C a n d i d a t e I n f o r m a t i o n B r o c h u r e
Senior Project Manager (Life Sciences Building)
C o n t e n t s
Introduction from the Vice-Chancellor
About Sussex
The Sussex campus
The School of Life Sciences
The role of Senior Project Manager (Life Sciences Building)
Working at the University of Sussex
Brighton and the local area
The appointment process and how to apply
I n t r o d u c t i o n f r o m t h e V i c e - C h a n c e l l o r
Dear Candidate,
The University of Sussex is a remarkable institution. The distinctive ethos on which it was established more than 50 years ago is still very much at the heart of the University. The traditions of creativity, interdisciplinary, innovation and intellectual rigour – in both education and research – play an important part in who we are. Building on this and against a backdrop in which English universities will be facing a period of political and economic change, Sussex is forging ahead and creating a new destiny. We are in strong health. With a reputation forinspirational teaching, we are turning out graduates who are well-rounded global citizens – contributing to the worlds of business, sciences, the arts, academia, government and the third sector. The University is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for graduate employability, and in the top 25 in the THE Most International Universities in the World. The importance of our professional services staff to our mission has never been higher and the effectiveness, efficiency and innovation delivered through their work is essential as together our University presses forward. We care about genuine equity among our academic and non-academic staff, and are determined to continue year by year to improve our operations in service of them and our students. We are also minded to explore the most innovative modern models for our operational organisation and services, introducing greater connectivity and partnership working wherever possible. This is an exciting time in the University’s history as we look to build on the past and redefine Sussex’s distinctiveness for the 21st century.
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. The new estate for the School of Life sciences is a key project in this. As the lead for the Life Science Project, the Senior Project Manager will lead this hugely important project from brief development and design through to construction and successful delivery. I hope you will join us in playing a part in shaping the future of a thriving university, with strong values that we believe make Sussex a very special place.
P R O F E S S O R A D A M T I C K E L L V I C E - C H A N C E L L O R
A b o u t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f S u s s e x
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.
A b o u t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f S u s s e x
Our lecturers deliver programmes 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 chosen field. Our staff conduct original research to explore the great questions of our age. Their findings impact policy and practice for businesses, NGOs and governments, ensuring that Sussex students are also at the forefront of knowledge in their subject. Creative thinking, pedagogic diversity, intellectual challenge and interdisciplinarity have always been fundamental to a Sussex education. The University’s goal is to deliver teaching and learning programmes that are informed by current research, are attractive to students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, 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
Excellence, through a commitment to delivering the highest standards of research, scholarship, teaching and learning, in order to provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for students and staff, and to maximise their social and economic contribution to societies. Interdisciplinarity, through tackling multidimensional problems, while maintaining a strong, broadly based set of disciplines across the arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and medicine engagement, by actively seeking an external and international approach to all our activities. Challenge, in which all members of the Sussex community are prepared to explore creatively the status quo and alternatives, within the context of excellence and professionalism, and to seek to make positive change in society. Partnership, by developing sustained relationships that bring together complementary skills and resources to create mutual benefit and to deliver impact that cannot be achieved by either partner alone.
Professionalism, by upholding freedom of academic enquiry,
undertaking activities in a responsible manner using robust, transparent processes and maintaining professional standards in the conduct
of all academic and support activities.
Equality, diversity and inclusion, by making appointments and developing entry routes to the University based on educational merit, and valuing the strengths derived from contributions to our mission by people from different 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 reimagines 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/
and other types of financial support.
In pursuing our mission, we celebrate the values of:
T h e S u s s e x c a m p u s
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.
T h e S u s s e x c a m p u s
Our campus development programme includes new modern, affordable student accommodation, social and work spaces, academic and research buildings, and investment in sports and leisure facilities.
Take a virtual campus tour at www.sussex. ac.uk/aboutus/campus
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 undertakes 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 diverse community who work across boundaries to deliver excellence. The School is strongly committed to Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and has a strategy to increase the representation of minorities among its staff and students. EDI considerations 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 population: The School has a teaching and research faculty of around 90, over 200
research fellows and technicians, and an administrative team of around 25. We aim to develop scientists 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, fostering 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 leader 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 experience, with opportunities for personal research experience and use of modern technology to enhance learning. The School has a population of around 1650 undergraduates studying a range of subjects The School has laboratories, offices and teaching 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 biochemists, and is employed in studies including drug design and optimisation and
analyses of environmental pesticides. X-ray crystallography has underpinned the elucidation of the structural basis for the function of macromolecular 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 expanding 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 equipment; ecological projects involve a range of field sites on or near the campus, including bee hives and a grassland reparation project.
