Director of Programmes
At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
Director of Programmes
This is an exciting opportunity to join the SKA Observatory at a time where progress is being made quickly and in line with key milestones.
The Role
The SKA Director of Programmes is the person who has the drive, vision and leadership to ensure that the SKA Construction Project is delivered to time, budget and specification, leading a large directorate of skilled project, engineering and technology staff located across the UK, South Africa and Australia.
In addition, the Director of Programmes is responsible for the €20M/year Observatory Development Program which analyses, plans and executes observatory enhancements during Observatory Operations.
This role is high profile, being required to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, internally and externally. In particular, the role sits on the SKA Executive Leadership Team, communicates directly to the Science, Engineering and Advisory Committee and the SKA Observatory Council and associated governance bodies, and directly manages the senior engineer, project manager and system scientist division leads within the Programmes Directorate.
SKAO is, initially, a 2 billion euro project, with the Director of Programmes responsible for a construction budget of 1.3 billion euros.
This role will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK, and will require frequent international travel.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
We encourage applications from under-represented groups such as women and individuals with disabilities, as well as open conversations during the recruitment process in relation to any specific requirements.
There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
- Lead and coordinate the construction activities across the SKA Observatory.
- Coordinate the resources available according to agreed priorities, delivering construction on time and to budget.
- Oversee the definition and negotiation of the work-package contracts and management of the construction contracts.
- Ensure that all appropriate management and monitoring processes are in place.
- Ensure that all necessary SKAO staff are appropriately represented on all key planning and construction reviews to ensure the construction of the telescope meet science and operational requirements.
- Provide leadership and direction to staff, driving their engagement and motivation whilst role modelling SKAO values.
- Travel to any of the SKAO Member countries and elsewhere, as required.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Recognised university degree-level education/training in engineering or physical sciences;
- Experience of executive level management within a high-technology environment including both industrial and academic institutions
- Experience of programme management for the design and construction of a complex, large scale multi-disciplinary, multi-national project with relevant sector experience in observatory development, astrophysics, physics or engineering; and
- Good English oral and written communication skills.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Post-graduate qualification in management, engineering or physical sciences;
- Experience in large scale astronomical design and construction projects;
- Industry experience, and/or a track record in successful collaborative links with industry;
- Familiarity with the formalism for, and requirements of, quality control environments such as ISO9001.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.