Technical Manager (Operations)

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Job description

The Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES) is a vibrant faculty based in the heart of London with a long tradition of world-leading research and teaching in physics, mathematics, chemistry, informatics and engineering.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to manage a team supporting the faculty's technical operations with a primary focus on Chemistry, reporting to the Senior Technical Manager (Operations) at Guy's Campus.

The role-holder will have responsibility for managing and maintaining a range of technical facilities in Britannia House including laboratories and auxiliary facilities, playing an important role in the management of Health and Safety. Applying their extensive technical knowledge they will lead a team of technicians working collaboratively with academic and professional services stakeholders to provide the highest standard of technical support for research activities at Guy's campus. They will sit on a range of faculty/university working groups and committees, representing the faculty's Technical Services Function and its Departments as appropriate.

The role-holder will take on Departmental Safety Officer duties, working closely with the Senior Technical Manager (Operations), Head of Technical Services and Faculty Health & Safety Manager to implement, monitor and review health and safety arrangements.

The ideal candidate will have a background in chemistry, with experience in a higher education (HE) research environment. They will have a sound working knowledge of laboratory health and safety management and the relevant regulations; extensive experience in technical support, problem-solving, training and supervision across a range of lab or workshop-based activities.

The successful candidate will be an active member of King's Technical Network, engaging in Faculty and University initiatives to strengthen and share best practice, with an ongoing commitment to professional development. They will facilitate an inclusive culture and ethos in line with King's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy, proactively liaising with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract.

This is a full-time post of 35 hours a week.

Key responsibilities

Management and leadership

• Manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a range of technical and auxiliary facilities.
• Manage a small technical team, delegating tasks, balancing work schedules, managing performance and fostering a stimulating, innovative and inclusive working culture.
• Work with the Function leadership to implement and improve cross-department, location-based technical services practices.
• Working with the wider Technical Services Function, plan and implement end-to-end lifetime lab asset management, from procurement to replacement.
• Be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment, maximising the efficiency of the technical support provided.
• Represent the team, function and faculty at relevant fora, working groups and committees.

Technical, health & safety

• Assume general health and safety coordination duties for the area of responsibility, acting as Departmental Safety Officer and liaising with the faculty H&S Manager and central Health & Safety Services team.
• Ensure all staff, students, contractors and visitors are appropriately inducted and trained for working in technical facilities. Develop and deliver training and induction materials for students and staff as appropriate.
• With the support and direction of the Senior Technical Manager (Operations), implement, adhere to and report on all relevant statutory standards.
• Implement, monitor and report on health & safety arrangements in all assigned areas. Prepare and maintain safety documentation, and assist with the investigation of accidents/incidents/near miss events.
• Provide technical support oversight to the areas of responsibility, including the provision of advice, training and hands-on technical support; support the setup and/or modification of lab space to enable research.
• Working closely with the Senior Technician (Purchasing), organise and manage the installation, maintenance and security of facilities and lab assets with oversight, where appropriate, of equipment and consumables.
• Provide technical support and insight to refurbishment projects, research grant applications and other planning activities by coordinating and providing detailed advice and information to stakeholders.
• Working closely with the research function at department and faculty level, providing quotes, costings and charging reports for the research facilities.
• Manage the TRAC (Transparent Approach to Costing) of the research facilities.
• Undertake Evacuation Marshal and First Aid duties for the areas of responsibility.

Professional

• Work with Academic and Professional Services stakeholders to manage shared lab space.
• Maintain accurate and organised electronic records in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and cyber security best practice.
• Work independently, setting priorities for oneself and those of the team. Work cooperatively to achieve the service objectives, taking independent decisions as appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and networks with lab users, colleagues and contractors.
• Implement environmentally sustainable practices, processes and share best practice.
• Commit to ongoing professional development.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. Level 6 qualification in a relevant field, e.g., relevant Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience, plus substantial work experience in a relevant technical/scientific service post.

2. Evidence of an active commitment to professional development (e.g. completion of professional qualifications/courses or holding/working towards professional registration)

3. Comprehensive technical knowledge and skills for the laboratory environment in a relevant field, e.g., chemistry, pharmacy.

4. Comprehensive knowledge of regulations and best practice governing laboratories, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability.

5. Strong written, oral, and IT communication skills, in particular when conveying complex information to a lay/ non-expert audience.

6. Effective management skills and the ability to work as part of, and lead, a small team.

7. Ability to advise and train staff and students in the lab, using interpersonal skills to influence and manage stakeholders.

8. Ability to take well-judged decisions and to be an effective problem-solver.

Desirable criteria

1. Higher qualification (e.g. Masters/PhD) in a related field.

2. Line management or supervisory experience, including giving feedback on performance and training/coaching where necessary.

3. Holding or working towards a formal Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH/NEBOSH).

4. Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required e.g. during a weekend open day event.