Overview
Salary: £35,608 to £37,694 with progression to £46,049 per annum. Closing Date: 05 November 2025. Newcastle University offers excellent benefits, including a generous holiday package, pension schemes and health and wellbeing initiatives.
The Role
The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering and School of Engineering are seeking a Technical Team Leader. You will be responsible for the planning, organisation and management of the Laboratories, Workshops and Facilities in your designated areas of responsibility and expertise. You will be the line manager of the relevant technical staff within your area, ensuring a comprehensive service which meets the Faculty’s objectives. This will include supporting academic, research staff and students with technical advice to progress research and deliver support for teaching and student projects.
You will also support the Technical Operations Manager and the School of Engineering Technical Manager with the management of the wider technical services provision, including aspects of School and Faculty Infrastructure, Estates, Environmental and Health and Safety Management.
Informal enquiries can be made to Jay Bartlett (Head of Technical Services) or Lucie Oxley (DER – Head of Centre Operations, School of Engineering). To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined in the job description.
Key Accountabilities
* Lead, manage and develop a technical team, including staff induction, training, performance management and development reviews, duty allocation, recruitment and annual leave authorisation. Plan and implement work schedules to ensure effective and flexible use of resources.
* Support the management team with planning and organisation of activities, longer-term project planning and management of budgets, assessing technical requirements, manufacturing activities, costs and market requirements. Manage floor plans, engage with Estates and maintain records for traceability.
* Support Academic Leads and assist in managing wider technical services and aspects of School Infrastructure, Estates, Health and Safety and HR Management. Advise on equipment specifications and propose improvements to projects and equipment; keep up to date with advanced technology and CPD.
* Lead, manage and develop the technical team to ensure effective performance, including staff induction, training, performance reviews, allocation, recruitment and leave approval. Plan and implement work schedules for efficient use of resources.
* Support working with students and customers, delivering a service and providing training to academics, customers, students and team members.
* Health & Safety: Ensure equipment meets H&S standards, plan for H&S and manage service/warranty schedules. Advise on design of experiments, safety procedures and operational guidelines.
* Monitor and maintain a safe working environment in line with Health and Safety guidelines, organise team and H&S meetings and laboratory inspections. Develop local guidelines and procedures and lead on safety issues.
* Perform basic electrical and mechanical maintenance and repairs on equipment.
* Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Substantial work experience in a relevant environment.
* Experience of managing or supporting a team of technical staff in a practical lab/workshop environment.
* Up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety policy, risk assessments, safety audits and working procedures in a workshop and/or laboratory setting.
* Ability to implement and manage change with client management experience and the ability to develop good working relationships across stakeholders and teams.
* Proven written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong planning, organising and technical problem-solving abilities, with initiative and prioritisation skills; ability to delegate tasks.
* Evidence of project management and experience of financial budget management.
* Good numerical skills and the ability to manipulate, analyse and present information for management use.
* Extensive experience of managing facilities, laboratories, equipment and associated budgets and safety.
Attributes and Behaviour
* Flexible attitude to team tasks and priorities, with willingness to help others and share workloads with clear communication.
* Collaborative and supportive, acting as a positive role model and developing others.
* Establishes strong stakeholder relationships and respects the contributions of others.
* Structured and detail-oriented, with good planning and time management to meet deadlines and optimise resources.
* Desire to deliver high-quality results, embrace change and implement improvements to technical services and systems.
* Proactive and innovative approach to problem solving.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent in a relevant STEM subject or significant vocational experience demonstrated through progressively relevant roles.
* Full UK Driver’s License.
Desirable
* Forklift Operator’s Qualification.
Newcastle University is a global university that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. We also hold Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter awards and participate in Euraxess initiatives.
Requisition ID: 28682
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