Deputy Director of Programme Delivery

Deputy Director of Programme Delivery - National Quantum Computing Centre

Salary:  £61,227 - £68,029 per annum. A Specialist Allowance is also available for this role (both dependent on skills and experience)

Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 25 hours per week)

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a new research institution, funded through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scaling up technology. Working with businesses, government and the research community we will deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC will give assured and direct access to early prototype machines and promote the formation of a strong UK-based quantum computing supply chain.

Our purpose-built facility, due to open in 2023, will be located at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. Until then, activities are taking place in other facilities on the Campus or at partnering institutions. The NQCC sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and is part of the wider National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP). The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Key Accountabilities

You will have primary responsibility for delivering both the NQCC core programme and a £35m multi-party programme that seeks to ensure end user adoption of QC through access to resources, skills development and demonstration of quantum advantage driving economic value, security and productivity enhancement for the UK. Furthermore, this role will have strategic ownership of the future sustainability funding model and business case development for the Centre.

As part of the leadership team, you will deliver a new programme, seeking to deliver demonstration of one or more UK based small-scale NISQ-era hardware platforms utilising cloud and hosted QC resources to demonstrate quantum advantage. Seeking to accelerate the growth in user adoption of quantum computing and associated essential skills. The NQCC will play a coordinating role bringing together delivery and procurement partners across UKRI and provide Programme oversight.

The Role:

You will be providing oversight and direction on the management of a portfolio of end-user, collaborative and in-house development projects. You will manage externally funded multi-party programmes across the QC eco-system, the first of which is a £35m investment into early demonstration of quantum advantage. You will direct the requirements for delivery and construction of detailed implementation plans ensuring effective risk management is in place across all projects.

Driving continuous improvements whilst developing and delivering a sustaining business case with government to ensure a balanced portfolio of core funded activities, externally resourced collaborations and externally funded initiatives within NQTP.

Other aspects of this role include management and reporting of NQCC programme resource, budgets and forecasts, whilst also working in collaboration with our senior leadership team to build long term programme structures to support and deliver technical roadmap execution and deliver external collaborations and industry partnerships. You will also be part of building a sustaining programme which supports the operation of NQCC facilities, infrastructure and user access.

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent level qualification in a science or engineering related field;
• Proven experience in effectively challenging and influencing at senior management and senior external stakeholder level with significant experience in a senior management position within a hi-tech or science and technology organization;
• Ability to ensure programmes are delivered within agreed timescales, within budget and to a high calibre through use and implementation of Quality Management and Project management structures;
• Demonstrable experience of financial planning and analysis;
• Experience in a senior management position within a science and/or technology organisation;
• Proven project/programme management skills;
• Experience and commitment to continuous improvement and innovation;
• Demonstrable commitment to safe working practices and the well-being of facility users and visitors.

Benefits:

We offer an excellent benefits package including a generous defined pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus an additional 10.5 public and privilege days and many more benefits that will help maintain a healthy work life balance. Join us and discover what's possible!