Senior Project Manager (Life Sciences Building)
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. The new estate for the School of Life sciences is a key project in this. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates (Capital & Development) and as the lead for the Life Science Project, the Senior Project Manager will lead this hugely important project from brief development and design through to construction and successful delivery. We are seeking an individual that has demonstrable experience of leading complex capital development projects in a comparable context. Given the significant diversity of stakeholder relationships required to successfully deliver the project the role will suit an individual with excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, and who is passionate about delivering world-class buildings. 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.
T h e r o l e
Establish and maintain close working relationships and effective stakeholder management within Schools and Professional Services Divisions to ensure that Estates projects are consistent with institutional strategy, local plans and operational requirements. Ensure a consistent approach to capital project delivery, including the management of framework consultants and contractors. Support the Division to maintain key external relationships including local and statutory authorities and suppliers, when working on projects with these groups. Manage processes with the support of the Finance department for establishing realistic project budget estimates, cost plans, cash-flows and regular forecasting across allocated projects. Co-ordinate project delivery with the University’s Estates Strategy for efficient and effective delivery of capital programmes/projects. Ensure appropriate performance management of external contractors, consultants and other service providers engaged to deliver capital programme projects. Ensure proactive and excellent communications about projects and programmes to the wider University community, with all stakeholders and across the Schools and Professional Services Divisions working and liaising with the Communications.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible to the Deputy Director of Estates (Capital and Development) for: Managing the delivery of a range of capital projects and/or complex capital and small works projects including new build, refurbishments and improvements across the Sussex estate; Leading, appointing, managing and directing internal project teams and consultants; Leading key stakeholder engagement and integrating service delivery to ensure projects are fit for purpose; and Leading and influencing the development of high quality Business Cases in line with the University’s Project Approval Framework and Financial Regulations to support capital investment.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and coordinate the delivery of major projects or a programme of projects from inception, design, construction, mobilisation and post project reviews to agreed specifications, achieving time, cost, quality parameters and full compliance with health, safety, statutory and environmental obligations and best practice. Work with the Procurement and Finance team, to ensure all projects represent best value for money for the University and that appropriate and effective risk management, corporate governance and audit controls are in place. Ensure full and transparent reporting, inter alia, to meet the requirements of governance/committee procedures, financial regulations etc. working closely with the Estates Portfolio and Business Services team, Finance and wider partners for consistent project/programme reporting.
T h e r o l e
P E R S O N S P E C I F I C A T I O N
GENERAL
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
The post requires experience necessary to provide professional, technical and strategic advice at a management level, to identify and implement opportunities for improvement and the management of change.
Essential Project management.
Proven experience in the delivery of projects or a programme of works over £20m.
Relevant experience in a project and programme role with responsibility for procuring and managing capital projects:
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Formal qualification in a design/engineering/ construction/project management discipline and to membership level of relevant professional body.
Strategic planning including sourcing options and procurement for capital programmes.
Strong knowledge and experience of contract management and procurement, cost management and budgeting and supply chain management Experience of managing capital construction projects gained working in Higher Education or for large complex organisations.
A degree level education.
Business management demonstrating sound commercial awareness.
A track record of delivering high quality customer service.
Change management.
Desirable Developing systems and procedures
Track record of working on projects of a technically complex nature, ideally in the research / healthcare / science sectors
Proven experience in the delivery of over 3 projects or a programme of works over £20m.
RELEVANT SKILLS / APTITUDES
Excellent communication and influencing skills.
Strong leadership skills.
A natural collaborator, working cross functionally and at all levels, internally and externally.
Personality 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. Excellent technical expertise and understanding of building systems, 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.
Wo r k i n g a t S u s s e x
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.
Wo r k i n g a t S u s s e x
C H I L D C A R E
S U S S E X C E N T R E F O R L A N G U A G E S T U D I E S
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.
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.
L I B R A R Y
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.
C A T E R I N G A N D C O N F E R E N C E S
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.
R E T A I L
S U S S E X L E C T U R E S
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.
All staff are welcome to attend professorial lectures by Sussex academics and other talks by visiting lecturers and speakers.
S P O R T
A T T E N B O R O U G H C E N T R E F O R T H E C R E A T I V E A R T S
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.
T E A C H I N G A N D L E A R N I N G
The University of Sussex has more than 18,500 students, of whom 4,500 are postgraduates.
Brighton and the local area
B r i g h t o n a n d t h e l o c a l a r e a
T H E U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S L O C A T I O N
B R I G H T O N A N D T H E W I D E R R E G I O N
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.
T h e a p p o i n t m e n t p r o c e s s a n d h o w t o a p p l y
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 Ben Duffill (ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk) and Nick Coopard (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.
E Q U A L I T Y A N D D I V E R S I T Y
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 the enclosed 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.
T E R M S O F A P P O I N T M E N T
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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