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At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

The Role

The Junior Project Manager will contribute to the delivery of important (sub) systems for the SKA-Low Telescope being built in Australia. The (sub) systems to be delivered include both hardware and software and familiarity with agile delivery would be an advantage.

The Junior Project Manager will be responsible for preparing and then managing some of the SKA-Low construction contracts. They will lead matrixed internal staff and contractors to deliver these contracts to scope, schedule and budget, reporting on progress, identifying risks and communicating with key stakeholders. The Junior Project Manager will also be working alongside an experienced team of project managers and scientists, and using state of the art technology.

This role is known internally as Junior Project Manager SKA-Low and will report to the Senior Project Manager SKA-Low.

The role will be based at the SKAO Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK, and will require frequent travel to contractors and the construction site in Western Australia.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

We encourage applications from under-represented groups such as women and individuals with disabilities, as well as open conversations during the recruitment process in relation to any specific requirements.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Provide support to the Project Manager SKA-Low Digital and the Senior Project Manager.
• Support the procurement and evaluation processes through the review of standard contractor returns, such as PQQs and tenders, complying with organisational procedures to select suppliers which best meet the requirements and provide support to managing live contracts.
• Co-ordinate and lead matrixed staff and contractors within defined parameters, monitoring their work against their contracted schedules and work plans, taking corrective action or escalating issues with performance where appropriate.
• Support project quality reviews in order to identify, assess and take action to mitigate risks to project success.
• Liaise with stakeholders, internally and externally, in order to resolve queries, using their specialised knowledge to guide decision making.
• Ensure project controls are implemented for contracts under their management such that they are delivered to the expected cost, time and quality.
• Travel as required to contractors and the construction site in Western Australia (typically three times per year for 1-2 weeks to Western Australia, and monthly within Europe).

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Relevant Project Management qualification or training with good understanding of project management methodologies.
• Understanding of electrical and electronic systems, with considerable on the job training provided, and the ability and willingness to quickly learn about new technologies via interaction with technical specialists.
• Practical experience of contributing to the successful delivery of engineering-based programmes/projects (typically at least two years) which may have been gained in a project support role.
• Knowledge of contract management and procurement procedures.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather data and use this to inform understanding.
• A flexible and self-motivated team player who is adaptable to change.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• University degree in engineering or physical sciences.
• Membership of recognised national or international project management and/or engineering institutes.
• Experience or knowledge of agile delivery methods.
• Experience or knowledge of NEC contracting or other types of contracts.
• Experience of working with international teams, either geographically dispersed or in different time zones.
• Familiarity with the formalism for, and requirements of, quality control environments such as ISO9001.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.