Technical Manager : Energy Innovation Centre (EIC)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Hybrid working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Staff networks and recognition awards

Career development and training

Job summary

The University of Sheffield Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) seeks a dynamic Technical Manager to lead the technical team and uphold a culture of operational excellence, safety and quality. You will combine deep technical expertise with strong organisational skills to support pilot-scale research facilities and the site as a whole.

This role requires independent problem-solving, leadership, and a commitment to exceptional customer service and collaboration across departments, with responsibilities

Qualifications

• Engineering or technical degree with 7+ years in pilot-scale or industrial environment.
• Experience delivering projects for academic and/or industrial customers.
• NEBOSH certificate in Occupational Health & Safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day EIC site operations including safety, maintenance and staffing.
• Line manage the technical team with workload allocations, objectives and training.
• Plan resources to deliver experimental research and projects on time and within budget.
• Provide high-level technical guidance and training to staff and students.

Skills

People management

Technical leadership

Health and safety knowledge

Project delivery

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Engineering, Science or Technology Degree

NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety

Tools

RAMS

Permit-to-work systems

Job description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The University of Sheffield's Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) is a leading UK facility advancing low-carbon energy solutions. It houses one of Europe's largest pilot-scale research centres, specialising in hydrogen, bioenergy, carbon capture and sustainable aviation fuels. The EIC is a dynamic hub of innovation, driving progress toward the UK s net-zero goals.

We are seeking a dynamic Technical Manager to lead our technical team and drive an uncompromising culture of operational excellence, safety, and quality. In this key leadership role, you will combine deep technical expertise, strong organisational skills, and statutory and health and safety knowledge to lead a technical team to support operations of pilot-scale industrial research facilities and the site overall.

If you thrive on independent problem-solving and leadership, are committed to delivering excellent customer service and professionalism, and enjoy collaborative working with a shared sense of purpose, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact at the forefront of energy innovation.

Main duties and responsibilities

Operations & Technical Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day EIC site operations, including health and safety, maintenance, development and housekeeping, managing technical staff and site resources.
• Line manage and develop the technical team, including workload allocation, objectives, appraisals, recruitment and training.
• Manage EIC work requests and deploy technical staff and resources effectively to meet stakeholder expectations and project timelines.
• Plan and prioritise resources to ensure safe and successful delivery of experimental research, infrastructure and research facility projects, working closely with senior management on priorities.
• Provide technical support during experimental operations, including extended hours and continuous pilot plant operation during specific campaigns.
• Contribute to long-term planning for technical resources and capabilities.
• Maintain detailed operational records and report on activities, resources, risks, issues and mitigation.
• Provide high-level technical guidance and training to staff and students, including experimental design, procedures and manufacture.
• Contribute technical knowledge to equipment and service tenders and identify training and development opportunities for technical staff.
• Maintain a culture of customer service excellence and professionalism; review customer satisfaction and monitor service objectives.

Facilities

• Lead the management and development of research facilities, workshops, plant, machinery, equipment and specialist instrumentation, ensuring operational capability for teaching, research and commercial R&D.
• Oversee maintenance and security of EIC infrastructure, coordinating repairs, modifications and servicing with Estates and Facilities Management.
• Liaise with senior management, technical fellows, theme leaders and experimental staff on operational strategy, site capability and development requirements.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Lead on health and safety and regulatory legislation and standards relevant to the site, equipment, and operations; communicate effectively with stakeholders on H&S and policy updates.
• Ensure records are maintained to meet audit and legislative requirements.
• Establish systems and coordinate regular maintenance and regulatory/statutory inspections internally, with EFM, or via external providers for all site and experimental equipment.
• Manage contractors and their activities on site, maintaining permit-to-work systems, RAMS, and other H&S documentation.

Budget & Procurement

• Manage operational and technical project budgets, monitoring expenditure and reporting variances.
• Procure and manage suitably qualified contractors and maintain stock of key materials and equipment.
• Act as the primary out-of-hours contact for EIC site emergencies and undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and remit.

Person Specification

• Engineering, Science or Technology Degree or equivalent experience, who also has vocational practical experience in a field relevant to the role such as pilot-scale, process or comparable industrial environment (minimum 7 years).
• Experience in delivery of projects with academic and/or industrial customers.
• Fully competent to ensure compliance with relevant regulations e.g (PSSR, PUWER, LOLER, DSEAR) including in-depth knowledge of permit and authorisation to work systems.
• Excellent people management skills with a successful track record of leading and managing a team of technical staff in order to meet current and future needs.
• In-depth knowledge of throughput, reliability, availability and maintenance of (pilot) plant operations
• Experience of reviewing individual and team performance, translating departmental objectives into individual goals, and applying performance management practices in line with HR policies and legal requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety, statutory and compliance regulations
• Experience of proactively adapting own skills to new circumstances and working flexibly to meet the demands of a post, both to meet current requirements and for anticipated future skill requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of mechanical, electrical and controls engineering principles and awareness of industrial standards relevant to site operations including electrical, mechanical, gas safety and other relevant standards.
• Facilitates the development of people through coaching, role modelling values and behaviours, and managing change effectively.
• NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety.
• Develops and delivers technical training to others in the use of materials/equipment/tools and processes tailored appropriately to the audience.

Further Information

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784 - £47,389 , with potential to progress to £51,753
• Work arrangement: Full time (on site during core hours)
• Duration: Open-ended, subject to funding
• Line manager: UK SAF Clearing House Director
• Direct reports: Senior Technicians & Technicians
• Right to work in the UK: If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
• Our website: https://eic.sheffield.ac.uk/
• For informal enquiries about this job contact Philip Pickstock, Departmental Technical Manager ([e-mail]) or Siobhan Green ([e-mail])

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in mid-November. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 1-2 weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Siobhan Green ([e-mail]).

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Technical Career Route
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.