Closing date for applications: 18 Oct 2013
NERC are seeking an individual with a proven track record of leading complex operational and logistical activities to fill the key role of Director of Operations within the British Antarctic Survey. The individual appointed will have a clear strategic vision for operational and logistical activities in BAS, reflecting the need of all stakeholders and clearly aligned to NERC's objectives.
This is a role that will require experience of more than one model for operational / logistical leadership and preferably of different cultures (eg commercial and public sector); the person appointed will from the outset have sufficient credibility to operate effectively at a senior level in BAS and NERC and to represent the Director of BAS at senior level external meetings, particularly those of a non-scientific nature.
NERC's British Antarctic Survey undertakes a world class programme of scientific research, survey and long term observations, to deliver major objectives within NERC's strategic goals. It also maintains an active and influential regional presence and leadership role in Antarctic affairs for the UK and the Director of Operations plays an important role in leading those activities which relate specifically to the UK presence in the Antarctic.
As one of the four person senior management team in BAS, the Director of Operations for BAS will lead, direct and manage BAS operational and logistics activities. While ensuring that BAS operational and logistical strategy and activity is clearly aligned to NERC's objectives and delivers the best outcomes for polar science, they will also provide the day-to-day point of contact between BAS and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Duration: Open - Ended Appointment
Salary: £80,000 pa, plus potential performance bonus
To Apply for this vacancy please follow this link www.nerc.ac.uk/basdirector
Director of Operations
Ref No.:
Closing Date: 18 Oct 2013
| 1. | Job Title: | Director of Operations |
| Reference No: | ||
| Department: | ||
| Line Manager: | ||
| Contract Type: | Open-ended |
| 2. | Location: BAS headquarters in Cambridge but will require international travel |
| 3. | Purpose: To lead, direct and manage BAS operational and logistics activities. The post holder will be highly innovative in terms of finding new ways of working more effectively and efficiently with less funding or with new collaborations or new business. They will have particular responsibility for those elements of BAS activity that fall within the partitioned budget. The post holder will represent BAS/NERC at appropriate international and international forums. They will provide the day-to-day point of contact with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. |
| 4. | Duties: Responsibilities 1) Strategic leadership of BAS operational activities, ensuring the provision of high quality support for UK polar science; 2) Leadership and management of those activities specifically identified with NERC's commitment to maintain an agreed level of Antarctic presence; 3) Representing NERC and BAS in appropriate international and national forums. The post holder will play an important role in representing BAS/NERC at those forums which are not primarily scientific in nature and/or which do not require the presence of the Director; 4) Ensuring that BAS operational and logistical strategy and activity is clearly aligned to NERC's objectives; 5) Providing the wider UK science community with an appropriate level of support to enable them to carry out research in those areas where BAS operates; 6) Ensuring that operations staff are effectively managed and deliver maximum effectiveness and efficiency; 7) Development of a clear financial strategy for their area of responsibility, including an emphasis on achieving the best outcomes from available funding, for seeking enhanced collaboration, and for sound budgetary management. Interactions Whilst a key element of this role is leading activities which fall within the partitioned level of funding for activities associated with Antarctic presence, integrating these with BAS and other polar science is a crucial part of this role and will involve close working with the Director BAS and the Directors of Science and of Innovations & Impact. The post holder will work with the Director, Science to ensure that activities which cut across their areas of responsibility (eg some developmental engineering activities) are appropriately managed to deliver the maximum benefits for UK polar science. They will work with the Director of Innovations & Impact to ensure that enhanced collaboration leads to more efficient working and the best return to the taxpayer for its investment in BAS. Resources The post holder will be supported by a Head of Logistics, who will cover operational activities within the Antarctic and also the management of BAS marine and airborne operations, and by a Head of Engineering & Technology, whose remit will include IT. The Director of Operations does not have direct responsibility for Finance and HR teams, but will be expected to work closely with BAS Heads of Finance and of HR and have an understanding of the finances in their area. Reporting relationship The Director of Operations will report to Director, BAS. They will work as one of the four person BAS senior management team (Director, Director of Science, Director of Innovations & Impact, Director of Operations). The Person Standing 1) Has a proven track record of leading complex operational and logistical activities; 2) Has experience of more than one model for operational / logistical leadership and preferably of different cultures (eg commercial and public sector); 3) From the outset have sufficient credibility to operate effectively at a senior level in BAS and NERC; 4) A highly convincing representative of the Director of BAS at senior level external meetings, particularly those of a non-scientific nature. Strategy 1) Able to develop a convincing strategic vision for operational and logistical activities that reflects the needs of all stakeholders and is clearly aligned to NERC objectives including the maintenance of an Antarctic presence; 2) Has a commitment to effective operational support for the benefit of science; 3) Understand the importance of all aspects of the BAS mission and will develop strategies that ensure operational and logistical activities reflect this; 4) Understands and can promote effective stakeholder engagement; 5) Able to think and contribute strategically in a wider context as part of the BAS leadership team. Leadership 1) Works highly effectively as part of a team; 2) Capable of showing leadership across all areas of BAS activity, even those not within direct control; 3) Total commitment to good health and safety practices; 4) Resolves conflict; 5) Able to stand in for the Director as required. Management 1) Able to provide leadership to staff at all levels, including professionals/specialists; 2) Open-minded, receptive to new ideas; 3) Someone who involves and encourages others; 4) A champion for good change management; 5) Will develop the next generation of staff, recognizing the need for continuity of experience in critical operational areas; 6) Promotes the need to get best value from the available budget; 7) Possesses an understanding of the need for sound budgetary management and to manage prudently. Networking 1) Have and be able to develop strong networks throughout the diverse stakeholder communities; 2) Will develop strong and effective relationships with both NERC and the FCO; 3) Understands clearly the importance of effective stakeholder engagement and will promote this. Interpersonal skills 1) Proactive not reactive; 2) A particularly effective communicator; 3) Can maintain a strong relationship with colleagues both inside and outside BAS. |