Government Soft Landings Manager

Defra group Property (DgP) manages the provision of facilities management services to Defra’s executive agency; the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). 

APHA uses a wide range of specialist facilities as part of its aims to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy. 

These specialist facilities include biocontainment laboratories across the UK with the main laboratory campus being located at Weybridge. The Defra Weybridge site is the largest facility in terms of size and complexity across the Defra network and is currently going through a process of major investment (over £1b) and redevelopment in order to enhance its scientific capability. The site is at the forefront of research and diagnostic testing for animal and zoonotic diseases and leads on disease outbreak response for Defra. 

The DgP Technical Services team at Weybridge fulfils the role of Intelligent Client Function (ICF) for FM services across DgP’s Science Estate.  

The role is based at the Defra Weybridge laboratory site. Weybridge / flexible hybrid with 4 days a week required on site in Weybridge. Travel may be required.

The Government Soft Landings (GSL) Manager is a Quality Management function which will help develop and execute the Design Authority Soft Landings process.

The GSL Manager will need to take a proactive approach, working closely with project managers, design teams, contractors and stakeholders to coordinate information to support project design and delivery, and to facilitate project handover, collating all documentation for integration to Business As Usual (BAU). 

The focus of this role is to support Critical Works Programme delivery, aligning with the National Science Centre for Animal Health (NSCAH) defined strategy for GSL, maintaining capability before and after the major program of redevelopment. 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing the GSL strategy for managing an integrated project handover
• Providing leadership for the implementation of the GSL strategy to all stakeholders and arm’s Length Bodies operating on site
• Identifying, collating and providing relevant information (including pre-construction information) to other work streams
• Controlling the management of change through a Change Control Process and validating successful implementation of change through recorded evidence and close out of actions
• Facilitating the coordination of the pre-construction phase for capital project teams
• Facilitating training requirements, defining processes, and collaborating with stakeholders for pre-handover and aftercare. Collate document handover and manage the repository to facilitate integration with BAU
• Working closely with project managers, design teams, contractors and stakeholders to coordinate Soft Landings on all capital projects
• Assessing the competence of designers and contractors and report findings to clients and project teams
• Administrative duties associated with the role include communication of relevant information, preparation of guidance documentation and reports as required; Where the need is identified the post holder will be responsible for the development of new procedures, policies, systems, data collection and management
• Attending liaison and progress meetings with APHA departments, design team and building contractors to provide technical input, site knowledge and experience
• Prioritising personal daily workload in relation to overseeing various projects running concurrently at different stages

For further information about the role please read the candidate information pack which can be found here

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Experience of the development of and the implementation of Soft Landings principles transitioning projects to BAU for the management of facilities
• Good IT skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office including excel, word and outlook, project and be proficient in the reading of AutoCAD drawings
• Excellent proactive, organisational, interpersonal and communication skills at all levels
• Ability to prioritise workload, to negotiate and to make decisions based on a thorough review of all the information available
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team in the promotion of best practice to ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Experience of conducting monitoring and audit functions
• Knowledge of Developing Soft Landings in line with Government Soft Landing (GSL) Golden Thread principle
• Educated to degree level or other equivalent professional qualification through formal study and/or demonstrable relevant experience

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Blended Working

Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs.  There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.

Job contact :

• Name : Twenty Seven Consulting
• Email : hello@twentysevenconsulting.co.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk