This Programme will oversee the re-development of this large site over a 10-year period. It is critical to the continued successful running of APHA's science business to enhance the capability and upgrade the research facilities. The programme includes the clearing of part of the site, by temporarily relocating a substantial part of the APHA team and facilities to allow the construction of a new consolidated Science Hub. This major redevelopment has the added challenge of maintaining science operations on the site during the development of the new facilities. The vision of the NBC Programme is to bring all facilities, laboratories and associated functions together into new fit for purpose facilities, together with the required infrastructure and public realm improvements.
As Deputy Director, Capital Works (Enabling and Infrastructure) within the NBC programme, the key immediate challenge will be to act as lead sponsor for enabling and infrastructure works to clear and prepare the site for the main construction to begin in 2027, as well as ensure the infrastructure is in place for live operations. The urgency of the re-development at Weybridge means this must be achieved to meet the Defra strategy for the site. This will be a critical role given the complex interdependencies on a site which must remain operational throughout the works. The post-holder will work closely with the NBC Programme Delivery Partner, responsible for delivery of capital works, and the programme Technical Partner as well as other key stakeholders on the site, including APHA and Defra Group Property, to ensure works are aligned with overall site wide strategies and requirements.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as Sponsor for capital works delivery (enabling and infrastructure) on behalf of the NBC Programme Intelligent Client Function (ICF), responsible for strategy, investment approvals, and leadership of the Delivery Partner/Supply Chain for projects within scope through requirements elicitation, design, construction, commissioning and handover.
* Work with the Programme team to support the development of project delivery strategies, collaborating with the Delivery Partner to integrate all enabling, infrastructure, and early works including energy, power, services and logistics.
* Oversee the delivery of a Master Outline Planning Application, dealing with reserved matters and ensuring compliance with planning conditions for all projects within the portfolio.
* Ensure projects achieve their objectives (e.g. clearing the footprint on time and within budget), focusing on value-for-money throughout their lifecycle, and report progress, issues, risks and mitigations to the Programme Executive and Board.
* Build and maintain respected and trusted relationships with APHA, Defra group Property, consultants, contractors, government stakeholders (including Government Property Unit, Health & Safety Executive, and Home Office) and key regulators to ensure safety, ethical, and biosecurity standards are met.
* Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team for NBC, building team capability, supporting the delivery of corporate objectives for the Programme and DEFRA.
Required Experience
* Experience of overseeing, as sponsor, the delivery of major, complex construction projects from within an Intelligent Client function, working alongside scientific, engineering and construction delivery professionals across a diverse, complex organisation.
* Experience of managing the design and construction of complex, technical design‑led programmes, which may include multi-discipline high containment laboratories, scientific facilities or other complex infrastructure.
* Strong leadership skills with a track record of leading high‑calibre, multi-disciplinary teams (across multiple suppliers) to deliver against demanding timescales across diverse customer groups.
* Experience of the governance and oversight requirements associated with leading a complex public sector project, such as those within the GMPP Portfolio or similar.
* A sound understanding of the regulatory, legal and financial aspects of delivering complex, technical, design‑led programmes and experience of engagement with regulatory authorities.
Desirable Criteria
* Professional membership of a recognised accrediting body such as RICS, ICE, CIOB, CIBSE, RIBA or equivalent.
* Accreditation at senior or master practitioner level under the government project delivery profession scheme or working towards it – or a willingness to achieve such accreditation, supported by the Department.
* Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service (behaviours).
Security Requirements
* Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
* Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is a security check.
* People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Nationality Requirements
* 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
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. 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 also offers a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Application Process
* Submit a CV and Personal Statement (no more than 1250 words) describing how your relevant skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Deadline: 23:55pm 10th November 2025.
* Application will be sifted against the key criteria on the week commencing 10th November 2025.
* Individual Leadership Assessment (ILA) – a non-pass/fail assessment to support panel decision‑making. Shortlisted candidates will receive details.
* Fireside conversation – a discussion with the vacancy holder prior to interviews on Friday 21st November 2025 at 2 Marsham Street, SW1P 4DF.
* Panel interview – an in‑person interview. Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a short presentation on a topic confirmed in the invitation.
* Adjustments – if you need assistance through the recruitment process, please inform us.
* Feedback will be given only if you attend an interview or assessment.
This role has a minimum assignment duration of three years. The assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The duration supports your career through building depth of expertise. By accepting this role you agree to this expected assignment duration. This is an expectation and will not result in a contractual change.
Compensation and benefits: salary of £81,000, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contribution of £23,465 to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Additional benefits include learning and development tailored to your role, flexible working options, a culture encouraging inclusion and diversity, and a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
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