Job responsibilities
- To manage and lead on assigned division wide operational duties within CDEP & DPC.
- To take responsibility and lead in the maintenance, improvement and management of assigned systems, policies and processes that ensure business delivery and service provision to CDEP & DPC and its customers. This includes formulating and executing plans, monitoring outcomes, measures and benefits and to reporting all findings to the Divisions.
- Take a lead in influencing other departments/service providers to improve/enhance the service they provide to CDEP & DPC.
- Contribute to and lead on change initiatives e.g. Harlow relocation Programme of activities.
- Establish links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the Divisions.
- Assist senior colleagues, leading where necessary, in developing the Divisions operational strategy in support of the scientific strategy: executing the strategy, identifying and responding to opportunities as they arise.
- Take lead responsibility for the supervision, training and management of staff as appropriate.
- Provide reports as required and lead on preparation of presentations, operational publications and liaison via teleconferences with internal and external colleagues, stakeholders and customer as well as dealing with enquiries as necessary.
- To ensure that the Division undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality or other Systems that are applicable to the Division and Porton site.
- To fulfil the requirements of Civil Service Behaviours.
- To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.
- To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
This list is not exhaustive.
It should be noted that the work of the Divisions is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Essential Criteria
- BSc in Biological Sciences
- Experience of managing and leading in a Core Operations Team, making tactical decisions in a regulated (eg. Safety, Quality) life/medical sciences laboratory, or Healthcare related environment
- Confident and effective communicator
- Possess excellent organisation and planning skills
- Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively
- Experience of using problem solving skills to drive system or service improvement
- Ability to respond to sudden and unexpected demands in a calm and efficient manner
- Proficient in the use of MS Office applications
Selection Process Details:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience, Strengths and Technical SkillsSuccess Profiles - GOV.UK
Stage 1: Application
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and 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 your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.
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
The pile meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criteria
- Experience of managing and leading in a Core Operations Team, making tactical decisions in a regulated (eg. Safety, Quality) life/medical sciences laboratory, or Healthcare related environment
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment
Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Success profiles
You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
The following will be tested at interview:
- Behaviours
- Strengths
- Experience
- Technical skills
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Communicating and influencing
- Changing and improving
- Working together
- Managing a quality service
You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute (maximum) presentation. The subject will be anexample of managing and leading the development or implementation of a new system, process or improvement.
You will also be asked strength based questions.
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.
Selection Process
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.
Location
This role is being offered as office based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates will require Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) as a minimum with willingness and capability to work towards Security Check (SC) clearance.
You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) and 5 years to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Eligibility Criteria
External: 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.
