Salary : £62,500 - £68,000 per annum FTE + Benefits
Status: Permanent /Full-time preferable (requests for part-time/flexible working arrangements are welcome)
Overview
Energy Systems Catapult is an independent research and technology organisation. Our mission is to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation.
Launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, the Catapult has built a team of more than 250 people, with a range of technical, engineering, consumer, commercial, incubation, digital and policy expertise. They draw on sector-leading test facilities, modelling tools, and data collected from our back catalogue of more than 500 research projects.
We use that 'whole energy' system capability to support innovative companies - small and large – to test, trial and scale their new products and services. Our impact comes when those innovators attract new customers, new investment and new grants so they can thrive in the future energy system.
Based in Birmingham, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine, world-leading technology and innovation centres, established by Innovate UK. The Catapult Network fosters collaboration between industry, government, research organisations, academia, and many others to transform great ideas into valuable products and services.
We believe that innovation often stems from connecting different areas and ideas, and that working together in person can be an important enabler for that. We therefore expect people to be in the Birmingham office ~40 days/year (roughly one day per week).
Context
Transitioning to a low-carbon energy system to meet the 2050 net zero target is one of the most complex challenges we have ever faced.
The Catapult is organised as a set of Platforms and Capabilities. The Platforms are focused on commercial engagement with organisations in the energy sector; their objective is to understand the needs of these organisations and to respond to them in the most effective way.
The Capabilities are structured around areas of subject matter expertise, including Digital & Data; Systems Integration; Modelling; Infrastructure & Engineering; Markets, Policy & Regulation; and Consumer Insights. Each Capability is focused on defining, designing and delivering solutions that satisfy technical, operational and commercial requirements to address client and sector needs. Solutions may require contribution from multiple Capabilities and may take the form of a project or programme, or an asset like a model, dataset, or test facility.
The Whole Systems and Networks (WS&N) Platform focuses on innovations at the UK system level, working through how the various elements of the transition come together (e.g., transport, generation, consumer propositions, industrial decarbonisation) and the technology, investment, digital, policy, market, regulatory and governance actions required to realise them. We work with system critical clients in the public and private sectors, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); utilities; Government; Ofgem; gas and electricity networks; financiers; retailers; and innovators. We work with them to understand the key issues across the sector and develop unique whole system solutions. We then retain accountability for delivering against our promises, for our clients.
The Whole Systems and Networks Platform is looking for an exceptional Programme Delivery and Operations Manager to oversee our portfolio of >20 innovation projects to ensure delivery to the highest standards.
This is a unique opportunity to work with sector leading experts and for a Platform at the centre of the energy transition, with a brilliant scope, from an analytical, market and opportunity perspective. As part of the Platform, you will contribute to market engagement and strategy development and use your skills to drive the energy transition in one of the most innovative, interesting and challenging parts of the sector.
The Role
The WS&N Programme Delivery and Operations Manager will manage and be supported by Programme and Operations Associate and be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of a portfolio of projects and programmes to develop and grow the Platform's impact. This role reports directly to the WS&N Business Leader and is accountable for critical delivery functions including:
* Overseeing, monitoring and reporting on the progress of the programmes and projects within WS&N's portfolio. This includes:
* Full accountability for the delivery of the portfolio of projects against the agreed scope of works, timelines and committed budgets.
* Ensuring programme and project compliance with internal quality management systems (e.g., RAG/RAID logs; project plans, resourcing, acceptance criteria).
* Exception management, stepping in to assist project managers and WS&N Senior Advisors and Advisors to manage project issues as they arise.
* Providing management information to the Business Leader and wider Catapult management structures.
* Supporting, advising and coaching the project managers responsible for delivering individual programmes and projects.
* Identifying and engaging partners, third parties and subcontractors as required to enable the successful delivery of the WS&N Portfolio of Projects.
* Providing leadership, coaching and management oversight to the Programme and Operations Associate.
* Working closely with WS&N's Senior Advisors and Advisors to define, establish and deliver new projects and programmes.
* Working closely with the WS&N Senior Business Development Manager, Senior Advisors and Advisors to deliver project proposals to clients and respond to Invitations to Tender (ITTs).
* Maturing the operating model and operations of the Platform, overseeing the Programme and Operations Associate and working with the wider team to identify, scope and deliver operational improvements that drive efficiency and quality within the Platform.
* Deputising for the Business Leader at key internal meetings. Providing leadership within the Platform and acting as the project management expert.
Key Deliverables & Work Activities
Delivery
* Working with other platform programme leads to create a Portfolio Programme management system including all projects and initiatives aligned with the WS&N Business Plan.
* Oversee project managers delivering the projects to agreed time, cost and scope.
* Monitor and secure resource of the team and others from throughout the Catapult.
* Ensure effective project management definition, delivery and governance processes are defined, documented and adhered to for all projects.
* Work with the Business Development, Product Managers, Solution Architect, Systems Development and other stakeholders to impact assess new project/work requests with a focus on time, cost and effort to define, scope and deliver.
* Work with Project Sponsors to develop the delivery aspects of Business Cases.
* Work with Platforms and Bid Management to support bid preparation.
* Regular reporting to WS&N and Catapult Management Team on the status of the WS&N Projects, resource needs, and annual operating performance.
* Negotiate project contract terms with clients, partners and sub-contractors with ESC legal.
Business Operations
* Responsible for day-to-day management of the business operations of the WS&N team including budget and forecast; purchasing and invoicing; monthly, quarterly and other Business & Impact reporting.
* Design and implement key performance indicators to support Business Reporting.
* Develop and maintain the WS&N operating model, ensuring key activities are delivered on time, working with the Programme and Operations Associate to help co-ordinate the team.
What experience are we looking for?
Essential
* Demonstrable track record of defining, establishing and delivering complex, rapidly changing and high-profile Programmes and Projects.
* Ability to take a continuous and agile approach to planning, forecasting, estimating, managing uncertainty and associated risk and contingency planning.
* Experience of managing a portfolio of projects and programmes and working with others to ensure delivery.
* Able to communicate the plan, assumptions and progress to a range of stakeholders and manage the relationships between different stakeholders within and across teams.
* Able to solve issues and unblock problems - drives teams and sets the pace, ensuring teams are working towards delivery commitments.
* Experience across full project lifecycle from concept through scoping, estimation, business case, definition, delivery, customer acceptance and closure.
* Confident presenting to a wide range of audiences up to and including CEO level and senior external customer and client stakeholders.
Ideal
* Understanding of the decarbonisation landscape.
What behaviours are we looking for?
* An energetic person who is self-motivated, team orientated, purpose-led, and impact-driven.
* Reflective person who can help teams to understand areas for improvement and enact action.
* Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and ability to work effectively with changing priorities.
* Persuasive and approachable; can successfully manage relations with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
What qualifications are we looking for?
* Formal and current Project Management or similar qualification or professional accreditation.
* Demonstrable experience of hands-on Programme and Project Management and delivery.
Would you like to Apply?
The closing date for applications is Sunday 17th November 2024
Please note that at this time we are unable to provide UK visa sponsorship.
We welcome applications from all, including those who may be returning to work, those wishing to work flexibly for any reason, and those who may need additional support.
Energy Systems Catapult undertakes innovative and exciting work that will help shape the future of energy, with this in mind we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible, as we do reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.
(Strictly No Agencies).
"We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation, or status regarding gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity."
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