Data and Technology Project Manager (Harwell Workstream)

Job Description

The Natural History Museum is both a world-leading science research centre and the most visited natural history museum in Europe. With a vision of a future in which both people and the planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity’s needs with those of the natural world.

It is custodian of one of the world’s most important scientific collections comprising over 80 million objects. The scale of this collection enables researchers from all over the world to document how species have and continue to respond to environmental changes - which is vital in helping predict what might happen in the future and informing future policies and plans to help the planet.

We are at a pivotal moment in our history as we launch a new strategy setting out our role as the natural world faces increasing threats. Building on our world-leading collection, global reputation for science and as one of the world’s leading visitor attractions, the NHM has ambitious plans leading up to the 150 anniversary of the opening of the Waterhouse Building in 2031, making this a truly exciting time to be part of the NHM team.

About the role
The Museum has been awarded a substantial government investment of £182m, over 6 years, to create a new science and digitisation centre at the Harwell Science and Innovation Centre in south Oxfordshire. This is a once in a century opportunity to shape the future of the Museum, protect and share our unique collection and further our science.

The programme is made up of a number of major projects and workstreams focused on various areas, such as designing and building the new centre, moving and digitising tens of millions of specimens, through to Developing KPIs and benefits mapping, to provide information to senior managers, Trustees and DCMS as our funders.

You will be responsible for establishing and the management of the programme workstream for Information Management & Technology (IMT). This workstream will co-ordinate all the data, technology and back end digital delivery across the programme. This will involve direct responsibility for the delivery of some cross-programme activities, as well as providing wider co-ordination of IMT activities in other workstreams, to ensure alignment and mitigation of risk. In the early stages, there will be a significant focus on data gathering and analysis to support planning of the move of the collection, the build and the programme KPIs.

You will also line manage a small team in respect of activities which will be directly delivered by the workstream. In addition, you will co-ordinate the activities of Technology Solutions (TS) project managers who will be delivering components of the overall workstream, but who will also have other project activities.
Whilst this role is offered on a fixed term basis, there may be a possibility for an extension for a longer term contract.

About you
This is a complex programme management role, requiring the skills, knowledge and experience of a portfolio/programme manager who is used to delivering programme outcomes through directly line managed teams and through project teams that they do not directly line manage.

Along with project and programme management experience, you will have the ability to manage the successful delivery of a disparate programme or portfolio of data and technology projects, including the ability to effectively report progress, manage programme risks and deliver to deadlines.
You will have knowledge and experience in business planning and financial management within projects. In particular, demonstrable experience of managing a multi-year programme budget, with a total commitment of £2-5M.

An appreciation of data architecture would be preferred, as would experience of data quality and data governance good practices.

Fixed Term Contract, until 31 March 2023
Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 August 2021
Interviews expected 23 – 24 August

What we offer

• 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
• Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across the country, such as the British Museum, V&A, National Gallery, Royal Academy and Tate
• Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including a free digital Tastecard, discounted cinema tickets and corporate membership of English Heritage sites (including Dover Castle and Stonehenge). For more details, visit https://www.cssc.co.uk
• Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
• Staff discounts at a range of local businesses and services
• Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
• Season ticket, bicycle and rental loans
• Eye care vouchers
• Professional development opportunities - We are committed to the professional development of our staff and offer a range of courses to ensure they reach their potential. We also sponsor professional qualifications and job-related professional membership fees.