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.
Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.
SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.
For more information on the SKA project visit
The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.
The SKA Mid Dish Site Construction Manager will manage the construction and delivery of the SKA Dish Structure AIV for the SKA-Mid Telescope on Site in the Karoo.
The Role
The SKA Mid Dish Site Construction Manager will supervise the SKA Dish Contractor and deliver the SKA Dishes to the Observatory for the SKA-Mid Telescope. The Dish Site Construction Manager forms the primary managerial link between the Dish Project Manager, the Dish Structure Project manager and the Site contractor ( CETC54), and are responsible for delivery of their scope. The Dish Site Construction Manager will also supervise and manage a number of technical and support staff located on SKA-Mid Telescope site to enable the delivery of Dish Structures to the Project Manager number of staff within the agreed budget and schedule, managing change, risks and issues, and performing regular reporting.
The role will report to the SKA-Mid Site Construction Director as line manager and to the Dish Project Manager for work management.
The role will work closely with: Dish Project Manager; Dish AIV Lead; Karoo Site Manager, Dish Mechanical Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Health & Safety Manager.
This role is based at Carnarvon, South Africa and is a fixed term contract ending 31/08/2028.
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.
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
* Manage the delivery of the SKA Dish Structure construction for the SKA-Mid Telescope, complying with relevant legislation, policies and frameworks.
* Support the SKA Dish Structure project manager, Dish Project Manager and Site Construction Director in their role as key liaison with CETC54 and SARAO and other collaborating entities in South Africa
* Lead the dish structure site engineering works to ensure they are delivered to safety, scheduling, cost and quality objectives, and foster and promote good communication and collaboration between the engineering teams, colleagues, and external partners.
* Lead and manage a medium sized team; coach and mentor colleagues to share learning and experience and contribute to the development of SKAO capability.
* Provide specialist advice to project managers and specialists to support change through understanding and insight in order to have an impact on overall project performance.
* Set targets and monitor performance (including providing results and information) in order to ensure safety, scheduling, cost and quality objectives are achieved.
* Conduct daily standup meetings
* Conduct Dish acceptance reviews compiling as built data packs, compliance verification and Test data complying with organisational policies of the project and organisation.
* Manage and Support HSE audits, reviews and compliance.
* Manage project quality reviews in order to identify, assess and take action to mitigate risks to project success.
* Develop procedures and standards for the dish structure site construction, ensuring that these are aligned with SKAO goals for the year ahead.
* Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to gain buy-in and to deliver assigned part of programmes/projects and support effective collaboration.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* University degree in construction management, project management or engineering, or equivalent experience.
* Experience of commissioning and managing high tech projects to deliver measurable and visible outcomes for the client.
* Experience of system engineering processes
* Experience of Quality system engineering processes
* Knowledge of the technical specialisms being managed (Complex Mechanical & electrical installations).
* Experience of monitoring, planning and managing to an agreed budget within a defined area, producing reports and analysis.
* Experience working with international teams
* Good communication skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
* Flexible team player who is adaptable to change.
* Experience using MS project
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Experience managing a diverse, International team.
* Experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
* Experience in managing delivery in multi-disciplinary, multi-national projects.
* Industry experience and/or a track record in successful collaboration with industry
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.