Candidate Information Brochure
Senior Project Manager (School of Life Sciences Development Programme)
Introduction from the Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services
Contents
• Introduction from the Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services
• About Sussex
Dear Candidate,
as investing in and improving laboratory facilities, building fabric services to enable world-leading research in the 21st century. We are seeking an individual that has demonstrable experience of leading complex life sciences/pharma/biotech projects in a comparable setting. The role calls for strong technical skills and will be adept at managing sequential projects, preferably being delivered in live, operational high public footfall environments.
• The Sussex campus
The University of Sussex is a remarkable institution. The distinctive ethos on which it was established more than 60 years ago is still very much at the heart of the University. Sussex is a leading research-intensive university, highly ranked in the UK and world league tables, and recognised internationally for its research, teaching and outreach. The first of the new wave of UK universities founded in the 1960s, receiving its Royal Charter in 1961, the University now has over 18,125 students and more than 2,000 staff members. The University has a beautiful and diverse estate located in Falmer, to the east of Brighton. It is situated in the South Downs National Park and has amongst its buildings a core heritage estate designed by Sir Basil Spence. Over the past two decades, Sussex has doubled in size in terms of activity, with the University trying to accommodate this growth within its existing constrained campus. The University has therefore developed a £300 million masterplan – a programme of investment to modernise and improve the campus so that we can provide the best facilities for our students, academic and professional staff, and the local community. This is a vital role that will lead on the School of Life Sciences refurbishment and redevelopment programme across several ageing buildings on campus. The role will require the management of a phased development programme, refurbishing key elements of building infrastructure, as well
• The role
• Person Specifications
• Working at the University of Sussex
Robert Hutton,
• Brighton and the local area
Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services
• The appointment process and how to apply
About the University of Sussex
About the University of Sussex
Since our foundation in 1961, Sussex has valued – and encourages – a pioneering spirit. We’ve pushed for change, and demanded more, creating a better future for individuals and communities all over the world.
Our lecturers deliver pro- grammes of study that inspire students to develop the skills that make their education count, and that give them the confidence to make their mark in their cho- sen field. Our staff conduct original re- search to explore the great questions of our age. Their find- ings impact policy and practice for businesses, NGOs and gov- ernments, ensuring that Sus- sex students are also at the forefront of knowledge in their subject. Creative thinking, pedagogic diversity, intellectual challenge and interdisciplinary have al- ways been fundamental to a Sussex education. The University’s goal is to de- liver teaching and learning pro- grammes that are informed by current research, are attrac- tive to students from all soci- oeconomic and cultural back- grounds, and which deliver skills for life. The University is committed to widening access for students from lower-income families, and awards a high number of scholarships and other types of financial support.
In pursuing our mission, we cel- ebrate the values of: Excellence, through a commit- ment to delivering the highest standards of research, scholar- ship, teaching and learning, in order to provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for students and staff, and to max- imise their social and econom- ic contribution to societies. Interdisciplinary, through tack- ling multidimensional prob- lems, while maintaining a strong, broadly based set of disciplines across the arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and med- icine engagement, by actively seeking an external and inter- national approach to all our ac- tivities. Challenge, in which all mem- bers of the Sussex community are prepared to explore crea- tively the status quo and alter- natives, within the context of excellence and professional- ism, and to seek to make posi- tive change in society. Partnership, by developing sus- tained relationships that bring together complementary skills and resources to create mutu- al benefit and to deliver impact that cannot be achieved by ei- ther partner alone.
Professionalism, by upholding freedom of academic enquiry, undertaking activities in a re- sponsible manner using ro- bust, transparent processes and maintaining professional standards in the conduct of all academic and support activi- ties. Equality, diversity and inclu- sion, by making appointments and developing entry routes to the University based on edu- cational merit, and valuing the strengths derived from contri- butions to our mission by people from differ- ent backgrounds, traditions, cultures and perspectives. Service, in which members of the Sussex community seek to use their skills and talents to contribute to local, national and international communities and organisations. Our Sussex 2025 vision re- imagines the pioneering spirit of the original purpose of our University but does so for new times and a new generation. Discover our vision at https://www.sussex.ac.uk/ strategy/
The Sussex campus
Sussex has one of the most beautiful campus locations in Britain.
The University has developed a programme of investment to modernise and improve our campus so that we can provide the best facilities for our students, researchers, and academic and professional staff, as well as the local community. At the heart of our programme of building and regeneration work is a sensitively thought-through plan to enhance the unique setting of our campus within the South Downs, whilst preserving the character of the distinct architecture.
Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just 9 minutes from Brighton & Hove, the campus combines award-winning architecture with green open spaces. Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the buildings that make up the heart of the campus were given listed-building status in 1993. Falmer House is one of only two post-war educational buildings in the UK to be Grade I listed in recognition of its exceptional interest.
The School of Life Sciences
The School of Life Sciences has a mission statement to enhance human health and environmental sustainability, through research, education and knowledge exchange. It under- takes research, teaching and engagement across a wide range of the Life Sciences, from Chemistry to Conservation Biology. The breadth and depth of cutting-edge research and innovative teaching practice requires a di- verse community who work across boundaries to deliver excellence. The School is strongly committed to Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and has a strate- gy to increase the representation of minorities among its staff and students. EDI considera- tions and issues lie at the core of all we do. The School is the largest in the University in terms of research activity, with an annual research income of c£13m, and is one of the largest in terms of student and staff popula- tion: The School has a teaching and research faculty of around 90, over 200 research fel-
lows and technicians, and an administrative team of around 25. We aim to develop sci- entists who are able to connect with global issues and develop innovative solutions to the challenges that face the planet. Academics within the School of Life Sciences apply their research to create impact in areas as diverse as addressing neurodegenerative diseases, saving endangered species, fos- tering sustainable agriculture and developing diagnostics for cancer and rare diseases. Research in the School of Life Sciences is structured into six collaborative Subject Groups, led by a Subject Chair who is a lead- er in their field. These are Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Evolution, Behaviour & Environment, Sussex Drug Discovery Centre and Chemistry. The School’s teaching is firmly based on our research excellence and offers students an
intellectually stimulating and supportive experi- ence, with opportunities for personal research experience and use of modern technology to enhance learning. The School has a popula- tion of around 1650 undergraduates studying a range of subjects. The School has laboratories, offices and teach- ing spaces that are spread across 5 buildings. We run Technical Hubs that house equipment providing excellent facilities spanning a range of disciplines including analytical chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, protein work, electrophysiology, imaging, and covering a range of animal models including ants, bees, Drosophila, snails, zebrafish and mice. We maintain core technical hubs for mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, siRNA screening and NMR. Mass spectrometry is used by chemists, structural biologists and bi- ochemists, and is employed in studies includ- ing drug design and optimisation and analyses of environmental pesticides. X-ray crystallog-
raphy has underpinned the elucidation of the structural basis for the function of macromo- lecular complexes involved in DNA damage and repair and chaperone pathways and the development of structure-led drug discovery projects across multiple areas. The Wolfson Centre for Biological Imaging houses 18 sophisticated microscopes, including confocal, multiphoton, spinning disk and super-resolution. We are currently expand- ing our Electron Microscope capability, with high resolution cryo-EM, which will be used across multiple subject groups. There are a wide range of tissue culture facilities for cell lines and primary cells and microbial work. For ecological work, we maintain field vehicles, greenhouses and a large range of field equip- ment; ecological projects involve a range of field sites on or near the campus, including bee hives and a grassland reparation project.
THE ROLE
Job Title:
Senior Project Manager
for ensuring appropriate risk assessments, method statements and project management documentation, etc., is completed and subjected to the appropriate project governance methodology. 2. Project leadership and management • Ensure project is managed in line with institutions project management methodology. • Coordinate project, service and business readiness activities. • Work with the project team and project office support colleagues, to deliver the project objectives, coaching and guiding as needed, breaking down barriers between teams to ensure successful delivery. • Manage multi-disciplinary team members in a matrix environment. This will include project induction, coaching, guidance and training to project team members to ensure the effective implementation of the project. • Work with internal and external stakeholders ensuring delivery to project specification. 3. Stakeholder Engagement • Identify and build effective working relationships with Internal and external stakeholders and networks, collaborating and influencing decisions on areas affecting projects, identify and manage project dependencies; work to identify priorities and jointly ensure that the most appropriate way is found for the priorities to be met. Engage with stakeholders to shape the project • Work with stakeholders, providing complex, conflicting and technical information and ensuring technical information is understood and used to inform decisions • Ensure stakeholder training is considered as part of the project plan and undertake all necessary stakeholder training. 4. Procurement and contract management • Undertake project procurement activity. • Manage supplier contracts connected to the project delivery. INDICATIVE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA • Leading a team of Consultants and Contractors to programme, budget and quality expectations. • Manage an annual budget of £5m +. • Responsible for the delivery of designated Capital Projects on Campus to programme, budget and quality expectations. • Responsibility for ensuring sustainability is designed and built in to Capital Projects.
Grade:
G8
School/Division: Management. Location: Responsible to: Projects. Direct reports:
Estates & Facilities
Bramber House. Head of Capital
Internal & external Project Resource. External Consultants & Contractors.
Key contacts:
Role description: Accomplish major capital project objectives by planning project activities; evaluating implementation and progress of project. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES • Work with key stakeholders to develop an initial project plan, including scope, resource plans and costs to implement a project based on the outcomes from an initial feasibility project. Get the project plan through initial approval. • Provide the day-to-day leadership and management of projects, through all aspects of the project life cycle, co-ordinating project members, managing multi-disciplinary team members in a matrix environment and liaising closely with the project sponsor. • Work with key stakeholders across the institution, manage the key communications for the project, liaising with project team members and internal and external stakeholders. • Undertake product selection and procurement activities to ensure the achievement of project objectives, product fit and best value. • Coordinate project, service and business readiness activities via a transition plan.
The role of Senior Project Manager (School of Life Sciences Development Programme) Main Purpose of Job Reporting to the Head of Capital Projects and as the lead for Life Sciences development programme, the Senior Project Manager will lead refurbishment and redevelopment of several ageing buildings in the heart of the campus. The role will require the management of a phased development programme, refurbishing key elements of building infrastructure, as well as investing in and improving laboratory facilities, structural alterations and building fabric services to support it’s strongly research-led teaching and the employability needed by the next generation of scientists and innovators. We are seeking an individual that has demonstrable experience of leading complex life sciences/pharma/biotech projects in a comparable setting. The role calls for strong technical skills and will be adept at managing sequential projects, preferably being delivered in live, operational high public footfall environments. The University offers a compelling employer proposition including a positive approach to flexible working, significant investment in staff wellbeing and development, a very generous pension scheme and annual leave allowance, and access to campus facilities. There is also relocation support available for individuals seeking to relocate to the region to take up the position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Deliver and lead the project lifecycle • Manage all aspect of the project lifecycle including; scope, timelines, resources, budget, risks and issues, relationships, training and communication. Generally this will be for longer term or more complex projects requiring significant levels of stakeholder collaboration. • Develop and implement a rigorous planning process and ensure it is delivered by appropriate parties including the design of the project and the appropriate approach to delivery. This will require the ability to undertake analysis with
the ability to make complex decisions and obtain buy in of stakeholders. Responsible
PERSON SPECIFICATION
• Excellent communication and influencing skills. • Strong leadership skills. • A natural collaborator, working cross functionally and at all levels, internally and externally. • Personality, positive attitude and capability to work on large scale projects with a diverse range of external partners either as the Lead or as part of a team. • Technical expertise and understanding of life sciences buildings including laboratories, research facilities and general teaching spaces, Category A and B fit-outs, decarbonisation strategies, building legislation and service requirements across a diverse portfolio. • Business administration including business planning, budget management, IT and business processes. • Strong customer focussed approach. • A positive and creative “can do” approach. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA • Prince2 certification or equivalent experience. • Membership of appropriate professional institute or equivalent experience. • Sound track record of initiating and managing large-scale Capital Construction and infrastructure projects with a value of £5m + within a complex organization. • Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple project streams. Ability to prioritise, delegate and execute tasks in an environment with competing demands. • Ability to build effective relationships with, and command the respect of, a wide range of stakeholders, including senior staff members, influencing as necessary and resolving conflict. • Demonstrably strong influencing, negotiating and communications skills with the ability to listen and respond to the needs of a wide range of stakeholders at all level. • Analytical skills with the ability to assess complex data, generate effective solutions and make effective decisions. • Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as an ability to communicate technical and complex messages effectively with all levels of staff. • Demonstrable Project Management experience of large-scale Capital Construction and Infrastructure projects with a value of £5m+. • Demonstrable Commercial experience of large-scale Capital Construction and Infrastructure projects with a value of £5m+. ESSENTIAL ROLE-SPECIFIC CRITERIA • Ability and experience to manage high profile professional consultant and contractor teams. • Ability and experience to project manage the delivery and commercial performance of major projects. • Construction, Logistics and Technical experience of problem solving on major construction projects. • Experience of Modern Methods of Construction.
The post holder will report to the Head of Capital Projects, working under broad direction to enable the post holder to manage their own work and that of their team members, to achieve their agreed objectives. The role holder will play a key role as part of the Divisional leadership team in supporting the achievement of the strategic and operational goals of the University, Professional Services & their Division. The post holder is expected to work collaboratively across the University and with key stakeholders to deliver single team working that efficiently and effectively supports the achievement of those goals and objectives. Support achievement of the Division’s/ Unit’s/School’s compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory compliance obligations, including (but not limited to): UKVI, Health & Safety, the Prevent Duty, data protection, Competition and Markets Authority requirements and equal opportunities, as appropriate to the grade and role. Additionally, to promote good practice in relation to University policy, procedure and guidance in relation to those compliance matters in respect of students, staff and other relevant parties. Balance effectiveness and cost-efficiency in the management of the budgets you are accountable for, demonstrating compliance with Value for Money and Return on Investment principles to support the University’s strategic aim to achieve a world- class standard of teaching and research by managing our resources effectively and efficiently. To carry out any other duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA •
A degree level education.
