Head of Campus Operations at European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

About the team/job

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), is a non-profit, Intergovernmental Organisation funded by 27 EMBL member states and 2 associate member states. EMBL has over 2,000 members of personnel from over 80 nations based across its six sites: Heidelberg (Germany), Hinxton near Cambridge (UK), Grenoble (France), Hamburg 
(Germany), Rome (Italy) and Barcelona (Spain).

The Head of EMBL EBI Campus Operations, is responsible for leading the effective operation of the Institute’s facilities, estate services and health and safety on the Wellcome Genome campus. The postholder leads and coordinates specialist teams and functions which support the EMBL EBI site, aligning service and facility provision 
with stakeholder requirements and ensuring operational effectiveness, internal and external compliance and cost- effectiveness. Specifically, the role is expected to manage the relationship with the Wellcome Genome Campus team to ensure that EMBL-EBI occupied buildings are well maintained and the services provided are good value for money.

Additionally, as this structure is under review the role is expected to lead the process of transition, representing EMBL’s interests with the Wellcome Trust teams and as part of the transition programme. This may require the need to manage the appointment, coordination and input of external lawyers, procurement specialists and other specialised consultants as appropriate to protect the interests of EMBL-EBI on the Wellcome Genome Campus. The role is part of the wider EMBL COO senior leadership and so will work closely with EMBL wide administrative teams across all sites including finance, human resources, health & safety, legal, contracts and procurement. 

Your role

Reporting jointly to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and the Director of EMBL EBI, and working alongside the other the equivalent role based in Heidelberg, main administrative heads and teams, this is a senior role with responsibility for leading the operations of estate services, health and safety and facilities at EMBL EBI in Hinxton.

Key responsibilities will include:

Leadership

• Through leading the Facilities, health and safety and transition teams as required oversee the Campus Operations, service delivery and relationship management
• Lead facilities infrastructure investment and delivery eg new buildings and major refurbishments
• Work with various stakeholders to lead wider campus engagement e.g. campus master planning activities, campus impact as these develop
• Design and implement relevant operational strategies, budgets, plans and procedures in concert with relevant HQ teams
• Support an effective governance structure – chair and participate in appropriate meetings
• Champion and role model EMBL values and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims and be a key advocate with EMBL’s environmental manager

Relationships and stakeholders

• Build strong relationships with Wellcome Genome campus stakeholders, New Co, Wellcome Trust investments and their representatives. Seek to understand and strive to meet their current and future needs
• Maintain good working relationships with relevant local and national government authorities and assert EMBL privileges and immunities appropriately when needed

Regulatory, compliance, governance and risk

• Play a key leadership role on health and safety, and ensure engagement by all working on the site and campus future offerings in guesthouses, apartments and hotels
• Ensure that activities align with EMBL’s unique legal framework and take responsibility for local governance and compliance

Campus and buildings

• Responsibility for EMBL’s EBI property portfolio and facilities and health and safety aspects
• New building projects such as Thornton building currently under construction and its operationalisation
• Campus Facilities and Building management, including engineering, maintenance, catering, cleaning, security, environment either through consultancies or liaising with HQ
• Transition planning and design as the structure of how EMBL EBIs buildings are managed is under review and changing to a new provider and governance system 

You have

• Higher degree or similar management qualification, and extensive
  experience of leading operational and business support functions, with
  demonstrable success
• Track record of successful delivery in major programmes and projects
• Good analytical skills, demonstrated in complex decision-making
• Financial competence and commercial acumen
• Some experience of financial planning, budgeting, contract tendering
  and the development of legal agreements 

You might also have

• Experience of working in an international environment and/or intergovernmental organisation
• Professional experience in Germany 

Why join us

Join a culture of innovation

We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. 

Enjoy lots of benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
• Flexible working arrangements
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays
• Relocation package including installation grant (if required)
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
• Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
• Benefits for non-UK residents: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.

For more details please see our employee benefits page. 

What else you need to know

• Contract duration: This position is a 3 year contract, renewable to a maximum of 9 years. 
• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants. 
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities. 
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we implement best practices in research assessment in our recruitment processes here.
• Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.
• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date: 3rd December 2023