This is a fixed term contract role for 2 years. Based at Alderley Park, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the working week. Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national facility connecting the UK community to accelerate innovative drug discovery. By validating new ways of discovering medicines and driving key talent and expertise across the sector, we will support the UK life sciences industry, SMEs and innovators to deliver growth for the UK economy and maintain the UK’s heritage position as a global leader in medicines R&D. Ultimately, new industrialised technologies are vital for delivering new medicines to patients, faster. We are looking for the very best people to join the Medicines Discovery Catapult team in driving the UK to the forefront of commercial success for medicines discovery, committing to place the patient at the beginning of discovery and helping the sector move faster to the patient. The values of the Catapult are: Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence. Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other. Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other. Innovation - We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work. Role purpose The job holder, directed by the Head of Project Delivery, will be responsible for the planning and delivery of the MDC2 Business Optimisation portfolio; a programme of business transformation projects to evolve business systems and operational practices in alignment with the strategic vision for the business. Typical projects will include: Implementation of new IT systems, software & processes Definition of new policies, governance frameworks and ways of working Purchase, installation and validation of new capital equipment The role will also be responsible for the line management & personal development of a business transformation project manager. Main duties and responsibilities Responsible for the design, planning and execution of the MDC Business Optimisation portfolio; including the management of programme costs, budgets, schedules and resource levels. To embed, promote & refine project management best practice & governance to yield the controlled & consistent delivery of business optimisation projects within time, cost & resource targets. To ensure project management activities are aligned with the strategic business direction and are translated into tangible, understandable projects & work packages. To ensure overlaps & interdependencies between IT systems projects are understood, respected and project strategy/direction is tailored accordingly to yield outputs which are mutually beneficial to all projects. To act as a key stakeholder in Business Optimisation project gate reviews, constructively scrutinising the PID proposed, thus ensuring the scope & stage deliverables are clearly understood, budget & resource are available to facilitate timely delivery and stage risks have been identified and considered. Responsible for risk management across the portfolio; including identification of project & programme level risks, assessment of risk severity & likelihood and assigning of appropriate risk controls. To assist the project manager and cross-functional project teams with delivery related obstacles & issues using systematic problem solving & analytic thinking to establish root-cause, re-plan and execute the revised delivery strategies. To act as a key conduit to the MDC Design Authority; ensuring all system design proposals & solutions are directed to the DA for input, advice, strategic direction and approvals as required. To act as the primary point of contact and conduit of information for strategically important 3rd party partners/vendors. To monitor resource levels and competing priorities within the business, including escalation to the Head of Project Delivery for the MDC Steering Group in the event of a threat to project delivery. Definition, tailoring and continuous improvement of the portfolio governance; including activity cadence, roles & responsibilities and documentation templates as part of a continuous improvement culture. Responsible for defining clear objectives, priorities and performance expectations for the project manager and cross-functional project team members within the portfolio. Ensuring and reinforcing a strong emphasis on measurable business outputs, benefits and deliverables. To act as an exemplar for project management best practice; promoting a strong delivery mindset into project team that is maintained throughout the lifecycle of the project. To act as a first point of contact for ad-hoc project issues; offering advice, potential solutions or alternative approaches to the project management team. In conjunction with the Head of Project Delivery, to routinely review and optimise project management systems, processes and ways of working, including optimisation of the relationships with other departments within the organisation. Responsible for line management & mentoring of experienced project manager(s); including the establishment of bespoke personal development plans. Essential knowledge, skills & competencies: Proven experience & proficiency in the management of business transformation programmes at portfolio/enterprise level. Expert-level knowledge of project & programme management and associated methodologies, techniques, processes and approaches. Proven experience & proficiency in developing, embedding & executing programme management processes. Proven track record of line managing project managers, including training and mentoring. Able to demonstrate successful business process improvements through the application of appropriate methodologies. Credibility as a senior-level team leader, with the ability to influence at the highest levels of the organisation. Accredited Project Management Qualification Desirable knowledge, skills & competencies: Technical background and experience in delivery of IT systems/processes/software/SaaS projects. Exposure to public sector projects & grant application process Knowledge of resource management tools Closing date: Friday 31st May 2024. Please note the closing date for applications may be brought forward if a high volume of applications are received.