The John Innes Centre (JIC) is one of the world’s leading research institutes in plant and microbial science. At the centre of its long-term strategy sits the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) Programme, a major publicly and privately funded capital and transformation programme with the Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) that will redefine how world-class science is delivered at the Norwich Research Park.
NGI is an ambitious, multi-year £400m+ programme that brings together significant capital investment and complex organisational change. Its most substantial element is the development of a new laboratory and enabling infrastructure that will bring together researchers from JIC and TSL into a flexible, future-ready environment, purpose-built for collaboration, discovery and global scientific impact. Enabling projects are already underway and, with the main laboratory project set to be delivered over the next five years, the programme will create facilities that support advanced research, training, teaching and learning, while acting as a national and international hub for plant and microbial science.
The NGI Benefits Manager will play a critical role in ensuring that the Programme delivers clear, measurable and sustained value. Acting as the single point of accountability for benefits management, the role will establish and embed a comprehensive, end-to-end framework that links investment decisions to realised outcomes. Working closely with the NGI Programme Director, Senior Business Change Manager and SRO, the postholder will ensure that benefits are clearly defined, prioritised, measured and actively managed across all workstreams. The postholder will also lead the development of outcomes-focused KPIs, oversee benefits reporting to internal and external stakeholders, and ensure that benefits are sustained beyond programme completion, meeting the expectations of government and funding bodies.
The successful candidate will be an experienced benefits professional with a track record of leading benefits management within large-scale, complex transformational change programmes. You will bring expertise in establishing benefits frameworks, defining measurable outcomes and embedding benefits across programme delivery and organisational change, in line with investment requirements. Experience of benefits realisation for change programmes in scientific, academic, infrastructure or similarly complex environments will be advantageous, although not essential.
This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in one of the most significant scientific infrastructure programmes in the UK, make a major impact in the region, and deliver a legacy that will underpin scientific excellence for decades to come.
The role is offered on a flexible, hybrid work pattern approach. Further information about the NGI Programme, role and recruitment process can be viewed via the candidate brochure on the following link: Benefits Manager
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our retained search advisors at MRG:
Ben Duffill – ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com
Nick Coppard - nick.coppard@mrgglobal.com
Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement and should be submitted via our website here. Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Kelley Brown (Kelley.Brown@mrgglobal.com)