• Formal qualification in a design/engineering/construction/project management discipline. • Experience of working in a complex higher education campus delivering excellent student experience.
Working at Sussex
Working at Sussex
SUSSEX CENTRE FOR LANGUAGE STUDI ES The Sussex Centre for Language Studies provides a range of courses throughout the calendar year in English Language and Modern Languages that are open to staff as well as students. You can also use the Language Learning Centre to study over 50 world languages.
CHI LDCARE
There is a nursery on campus for children aged three months to five years, operated by The Cooperative Childcare. It is open daily from7.30am–6.30pm.
There are a range of staff benefits at Sussex, including generous annual leave entitlement and pension schemes, access to world-class resources, discounted gym and sports memberships, interest-free season ticket loan and staff activities throughout the year.
L I BRARY
Library facilities are available to all members of staff. The Library is open around the clock during term time. The Library’s special collections, now housed at The Keep, include the papers of Rudyard Kipling, the New Statesman Archive, Virginia Woolf’s Monks House Papers, many of Lord Richard Attenborough’s scripts and papers, and the Mass Observation Archive.
CATERING AND CONFERENCES
Sussexfood offers extensive catering facilities in Bramber House as well as cafés across campus. There are also conference and hospitality services. You can also use the Students’ Union bars and shop.
SUSSEX LECTURES
RETAI L
All staff are welcome to attend professorial lectures by Sussex academics and other talks by visiting lecturers and speakers.
There is a supermarket and post office, the Students’ Union shop, a pharmacy and a bank on campus. In term time, there is also a weekly outdoor market.
ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS
SPORT
Sports facilities include sports halls, fitness rooms, a dance studio, squash courts and outdoor pitches. There is an extensive drop- in group exercise and courses programme including yoga, dance, Pilates, trapeze, circuit training and aerobics. Sussexsport holds an annual boundary walk and boundary run for staff and students around the Sussex campus. It also offers children’s birthday and sports parties from age two upwards and a full programme of sports camps and activities in the school holidays for children aged five–16 years.
The Attenborough Centre is a state-of-the-art performance and display space that reopened in 2016 after extensive refurbishment. The Attenborough Centre has a growing programme of performances and events and is a Brighton Festival venue.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
The University of Sussex has more than 18,500 students, of whom 4,500 are postgraduates.
Brighton and the local area
Brighton and the local area
THE UNIVERSITY’S LOCATION
BRIGHTON AND THE WIDER REGION
The University campus is located at Falmer, on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove, and is just 55 miles (90 km) from London. Frequent trains from central London take as little as 50 minutes to Brighton & Hove, with a quick nine-minute connection to Falmer to reach campus. London Gatwick airport is only 30 minutes from Brighton, and London Heathrow is just over an hour’s drive away.
The city of Brighton & Hove has much to offer students, and also offers a quality of life for young families that is hard to match. As well as a fabulous variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, the city also has a range of good schools and a very relaxed and tolerant atmosphere. Brighton has a truly diverse cultural scene with a wealth of theatres, cinemas and galleries. From pre-West End premieres at the Theatre Royal to the variety of experimental fringe productions staged throughout the year, and with the famous Brighton Festival every May, there is plenty on offer. The historic market town of Lewes is also close to campus, and many members of staff choose to live there because of its wide choice of housing and excellent schools.
The appointment process and how to apply
The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG). To arrange a confidential briefing conversation please contact our advisors
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
The University values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of society. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all. The University aims to ensure that job applicants and members of staff are treated solely on the basis of abilities and potential, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trade union membership or non-membership, socioeconomic background or any other inappropriate distinction. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this policy, it is necessary to collect information from all applicants on factors which relate to equal opportunity in employment and applicants are therefore asked to submit a completed version of an Equality and Diversity Inclusion form alongside their CV and letter of application. The information so provided will be handled in strictest confidence and will only be used for statistical monitoring purposes.
Ben Duffill ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk
Nick Coppard nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk
of MRG on 0203 962 9900.
Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than four pages) and a covering letter (of not more than two pages). Applications should be sent to Ben Duffill and Nick Coppard.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The appointment will be subject to: • Confirmation of the right to work within the UK • Higher level qualifications • Satisfactory health clearance and satisfactory references.
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