Programme Director

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

Salary: Circa £90,000

Reference: 10702

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.

At Diamond we are beginning a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light at a higher energy.

About the Role

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Director to lead on the delivery of the complex £500M Diamond-II upgrade programme expected to be fully completed in December 2031.

The Programme Director will support the preparation of the Full Business Case to H.M. Treasury and drive the delivery of the machine, beamlines and the full range of capabilities from detectors to advanced computing infrastructure for controls systems, automation, data acquisition and analysis.

Reporting to the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), you will lead the programme to successful delivery of the agreed outcomes within time, cost and quality constraints.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Strategic and day-to-day leadership and management of the programme, managing effective transition between project phases.
• Leading, managing and directing internal stakeholder relationships across multiple groups to achieve buy-in to programme objectives and timely delivery of outcomes.
• Providing strategic leadership in defining and maintaining an integrated programme delivery plan.
• Defining and maintaining the programme budget. Forecasting, managing and controlling programme expenditure and schedule adherence across the project portfolio.
• Owning strategic and directional issues and dependencies between projects within the overall programme
• Accountability for ensuring that strategic and operational risks and issues are identified, prioritised, assessed and mitigated.

About You

Suitable candidates will hold a STEM degree or demonstrate significant equivalent experience. Project Management qualifications and professional membership are also required.

You will have significant proven practical experience of modern project management tools and methodologies, along with substantial experience in the management of similar complex, large-scale programmes (£100M+), ideally in a technology or engineering sector.

You will have experience of managing complex scientific and engineering requirements, with experience and understanding of the wider issues impacting the UK science and innovation landscape beneficial.

You will have demonstrable experience of fostering relationships across diverse disciplines, you will have gained exceptional stakeholder management skills as part of a large project delivery and you will have the professional standing necessary to gain and retain the confidence of the programme team as a whole.

You will possess the ability to lead and motivate a team, drive performance and cultivate innovative processes as part of the delivery of this large programme.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, along with flexible working hours and an excellent pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

We take an active approach to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our activities at Diamond, with a dedicated commitment to ensuring we provide a fulfilling and enjoyable place to work, where all staff feel valued and recognised for their individual contribution.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

Diamond is a thriving international organisation, attracting a diverse range of talented individuals from around the world. Our staff currently comprises 44 nationalities and we welcome applications from everyone interested in joining us.

The closing date for applications is 30^th January with interviews planned for week commencing 14^th February.