Programme Director Candidate Information Pack
Executive Summary
The John Innes Centre (JIC) is a research institute with a global reputation as a leader in the field of Plant and Microbial Sciences. The core science programmes of JIC are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and tackle research problems in the areas of food security, healthy foods and the production of complex clinically-valuable molecules derived from plants and microbes. Many ground-breaking discoveries with high social and economic impact have been made since the JIC relocated to Norwich 50 years ago. Thanks to an unparalleled level of success in winning funds for research, the JIC headcount has grown by 54% since 2013. This expansion, together with the legacy of out-dated, cramped, and energy inefficient laboratories and plant growth facilities means that JIC and its close partner institution - The Sainsbury Laboratory - have ambitious plans for next generation infrastructure. A Treasury Green Book Business Case for the majority of the required £250-300m is being prepared jointly with BSRC to Government, with the expectation that some funds will also be raised from other sources. The JIC now seeks to appoint a Programme Director to lead the development of the business case for ‘JIC Next Generation Infrastructure’.
The role will report directly to the JIC’s Director, Professor Dale Sanders, and will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the programme are developed, properly planned, resourced, communicated and progressed throughout the programme lifecycle and that all business benefits are realised. We are seeking a senior professional with a proven track record of leading major capital development projects in excess of £50m in value, particularly at the developmental stages such as option appraisal, masterplanning, business case development and brief development. Experience of leading the planning and development of major projects in comparable environments such as the science, education and/or health sectors would be advantageous. Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills are essential to be a success in the role. As an initial 2 year fixed-term contract, this challenging high-profile role offers the chance to work with a world-leading research institute and influence the future direction of UK bioscience, while working closely and extensively at senior executive level both within JIC and funders to advance a state-of-the-art estate development programme. Whilst the initial term is for a 2 year period, it is hoped that the postholder would be retained to lead the delivery of the project once the business case has been approved.
Job Description
Appointment of Programme Director for JIC Next Generation Already proven at a senior level, you will know exactly what is required to lead project teams and drive performance standards to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. It is essential that you have broad experience of managing medium/large capital and transformational change projects/programmes of £50m+ involving MSP, PRINCE2, or similar, along with a proven track record of the successful delivery of the full project life cycle across multiple departments. Duties & Responsibilities Responsible for developing the Treasury Green Book Business Case, leading the procurement and appointment of key project consultants and design team, be responsible for managing construction activities, present project reports and update members on current project issues. Reporting directly to the JIC Director and Programme Board, it is proposed that the Programme Director will carry out the following key, high-level functions: • Manage, co-ordinate and lead the Programme in conjunction with the Programme Board and the Primary Sponsors on issues highlighted by the Primary Sponsors and Project Board. • Review and develop the Programme Brief and ensure it clearly reflects Programme objectives and the strategic requirements of the stakeholders and is agreed by users and the Programme Board. Exercise similar responsibility for the individual projects within the Programme. • Develop and review the Programme organisational structure and ensure that it is clear and coherent, adequately resourced. • Interface with business as usual (operations, science leads) in respect of benefits and strategic stakeholder engagement. • Manage and lead project and 3rd party resources on and off site to maximise their contribution. • Oversee and approve the preparation and development of the business case and budgets for approval by the Board; take responsibility for the Programme budget. • Own and submit the Treasury Green Book compliant Business Case to the Programme Board for approval • Formalise the funding arrangements agreed in principle with the Primary Sponsors. • Monitor and lead progress of the Programme at a strategic level through the development of agreed progress and reporting procedures that extend to individual projects. • Monitor delivery of the Programme objectives taking appropriate action where necessary to ensure their successful delivery. (Monitoring and delivering progress at an operational level is the responsibility of individual project managers). • Ensure Programme and Project risks have been correctly assessed and are being effectively managed. • Ensure that the Programme and Projects are subject to review at appropriate stages principally at the key decision points identified for the OGC Gateway™ Process and at other points the Project Board considers necessary; give effect to any recommendations or concerns from these reviews.
• Act as arbitrator in the event of any disputes between projects or stakeholders referring unresolved problems at these levels to the Project Board. • Identify any changes to the scope of the Programme and seek approval from the Programme Board if such changes impact on timetable, cost and performance parameters of the New Centre. • Develop formal Programme closure and review procedures including those for individual projects. • Manage projects with multiple work streams; Creation and management of Project and Programme Plans. • Provide appropriate leadership, support and guidance to the project team to maximise contribution. • Ensure adherence to corporate project management processes and methodologies. • Ensure adherence to agreed project quality standards. • Definition of tolerance levels, production of exceptions as and when necessary. • Resolve project conflicts. • Hold regular progress reviews with project teams.
