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Technical Manager, Works

Employer
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Location
Maidenhead, Berkshire (GB)
Salary
£41,100 plus a Special Duty Allowance of £6,318 per annum
Closing date
9 Aug 2019

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JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Job Title: Technical Manager, Works

Department: Africa and Asia Pacific Area (AAPA)

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Purpose: To manage the implementation of organisational policy including application of health and safety and environmental standards and approved working practices. Effective management of Works projects and Works technical standards throughout AAPA. Works technical lead on standards, systems and quality assurance.

Job Band: D3

Reports to: Operations Manager

Direct Reports: Works teams in Africa and India

Other Key Contacts: Area Management Team

Consultancy Services

Regional and Country/Cemetery Managers

Maintain and develop contacts with local authorities and diplomatic missions

Management of external contractors or individuals where this may be of use in facilitating the work of the Commission

Financial Responsibilities: Operational budget, as delegated

Location: Office based - primarily based in Maidenhead, UK

Working hours: 08:30 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday & 08:30 – 16:30 Friday

There will be frequent requirement to work out of hours whilst working overseas as a result of touring commitments (approximately 12 weeks per annum), predominantly evenings and/or weekends. Time off in lieu may be granted for overtime worked.

Travel: Must be willing to travel within the UK and overseas to Commission offices and sites, sometimes at short notice. Valid passport and full UK car driving licence required

Right to work: Must have the right to work in the UK

COMMISSION BACKGROUND

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) honours the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten. Our work commemorates the war dead, from building and maintaining our cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries and territories to preserving our extensive records and archives. Our values and aims, laid out in 1917, are as relevant now as they were 100 years ago.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES OF THE ROLE

General

  • Provide principal technical advice concerning Works Projects to Director and Operations Manager in support of the Area Business Plan and objectives.  Inform the annual and 5-year Area Business Plan during its formulation.
  • Formulate Works programme and complete the annual Area Works Project budget in collaboration with the Operations Manager.
  • Work with Regional Managers to implement the Works programme in line with the Area Business Plan and Consultancy Services guidelines.
  • Manage delegated budgets, prepare estimates and submit monthly/quarterly expenditure reports as required.
  • Maintain accurate records of cemetery plans and technical data.
  • Implement Health and Safety policies, promote safe use of machinery and vehicles to ensure safe working practices; record accidents, near misses and take appropriate action to effectively manage risk. Support the management of Area Health & Safety compliance.
  • Manage the Area Headstone & Bronze plaque procurement and installation process.
  • Plan and execute international travel as required; in order to carry out technical inspections, project management and condition surveys, to ensure the effective organisation and implementation of structural conservation works and property maintenance of the AAPA estate.
  • Coordinate with Operations Manager, Regional Managers, Finance Manager and HR Manager in respect of key budget and staffing issues.
  • Identify, order and procure supplies/materials required to execute Works projects.
  • Manage maintenance and conservation of the AAPA structure and property estate.
  • Support preparation and management of Area conservation management plans.
  • Carry out selective audits of standards of structural conditions, practices and quality.

Team Performance

  • Manage the performance, behaviour and development of direct reports; monitor and support the performance management of the wider regional teams through delegation.
  • Identify training needs for the whole Works staff compliment and highlight skills gaps.
  • Deliver training to both staff and contractors in order to maintain and improve the relevant skills.
  • Conduct regular team meetings to update staff on all aspects of technical operations.

Project Responsibilities

  • Application of the Commission project management process and direct project management of all phases as delegated by Operations Manager.
  • Support communications planning linked to project works.

Risk Management

  • Authorise and monitor monthly expenditure, in accordance with corporate accounting practices and within agreed delegated budget and financial delegated authority per transaction.
  • Ensure all work practices have been risk assessed, that COSHH assessments are in place and that LOLER and PUWER checks are made at required intervals.

Job Functional Knowledge

  • Requires in-depth experience within a Technical/Structural Works environment including business principals and practical experience at operational level

Business Expertise

  • Requires an in-depth understanding of how their own function integrates with the other departments and how any changes or challenges may affect the area. 

Leadership

  • Responsible for providing clear leadership and guidance to an overseas works team and guidance for the managerial staff, to take forward the Area’s Business Plan and Corporate Objectives.

Problem Solving

  • Ability to think laterally, solve challenging problems and take ownership of issues.

Nature of Impact

  • Direct impact on the business through their technical management responsibility.  Is able to impact and influence for planning of resources and contributes to end results.  

Area of Impact

  • Direct impact on own team and the various departments within the Area.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Ability to influence and exchange ideas and information in a way that is understood to all levels (internally and externally); therefore, must be clear and concise.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education and Knowledge

Essential

  • A recognised and relevant technical qualification (degree or equivalent).
  • High computer literacy including AutoCad, Excel, Word, Outlook.
  • A qualification or proven training record in building surveying and/or architecture and conservation.
  • A recognised H&S qualification at the level of IOSH Managing Safely standard.
  • Thorough knowledge of organisational policies, surveying practices, and a conservation-based approach to management of the Commission’s estate.

Experience

Essential

  • Practical experience of direct project management (end to end – all phases).
  • Managing tendering processes for £50k to 300k range projects.
  • Change and performance management at operational level.
  • Proven experience of working in a supervisory position.
  • Researching and compiling business case documents in support of project approval and bids for approved funding.
  • Experience of travelling to remote locations including lone working.
  • Experience of working in different cultures, with understanding of cultural and political sensitivities and operations in complex environments.

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to use knowledge effectively in taking forward the Commission’s goals.
  • Ability to provide clear and consistent direction and guidance to Works staff to meet objectives. Confident to make key technical decisions in support/in absence of Area Operations Manager.
  • Ability to develop productive relationships to ensure effective and efficient execution of Works Operations and support operations, with effective communications when operating remotely.
  • Ability to work with a high degree of motivation and autonomy, organising work to meet deadlines set by the Operations Manager or others.
  • Ability to prioritise the allocation of resources, in order to successfully execute agreed work programmes.
  • Use resources efficiently, effectively and economically. Cognisant of the need for a ‘value for money’ approach. Apply established procurement policy and purchase management practices.
  • Willing to seek and accept increased responsibility.
  • Sensitive to the need to work flexibly, and at times, beyond conditioned working hours in the region.
  • Able to understand the demands of working in extreme climatic conditions and able to adapt working practices accordingly.
  • Ability to deal fairly and effectively with performance issues.  Establishing and monitoring standards and conduct, providing coaching and assistance to motivate staff to give their best.
  • A committed team worker that recognises and celebrates the contributions made by others.
  • Committed to professional development
  • An alignment and adherence to the Commission’s Values: RESPECT, EXCELLENCE, TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, PROFESSIONALISM and COMMITMENT
  • Health and Safety responsibility for self and others

Your key duties are set out within this job description. From time to time, you may be required to perform such other reasonable duties that fall outside your job title or key job duties, should this be necessary to meet the needs of the Commission.

To apply for this position, please fill in the form below by uploading your CV and cover letter, as well as the application form 

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