Job description

The Director of Biological Service will have responsibility for the operational management and strategic direction of Biological Services across the University. The role will work with colleagues across RMID and other professional services directorates (such as HR, Finance, Estates & Facilities and IT ) to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements and deliver the efficient operation of Biological Services to support research.

The post holder will manage a large (~60 staff) multi-disciplinary team, across multiple sites, with responsibility for the day to day operation and strategic development of the facilities while ensuring it remains focussed on the needs of staff and users.

The postholder will work closely with academics and the NVS to anticipate future research needs and lead the development of procedures to support cutting edge new techniques.

This is an indefinite full-time role.

Key responsibilities

• Line Management
  o 3 x Site Managers, Mouse Database Manager, NTCO, HOLC, Business Manager, AWERB & Governance Manager, Chair of AWERB & others as required Other staff as recruited within Biological Services.
  o Senior sign off for initiating recruitment of staff with Biological Services.
  o Responsible as Director for staff within directorate

• Budget Management

  o Overall responsibility for budgets within Biological Services.
  o Working with finance on operational reporting for pay and non-pay
  budgets and cost recovery. Synthesising information and sharing with
  directorate and senior staff within RMID.
  o Approver within the
  finance system for spend over £10,000.

• Governance
  o Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations and policies and
  responsible for ensuring necessary systems and processes are robust
  and updated as required.
  o Responsible for liaison with the
  Biological Services Strategy Group (BSSG)
  o Implement projects as
  directed by the BSSG relating to governance, leadership and to ensure
  capital projects are carried out efficiently and effectively.
  o Responsible for the generation of metrics and operational reporting
  to the Head of RMID and Finance.

• Communication and Networking
  o Working with Director of Platforms to ensure Biological Services activity is included in broader
  directorate wide planning.
  o Working with academic users across the
  University regarding facility usage, costs and enabling research.
  o Develop relationships across the sector and represent the
  University externally as required.

• Ongoing leadership of projects/themes
  o Academic Support; work closely with academics and the NVS to anticipate future research
  needs and lead the development of procedures to support cutting edge
  new techniques.
  o Health and Safety Inspection; Oversee completion
  of recommendations from a recent Health and Safety inspection.
  o System implementation; ensure systems are fit for purpose and
  effectively rolled out to users and staff.
  o Cost Recovery: Working
  internally to identify options and approaches for increased cost
  recovery within Biological Services.
  o Metrics; development of
  productivity metrics e.g. certification timelines.
  o Capital projects; ensure capital projects are progressed efficiently and
  effectively
  o Other: Projects and processes as they arise, e.g.
  internal audits, external accreditation, changes in policy.

• Measures of success
  o High level of service user satisfaction and research support excellence.
  o High rate of cost recovery, while ensuring value for money.
  o Project progression and completion.
  o High degree of compliance with Home Office and HSE regulations.
  o Robust budget control and compliance.
  o High level of staff satisfaction and development.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

• Experience and knowledge of systems and operational processes set out in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and Home Office Code of Practice
• Good understanding of the biomedical research environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable experience of Biological Services provision within a research setting
• Experience of Strategy and Policy development
• Ability to manage though influence and negotiation in a complex environment
• Resilience, determination and diplomacy
• High level of work organization, self motivation, drive for performance and improvement and flexibility in approach and attitude
• Comfortable working independently and building professional networks

Desirable criteria

• Degree in a relevant subject
• Experience of representing institutions externally

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance

This advertisement does not meet the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship under Home Office regulations and therefore the university will not be able to offer sponsorship for this role