Person Specification
Key skills and competencies The individual being sought is likely to be an experienced Programme Director or Senior Programme/Project Manager with a proven track record in delivering transformational change. S/he will be expected to evidence: • Experience as a Senior Project/Programme Manager within complex multi-stakeholder environments. • Experience and a strong track record of multi-organisation change management. • Ability to think, act and contribute strategically. • Ability to relate strategy/policy to delivery of individual projects and activities, and communicate this to others. • Exceptional communication skills. • Empathy with academic and research environments. • A good understanding of the pathway from basic science to commercialisation. • Understanding and experience of benefit realisation and the delivery of expected outcomes. • Ability to facilitate resolution of conflicting stakeholder requirements and expectations, up to and including senior executive level – credibility, tact, patience and diplomacy. • Ability to work autonomously with minimum of supervision. • Experience of establishing effective programme and project governance in a multi-organisation environment. • Experience of budgetary management/control in excess of £50 million. • Ability to ensure robust financial management. • Exceptional strategic risk management skills at senior executive level across multiple organisations. • Experience of working with multi-million pound Treasury Green Book compliant Business Cases. Desirable skills and competencies • Experience in long-term benefit realisation. • Experience of cultural change. • Experience of establishment of research facilities or similar governance structures. • Experience in construction. • Experience of Major Projects Authority (MPA) assurance processes.
Personal attributes • Strategic thinking and demonstrable vision and leadership in both academic and commercial environments. • Drive and sound judgement to spot trends, opportunities and to respond quickly to change. • Diplomatic and compelling communication skills. • Excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to engage at all levels within an organisation. • Personal impact and gravitas. • Demonstrates evidence of successful project completion.
Further Information
FURTHER INFORMATION The John Innes Centre is committed to the personal development of its staff and students and offers a varied mix of courses and online programmes in career development, interpersonal skills, leadership and management and scientific training. The John Innes Centre prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links. The John Innes Centre is proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Silver award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science and to be a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme. A recent staff survey indicated 88% of respondents felt proud to work at the John Innes Centre, 84% said JIC is a great place to work, 91% said they are supported to try new ideas, 99% said they were interested in their work and 84% of staff say JIC is a great place to work. Personal Attributes The John Innes Centre values all its staff. We believe that to sustain and enhance our reputation as an international centre of excellence in plant and microbial research, positive personal attributes should be embedded in our activities. The attributes of JIC are; • We communicate effectively and appropriately with all people at all levels inside and outside of JIC. • We work with others to reach a common goal; sharing information, supporting colleagues and searching out expertise and solutions. • We are passionate about excellence at JIC, this is our most important principle and our benchmark. Our reputation is founded on excellence. • We value the skills and competence of all our staff and respect them as individuals. In turn we expect respect to be shown to each other, our collaborators and those that we come into contact with. • We take ownership of our work and exercise initiative to ensure it is executed and delivered to the best of our ability. We recognise the positive influence of enthusiasm and commitment in the delivery of excellent science with impact and aim to exceed expectation. • We lead through example through our personal attributes and professional approach to work; inspiring colleagues and driving for results. We aim to exceed expectation. Employee Benefits Salary level: c. £80,000 p.a., negotiable dependent on experience. Pension: The Institutes operate a Group Personal Pension Plan, which you are eligible to join from your date of commencement. The pension plan is a defined contribution scheme. The Institute will contribute 10% of your salary and you contribute 5% of your salary. You have the option of contributing more, should you wish. Life Assurance is also available and includes a Death in Service benefit and three times basic annual salary. Please note this is only applicable if you have joined the Group Personal Pension Plan.
The administration of the pension scheme is managed by our pension advisor Willis. If you decide not to enter the Group Personal Pension Plan, you will be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme managed by the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). Probation: All appointments are subject to a probationary period. During this time, work, health, attendance and conduct will be reviewed at regular intervals by Line Managers. Holidays: 25 days on appointment. Plus 8 Public holidays and 2.5 Privilege days. Learning and Development: A wide range of courses and learning resources are available and are free to staff. 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 child care or dependent responsibilities which may make this difficult. Voluntary Employee Benefits scheme: ‘NBI Lifestyle’ gives you access to a great range of discounts on: travel bookings, high street vouchers, gift cards, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending. There is something for everyone and thousands of ways to save through the scheme whether you like to shop in store or online. The scheme also includes an Employee Assistance Programme. Childcare Vouchers: The scheme enables employees to save on tax and national insurance contributions by taking money for childcare vouchers out of gross pay. Information about different childcare providers can be found at: https://www.childcare.co.uk/search/All+childcare+services/ Norfolk/photo/77. Cycle to Work Scheme: The institute endorses a salary sacrifice scheme for 12 months where the cost of a bike is taken out of the gross salary before tax and NI deductions. Loan Bikes: The institute has a limited number of bikes available for personal use for up to three months for visiting workers and students. Catering: Subsidised hot and cold food is provided across the site. Confectionary, hot and cold drinks and vending machines are also available. Car Park: There is a free car park for all staff and visitors on site. Recreation: The John Innes Society is available to all staff and has events on a weekly and monthly basis, including a bar which opens every Friday night. There are also additional recreational facilities on site including a pizza oven, barbeque, tennis courts, swimming pool and a sports hall. Multi Faith Room: A multi faith room with washing facilities is available. Welfare Suite, including facilities for nursing mothers.
Further Information
For a confidential conversation please contact our advisors Ben Duffill and Nick Coppard of The Management Recruitment Group; Ben Duffill T: 020 7959 2368 M: 07976 125 010 E: ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk or Nick Coppard T: 020 7959 2368 M: 07896 079 495 E: nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk
Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than 4 pages) and a covering letter (of not more than 2 pages). Applications should be sent to ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk and nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk First stage interviews will take place at JIC in early July 2017.
The Management Recruitment Group 68 King William Street London EC4N 7DZ Tel 020 7959 2368 www.mrgpeople.co.uk
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