach with problem solving mindset and ability to build good relationships with all stakeholders, with flexibility to tailor approach as necessary. • Possessing excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. • A proactive, agile, highly motivated and
resilient approach. • Ability to engender an inclusive and collaborative approach across key stakeholders. • Possessing a very high level of personal and professional confidence and credibility and the ability to successfully influence a multitude of internal and external stakeholders. • Demonstrating an enthusiasm and passion for delivering world-class facilities and the JIC values. Additional requirements • Politically and commercially astute. • Promotes equality and values diversity. • Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the [Institute/ Partnership], ensuring it is a great place to work • Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute • Attention to detail. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate. • Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Education and qualifications Essential:
• Deep commercial experience and knowledge of contracts for procuring both Contractors and consultants. • Understanding of Health and Safety issues relating to buildings in the scientific environment and the applicability of CDM regulations during construction. • Experience of reporting and presenting confidently at a board level and to external stakeholders. • Knowledge of low carbon, environmentally sustainable buildings and whole life considerations. • Experience and knowledge of project controls, with an ability to develop and report on key performance metrics typically required of major projects . Relevant experience Essential: • Experience and track record of leading the delivery of a portfolio of complex, major construction projects, including projects valued in excess of £50m, within a strong governance framework.
• A relevant degree or other recognised qualification, or significant demonstrated experience in an infrastructure related discipline, combined with chartered membership of a professional body. Desirable: • Project Management qualification. • Commercial Management qualification. Specialist Knowledge and Skills Essential: • An understanding of the end to end operational and maintenance requirements of the BBSRC supported institutes across the research park. • Strategic thinker with ability to balance conflicting demands and to prioritise solutions. • A track record in building, leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary teams, which enable both teams and individuals to flourish. • Knowledge and application of risk and budget management together with strong negotiating and influencing skills.
WHAT MAKES JIC A GREAT PLACE TO WORK?
Our scientific reputation is built on our commitment to training future scientists and developing staff to achieve their full potential. We provide a broad range of opportunities for personal and career development for all staff and students to enable ‘lifelong employability’. We aim to equip staff and students with transferable skills for their chosen career pathway. In our 2022 Review of Research Culture, the most common words used to describe the culture at JIC were: collaborative, inclusive, welcoming, collegiate, supportive, excellence, dedicated, international, family, challenging, and open to ideas. This was echoed in our 2022 Staff Survey, where 90% of respondents said they would recommend JIC as a great place to work. We are committed to an equal opportunities agenda that encourages flexible working, career development and work-life balance. The Institute prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We are proud to hold
a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science, and to be members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme. We offer a broad range of employee benefits and support: Pension: We operate a Group Personal Pension (GPP) plan which is a defined contribution scheme. The employer’s contribution is 10% of your salary and employees contribute 5% of salary. Employees may, if they wish, pay higher contributions. Life Assurance: is provided and includes a Death in Service benefit which equates to three times basic annual salary. Please note that the life assurance is only available to members of the GPP. Any pre-existing health conditions may impact on any life cover payment made by the insurer. Holidays: 25 days on appointment, rising to 28 days. Plus 8 Public holidays and 2.5 Privilege days.
Learning and Development: A wide range of specialist scientific training is available, alongside support for leadership and management, career development and coaching and mentoring. Voluntary Employee Benefits scheme: ‘NBI Lifestyle’ gives employees access to a great range of discounts on: travel bookings, high street vouchers, gift cards, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities and day to day spending. The scheme offers something for everyone and endless ways to save online and in store. Sport and recreation facilities: The John Innes Society provides employees and their families with access to a range of sports and recreation events and facilities, including a barbeque, swimming pool and sports hall. Employee Assistance Programme: Employees and their families can also access wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, part of NBI
Lifestyle. In addition to articles, webinars and information on many work, home and health related matters, the scheme offer a 24/7 telephone counselling service. Family/Dependent Support Fund: The Family/Dependent Support Fund provides some financial support for staff who wish to attend conferences, networking events, workshops and professional development opportunities but who have childcare or dependent responsibilities which may make this difficult. Cycle to Work Scheme: Available via NBI Lifestyle, a Cycle to Work scheme allows employees to Chestnut Nursery School at the Norwich Research Park: On-site childcare for babies, toddlers and young children (0-5 years old) is available at the Chestnut Nursery School. The nursery also runs Holiday Clubs for children aged up to 11 years.
For a confidential discussion please contact our retained advisors Ben Duffill and Nick Coppard of The Management Recruitment Group. Ben Duffill APPLICATION PROCESS T: 020 3962 9900 M: 07976 125 010 E: ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk Nick Coppard T: 020 3962 9900 M: 07896 079 495 E: nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk
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