Job Summary
The RGU Digital Innovation Lab harnesses the power of immersive and visualisation technologies to revolutionise how business, organisations and members of the public make decisions about the natural and built environment. The platform creates a common language for decisions to be made based on a single source of information, rather than multiple sources and interpretations. The Lab leverages cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary expertise from computing, data science, architecture, design and engineering, underpinned by business acumen, to literally put “people in the picture”. Users from inward investors, property developers, environmentalists, council planners to members of the public will be able to visualise buildings, infrastructure, spaces and countryside to within millimetre accuracy, with ambitions to cover the North East of Scotland.
The Lab was developed with the support of the Scottish Government Just Transition Fund as part of the University’s response to the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and its contribution to achieving net zero ambitions. RGU has a strong reputation for engagement with industry and the public sector and the sector-leading Digital Innovation Lab provides an excellent opportunity to grow these relationships.
As such, we are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated individual to plan, manage and drive activity for the Lab through new products and services, research, teaching, partnerships and commercial activity to maximise return (impact and financial). This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to take leadership of a cutting-edge initiative with significant growth potential, working externally with businesses, public sector and communities with the support of the University’s Schools and Departments.
You’ll need a rare skillset – the ability to develop a successful and sustainable business as well co-ordinating and running that business. This will involve developing strong collaborative relationships with industry, raising the profile of the Lab, maximising return on investment and securing further investment. Co-ordinating the Lab’s activity will require proven experience of influencing, negotiating, team leadership, and coaching. Experience of using or developing visualisation technologies and/or work within the planning/development of the built or natural environment would be an advantage but is not essential. Above all, you must have the drive and passion to make this initiative a success. In return, you’ll have the immediate support of a dynamic team as well as the wider RGU network. innovative
In order to meet UKVI minimum requirements, sponsorship would only be available for this role for those candidates who are currently based within the UK on a skilled worker visa with a COS issued before 04 April 2024, hold a relevant PhD, or are a ‘new entrant’ who is under 26, studying or a recent graduate.
This is a fixed term role for 18 months. In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.
We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.
To apply please submit your CV along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role against the requirements set out in the person specification.
Job Description
RESPONSIBLE TO : Vice Principal Economic Development
RESPONSIBLE FOR : No direct reports but will need to work with senior staff in Schools and Departments.
PURPOSE OF POST : Plan, manage and drive the Digital Innovation Lab, drawing on expertise across the University to ensure that RGU can maximise the value of its investment and position the Lab as nationally sector-leading.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES :
* Develop a strategy and plan for the new Lab, its launch and future delivery, covering the different elements of the “RGU Star” approach:
o IP Commercialisation
o Development of RGU products and services
o Research
o Teaching
o Partmerships
* Work closely with colleagues from across RGU to maximise the return on, and secure further, investment for the Lab.
* Engage effectively with external stakeholders and clients with the support of the Business Development team and direct and manage the commercial application of the Lab.
* Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with industry, including professional bodies, at local and national levels.
* Raise the profile of the Lab and secure media coverage of its activities, working with the Marketing and Communication team.
* Lead and support internal teams to meet development/delivery and production deadlines.
* Measure and monitor the performance of the Lab and undertake improvement actions promptly as necessary.
* Stay up to date with the latest market trends and requirements to ensure the Lab remains a sector leader.
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge and skills
* Deep knowledge and understanding of customer relationship management including an ability to build and maintain internal and external relationships.
* Strong commercial understanding to maximise financial return on investment.
* Ability to appraise potential opportunities and ensure development activities are focussed towards prospects which are viable and attainable.
* Creative approach to the identification of development opportunities and envisaging the ways in which the Lab can bring value to RGU.
* Organised and goal focussed to ensure deliverables are prioritised, achieved and managed.
* Strong analytical skills, including problem framing and solving, and with an ability to take ownership for problem resolution.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the proven ability to influence and guide staff at all levels of seniority and deliver high profile reports and presentations.
* A learning mind-set to keep pace with sector developments.
Experience
* Experience of running a business or delivering a multi-faceted project with commercial targets.
* Excellent leadership and people management skills with proven experience of influencing, negotiating, team leadership, and coaching.
* Experience of using or developing visualisation technologies, work within the construction sector, and/or of planning for/ development of the built or natural environment would be an advantage.
Behaviours
Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.
Behaviour 2: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships, leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest and leading and building external networks to enhance the work of the organisation.
Behaviour 3: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers’ expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards.
Behaviour 4: Planning and Organising Resources - Experience of being responsible for the operational planning and organisation of large projects or the coordination of a number of teams or projects, including setting performance standards and monitoring procedures.
Behaviour 5: Initiative and Problem Solving - Experience of resolving new problems where there is a mass of information or diverse, partial and conflicting data with a range of potential suitable options.
Behaviour 6: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others.