Senior Project Manager

• Details
• Reference number
• 476145
• Salary
• £56,185 - £66,581
• per annum, pro rata
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

• Job grade
• Grade 7
• Contract type
• Permanent
• Type of role
• Administration / Corporate Support
• Engineering
• Science
• Other
• Working pattern
• Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
• Number of jobs available
• 2
• Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

Idmiston, South West England, SP4 0JG

About the job

Job summary

As a Senior Project Manager, you will support the Capital Works Programme Manager in delivering UKHSA's Capital Programme at Porton Down. You will lead the successful delivery of complex capital, infrastructure, refurbishment and engineering projects, typically valued up to £5m, ensuring they are delivered safely, compliantly and within agreed scope, cost, quality and programme constraints.

Working within a highly regulated scientific environment, you will manage projects through the full lifecycle, from business case development and procurement through to commissioning, handover and benefits realisation. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage consultants and contractors, and work closely with stakeholders to deliver projects that support UKHSA's operational and strategic objectives.

The Estates, Engineering and Facilities (EEF) Department is responsible for engineering, maintenance, environmental sustainability, facilities management and capital works across the Porton Down estate. Managing a combined budget of approximately £40 million per annum, EEF ensures the estate remains safe, compliant, operational and capable of supporting UKHSA's scientific and health security activities. Due to the nature of the facilities, projects and stakeholder engagement required, the postholder will be expected to work full-time on site at Porton Down, Salisbury.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

Project Leadership and Delivery

• Provide effective leadership to project teams, consultants, contractors and suppliers to achieve successful project outcomes
• Develop, maintain and monitor project plans, schedules and delivery strategies, selecting the most appropriate delivery methodology
• Design and implement appropriate project governance, controls and reporting arrangements
• Establish project structures appropriate to each project phase and effectively manage transitions between lifecycle stages
• Manage competing priorities and resources to ensure delivery against agreed objectives
• Promote continuous improvement by capturing, evaluating and applying lessons learned

Financial and Commercial Management

• Lead the development, maintenance and approval of business cases in line with UKHSA governance requirements
• Develop robust cost estimates, budgets and forecasts and ensure effective financial management throughout the project lifecycle
• Monitor project expenditure, manage cost risks and ensure value for money is achieved
• Support procurement activity and oversee project delivery through Government and UKHSA procurement processes
• Manage the performance of consultants, contractors and suppliers, ensuring contractual obligations, programme requirements and quality standards are achieve
• Administer and manage projects delivered through NEC and JCT contractual arrangements

Benefits Realisation

• Develop and implement benefits realisation plans
• Ensure benefits are clearly defined, measurable and aligned to business objectives.
• Monitor, track and report benefits delivery, taking corrective action where benefits are at risk
• Support the transition of completed projects into operational use

Stakeholder Management and Communication

• Identify key stakeholders and establish effective engagement strategies
• Build productive relationships with senior leaders, technical specialists, operational teams and external partners
• Influence, negotiate and challenge constructively at all organisational levels
• Present project information to a range of audiences through governance boards, project reviews and senior management meetings

Risk, Assurance and Governance

• Identify, assess and manage project risks, dependencies and issues
• Develop mitigation plans and escalate significant risks where appropriate
• Coordinate assurance reviews, gateway reviews and audit activities
• Ensure all project documentation and reporting requirements are maintained to a high standard
• Support organisational governance arrangements and provide accurate and timely reporting

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with all relevant legislation, UKHSA policies and statutory requirements
• Promote a positive health, safety and environmental culture throughout project delivery
• Ensure compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and other applicable construction and engineering standards
• Ensure commissioning, validation and handover activities are conducted appropriately within regulated scientific environments

Sustainability

• Support UKHSA's sustainability and Net Zero commitments through the implementation of environmentally responsible project solutions
• Incorporate energy efficiency, sustainability and life-cycle considerations into project planning and delivery in collaboration with the Environmental Manager

Leadership and Professional Practice

• Role model UKHSA values and behaviours
• Promote diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, respecting and valuing individual differences
• Maintain professional competence and actively contribute to the UKHSA Project Delivery Profession Community
• Champion best practice in project delivery and continuous improvement

Main duties of the job

• Lead the successful delivery of capital, engineering and infrastructure projects throughout the full project lifecycle, ensuring agreed objectives, timescales, budgets and quality standards are achieved.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, procurement activities and contractual arrangements, ensuring value for money and effective management of consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Develop and monitor benefits realisation plans, ensuring project outputs deliver measurable business outcomes and support organisational objectives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing clear communication, influencing decision-making and securing successful project outcomes.
• Establish effective project controls and governance arrangements, managing risks, issues, dependencies and assurance activities to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, CDM Regulations, UKHSA policies and statutory compliance requirements, promoting a positive safety culture.
• Support UKHSA's sustainability objectives by incorporating environmental and energy efficiency considerations into project planning, design and delivery.
• Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, promote continuous improvement and contribute to the development of project delivery best practice across UKHSA.

Please note, the above is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Significant experience delivering complex capital, infrastructure, engineering or construction projects through the full project lifecycle, from business case development and procurement through to commissioning, handover and benefits realisation.
• Proven experience managing projects delivered under NEC and/or JCT contractual frameworks, including the management of consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Experience of managing project budgets, financial forecasting, cost control and reporting within a formal governance environment.
• Detailed knowledge and practical application of project management methodologies, governance, assurance, risk management and change control processes, supported by a recognised project management qualification such as APM PMQ, APM ChPP or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and the delivery of projects in compliance with health, safety and statutory requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with demonstrable experience of building effective relationships and communicating with senior stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering successful outcomes within complex and often ambiguous environments

Desirable criteria

• Membership of a relevant Professional Institute or Society such as: RIBA, RICS, ICE, CIBSE, IMechE, CIOB.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of compliant engineering Management Quality Systems and/or HSE Regulations applicable to research facilities.
• Experience in project managing works within research and/or pharmaceutical facilities
• Knowledge of engineering plant, building services, infrastructure systems and commissioning principles.
• Experience of project delivery within a regulated environment
• Experience of environmental sustainability and Net Zero considerations in project delivery.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,185, UK Health Security Agency contributes £16,276 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 employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles. It will assess your Experience, Behaviours and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word supporting statement

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications, we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

We will take pile "Meets all essential criteria" through to shortlisting.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Significant experience delivering complex capital, infrastructure, engineering or construction projects through the full project lifecycle, from business case development and procurement through to commissioning, handover and benefits realisation.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single face to face interview in Porton Down. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours and Technical skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working together (Lead)
• Communicating and influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

You will be asked to deliver a presentation, lasting 5-10 minutes. The topic of the presentation is: ‘Delivery of Complex Projects in the Healthcare Environment’.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office based at our site in Porton Down.

Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Security Check.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC). UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.

Qualifications and Registrations

For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check.

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud Check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub, and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for external candidates to the Civil Service.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .

See our vetting charter .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Tom Geldeard
• Email : Tom.Geldeard@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the

basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's

Recruitment Principles.

• If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment
• Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should
• contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk
• If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can
• contact the Civil Service Commission. Visit the Civil Service Commission website for
• further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk