British Antarctic Survey Hiring for Head of Information Technology at Cambridge Full Time

The British Antarctic Survey are looking for a Head of Information Technology.

Who we are

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs.

British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as to keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in amazing places, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.

Purpose

• To provide the leadership, strategic vision and management of the BAS IT team in order to support delivery of world-class science in some of the most inhospitable places on earth, at the limits of human and equipment performance.
• The post holder will be expected to set the agenda, driving improvement, and ensuring that all aspects of our IT infrastructure and IT services in Cambridge, on stations, ships and when deployed are fit for purpose, now and into the future.
• It is a key role in the organisation – supporting technologies, computing infrastructures and data services to underpin BAS’s position as a global leader in polar research science; and delivering the safe, responsive, and reliable service 24/7/365 that is critical
  for our operational and life support services for staff in dispersed, isolated and exposed locations.

Qualifications

HNC/HND in a computing / engineering industry qualification or equivalent experience.

Duties

• Advise the Director and the executive team on the future digital and IT technology strategies and capabilities required to underpin the delivery of the BAS science, innovation and operational objectives. In particular, be responsible for the Information Systems Governance and Digital Strategy transformation workstreams.
• Lead the BAS IT group as a cohesive, capable and well supported team, able to deliver a secure and reliable service to meet BAS needs.
• Maintain and develop a reliable, effective and secure digital infrastructure, for both current and future needs.
• Ensure that BAS keeps abreast of relevant sector developments to ensure maximum use is made of appropriate technology to deliver coherent solutions to issues.
• Foster positive relationships and effective communication and engagement between the IT team and all BAS users, to ensure that the IT team is accessible and understands the current and future needs of different parts of BAS.
• Co-ordinate BAS’s relationships with key partners / collaborators and other stakeholders across the digital data and technology community, including effective engagement with NERC-UKRI data teams. Represent BAS at all UKRI, NERC and external forums on matters relating to IT and governance.
• Identify, scope and deliver the projects and resources required to support operational output.
• Properly manage staff, supervising, guiding & advising as necessary in order to ensure their professional and personal effectiveness; run an effective appraisal system.
• Prepare annual budgets, monitor and report as required. Ensure the department operates within allocated resource and capital limits.
• Prepare, review and maintain up to date plans, procedures and policies that ensure:
  – cost effective operational delivery
  – compliance with relevant rules, regulations and best practice.
  – emergency procedures, incident response and resources are fit for purpose.
  – all required audits, inspections, reviews and follow up actions are carried out in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to formulate strategy and deliver the plan that enables the above.
• Be a champion for change and actively seek new ways to improve working practices.
• Undertake other duties as directed, consistent with the key roles & responsibilities of the post.
• This Job Description sets out the principal responsibilities of the post; duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the role or the level of the responsibility entailed.

Please quote reference for any queries: BAS 21/129
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 03 April 2022
Interviews are scheduled to be held on: TBC

At BAS, our vision is to be a world-leading centre for polar science and operations. Making our vision a reality depends on the excellence and diversity of our staff. We are committed to creating a workplace where all our staff can flourish and succeed. BAS is a Disability Confident employer, we are proud to hold a bronze Athena Swan award and we are a member of enei, the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion.

We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.

Contact Name: British Antarctic Survey
Reference:
TJ/7366/BAS 21/129
Job ID:
3051473