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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
We are looking for an experienced engineering design lead within the Science Capability in Animal Health programme (SCAH).
The role operates as part of Defra group Property Technical Services (DgP TS) but will be fully dedicated to SCAH in terms of workload. The role will report and be accountable to the DgP Chief Engineer in provision of technical expertise to the programme teams. The role is a key element of the Intelligent Client Function, articulating specialist engineering knowledge to technical briefs and standards, that align with DgP TS standards and operating procedures.
As the programme of work progresses the post holder will work closely with technical delivery partners, taking responsibility for a) developing the technical requirements documentation and b) leading a second-tier technical assurance programme to ensure the design, installation, commissioning, proof running, handover documentation and training meet these requirements.
This is a specialist Deputy Director role that will operate within the science and engineering profession.
The Team
The role involves leading a team of highly qualified and experienced Engineering Design Assurance Specialists, many of whom are leaders in their field i.e. high containment
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Managing second-tier technical assurance;
- Acting on behalf of the Chief Engineer in SCAH related boards/meetings;
- Validation of the SCAH technical design and installation;
- Assuring the Technical Brief is fit for purpose and offers best value for Defra;
- Chairing Technical Assurance Panels;
- Directing specialist engineering commissions in specialist fields of engineering i.e. High Containment;
- Proposing and approving technical Value Engineering reviews and reports;
- Challenging, developing and agreeing technical changes;
- Resolving technical disputes between programme stakeholders;
- Ensuring site standards are implemented in SCAH design, including agreed derogations where necessary with the Chief Engineer;
- Owning technical aspects of the Weybridge Sustainability strategy in accordance with Defra Sustainability lead;
- Leading the SCAH DA Technical relationship with APHA on the Weybridge estate on behalf of the Chief Engineer, ensuring that trusted working relationships are developed and maintained;
- Working with the SCAH programme leadership team, providing strategic technical support and guidance;
- Leading engineering transformational elements, for incorporation into SCAH designs;
- Networking both domestically and internationally to inform the application of tried and tested technical solutions;
- Maintaining strong and constructive relationships with key regulators such as the HSE, the Crown Fire Inspection Group and Home Office to ensure the facility is successfully commissioned and licenced;
- Supporting commercial in the procurement of Design and Engineering Commissions; and
- Liaising with Digital Data & Technology Services (DDTS) and Security personnel to ensure overlap is consistent and deliverable.
Person specification
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following qualifications, experience and skills:
Essential Criteria
- Extensive experience in managing engineering design assurance, demonstrating best in class delivery;
- Experience of delivering change, working alongside and through operations professionals across a diverse and complex organisation;
- An inspiring and confident communicator with the ability to establish and maintain strong, influential relationships with a range of people across the department, its agencies and Whitehall;
- An inspiring and confident and empowering leader who is able to provide visible, strong leadership that can motivate, engage and get the best out of people;
- The personal resilience to work under sustained pressure and scrutiny, with the ability to take action forward within a changing and ambiguous environment;
- A chartered engineer with specialist laboratory design and construction knowledge, educated to post graduate standard in an engineering discipline relevant to the post;
- The ability to lead a technical assurance function within a complex laboratory environment;
- The knowledge and experience to be senior responsible officer for site development planning and major laboratory project delivery (preferably high containment), within the government sector; and
- A sound understanding of the regulatory, legal and financial aspects of operating containment laboratory facilities and engagement with regulatory authorities.
Benefits
£21,600 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- 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%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Candidates are asked to complete a CV and personal statement (no more than 1250 words) on how your relevant skills and experience meet the essential criteria.
Completed applications must be submitted no later than the closing date 27/11/23
Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application afterwards. Please ensure that both documents are free of any identifying information this will be captured through the online portal, whilst ensuring applications can be considered anonymously.
How we decide whom to invite for interview
Shortlisting for interview is made on the basis of merit. The selection panel will assess the evidence presented by all applicants against the advertised essential criteria and the highest rated applicants will be invited to interview. If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in a virtual staff engagement exercise and psychometric testing.
Shortlisted applicants will be offered an informal discussion with the Vacancy Holder.
Please read the attached candidate pack for full details.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them
to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through
building your depth of expertise.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above.
This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions.
Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and
conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your
personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any
absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you
to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : SCS Recruitment
- Email : scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission:
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