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.
A unique opportunity for a junior project professional who can support the Station Project Manager and the Deputy Senior Project Manager SKA-Low in overseeing their work packages, provide specific support in contract management and project administration, as well as in project management tasks like planning and reporting. Being located in Geraldton, the Junior Project Manager plays an important role in communications with the other SKA-Low Project Managers located in Perth and the HQ at Jodrell Bank.
The Role
The Junior Project Manager for SKA-Low will report to the Senior Project Manager for SKA-Low and will be responsible for preparing and managing specific construction contracts and work packages for the SKA-Low project. This role involves leading a matrixed team of internal staff and contractors to ensure that these contracts and work packages are delivered according to scope, schedule, and budget. The Junior Project Manager will monitor progress, identify risks, and communicate with key stakeholders. The deliverables will include both hardware and software (sub)systems.
For this role, the successful candidate will be based in Geraldton, Australia. This is a fixed term position with duration of three years.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties:
* Assist the Station Project Manager and other SKA-Low Managers in planning and preparing for Station Deployment of the SKA-Low Telescope.
* Support the procurement of materials and services by adhering to organizational processes to select suppliers that best meet the project requirements.
* Coordinate and lead matrixed teams of staff and contractors within defined parameters, monitoring their work against contracted schedules and plans, and taking corrective actions or escalating performance issues when necessary.
* Contribute to project quality reviews to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact project success.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve queries, providing specialized knowledge to inform decision-making.
* Ensure that project controls are in place for managed contracts to meet the expected cost, schedule, and quality standards and liaise with the Project Controls team at SKAO HQ.
* Travel to contractor sites and the construction site in Western Australia as needed, typically 1-2 times per year for 1-2 weeks, with possible visits to SKAO HQ at Jodrell Bank near Manchester, UK.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Relevant Project Management qualification or training with good understanding of project management methodologies.
* Understanding of the technical specialism within which the role will be working, with considerable on the job training provided, and the ability and willingness to quickly learn about new technologies via interaction with technical specialists.
* Practical experience of contributing to the successful delivery of engineering-based programmes/projects (typically at least two years) which may have been gained in a project support role.
* Knowledge of contract management and procurement procedures.
* Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather data and use this to inform understanding.
* A flexible and self-motivated team player who is adaptable to change.
* Good English oral and written communication skills.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Recognised university degree-level education/training in engineering or physical sciences.
* Membership of recognised national or international project management and/or engineering institutes.
* Experience or knowledge of agile delivery methods.
* Experience or knowledge of NEC contracting or other types of contracts.
* Experience of working with international teams, either geographically dispersed or in different time zones.
* 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 welcomes all candidates, especially those from member countries.
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