Technical and Building services Manager Chemistry Department
45,000 - £50,000 p.a
Excellent Pension
42 days holiday (Including Bank Holidays)
Flexible working
Excellent learning and development opportunities, and savings on a wide range of products and services
Great leisure and sport facilities
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical & Building Services Manager to join a dynamic community.
This role involves leading and managing various Technical Services to support the Department's strategic goals in Teaching and Research. The position includes overseeing department buildings and facilities to optimise space for teaching and research and ensuring safety.
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is seeking to enhance their technical leadership skills within an academic environment, whilst learning and contributing to a growing and important department.
Duties and responsibilities
Management of Technical Support Staff and Services -
Provide management supervision for technical services within the Department of Chemistry:
- Deliver high-quality technical services for teaching and research objectives, collaborating with stakeholders.
- Enhance technical service capability to meet Technician Commitment imperatives.
- Provide line management for technical staff, including training and competency assessments.
- Implement HR policies for technical staff.
- Contribute to strategic planning and business model implementation for Technical Services.
- Contribute to 5-year planning and revenue plans.
- Ensure departmental technical services frameworks comply with regulations and are fit for purpose.
- Develop and ensure effective technical support for research activities, collaborating with the academic community.
- Manage budgets, record expenditures, and ensure cost-effectiveness in procurement.
- Foster internal and external customer relations, representing the department/university in meetings to promote technical services.
- Plan and conduct meetings and workshops for information dissemination and technical team training.
- Promote departmental adherence to the Technician Commitment charter, contributing to national initiatives for technician visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability.
- Participate in departmental and university committees for safety, compliance, and technical management.
Buildings and facilities management
Oversee and manage responsibility for the buildings, facilities, services, and maintenance of the physical infrastructure within the Department of Chemistry, including:
- Project manage refurbishment and building projects, coordinate meetings, consult on space design, and ensure timely delivery of requirements.
- Support Senior Leadership Team in developing a space management strategy with a focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability.
- Provide suitable accommodation for specialised equipment, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Lead emergency response and business continuity plans for lab space and technical facilities.
- Act as the main contact for external contractors, ensuring work meets expectations and providing site induction.
- Collaborate with Estates Department to ensure departmental space is appropriate for UG and PG students and staff.
- Manage security and access control, ensuring compliance with university processes.
Health and Safety Compliance
Establish and maintain efficient and suitable systems for Health and Safety management:
- Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of university policies and procedures.
- Support the Department s Health and Safety Officer and Chair of Safety in implementing health and safety responsibilities and systems.
- Collaborate with the Health and Safety Officer to implement good practices and ensure technical staff are aware of their health and safety responsibilities.
- Ensure effective execution of operational health and safety procedures.
- Assist the Compliance Officer in monitoring and enforcing health and safety compliance in labs and communal spaces and addressing breaches.
- Monitor the Department s physical environment for standard compliance and legislation.
Requirements and Experience -
Essential criteria
Science or Engineering Degree/equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience.
NEBOSH certificate in health and safety.
Significant experience in a technical or research role in a science or engineering setting, with senior-level management of teams, projects, and facilities, ensuring high safety standards and H&S legislation compliance.
Understanding of technical facilities and equipment in experimental chemistry research and teaching, as well as building maintenance.
Strong communication skills for managing both human and physical resources, with a proven track record of building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Good knowledge of legislative requirements, including British Standards, Home Office License, and Governance.
Up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation, standards, and procedures, including hazardous substances (COSHH regulations; DSEAR), labelling, handling, transporting, and disposal of consumables.
Proven budget management expertise, overseeing suppliers, outsourcing services, and sourcing quotations for equipment and services.
Strong project management skills with experience leading large multi-partner projects and meeting deadlines.
IT literate with the ability to use complex software packages and maintain websites.
Ability to articulate, negotiate, and challenge professionally.
Management skills including coaching, mentoring, training, delegation, and change management.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Awareness of GDPR.