Job Description

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.



More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.



Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.



Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.



Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!



At SKAO we're one observatory building 2 radio telescopes that will transform our understanding of the Universe. We

have people based in the UK, Australia and South Africa and collaborate with partners and contractors based all over

the world. The Project Controls Manager helps us make sense of our project control data, enabling us to make sound and timely decisions as we continue the rollout of the 2 telescopes.


The Role



The SKAO Project Management Group holds the project management and control expertise within the Observatory. This team comprises 30 staff and contractors spread across the SKAO's 3 countries and is responsible for delivery of the SKA-Mid and SKA-Low Telescope facilities. The Project Controls Manager and the Senior Project Managers report into the Head of Project Management, and each line manages a number of staff.



The Project Controls Manager leads the project control function and team, providing and further developing an effective governance and control environment to ensure the SKA programme and its (complex) projects can be executed to deliver their benefits.

This is a fixed term position with a duration of 3.5 years and is based

at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties


Manage and further develop the Project Management Control System, including scheduling, budgeting, earned value management, risk, reporting, contingency, cost and change control, ensuring that data integrity is maintained and taking corrective actions when needed. Line manage the Project Control team of analysts and administration staff, leading, coaching and developing this team and any associated contractors to provide a high-quality service. Co-ordinate the production of the Construction programme's monthly report and dashboard and Council papers 3 times per year, integrating the inputs from the analysts, PMs and senior managers into a coherent whole. Manage data quality reviews, both regular and at specific contract milestones, in order to identify, assess and take action to mitigate risks to project success. Provide specialist advice to senior management (ad-hoc and via formal meetings). Help develop procedures for project teams to use in the management of suppliers and contractors. Review and interpret programme and project management related functional policies or processes, develop and recommend changes and provide advice to colleagues to ensure their effective implementation. Influence internal and external stakeholders/customers to gain buy-in, influence and change behaviour and support effective collaboration.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience


Degree qualified or equivalent experience supported by a relevant professional project or programme management qualification (e.g. PMI's PMP or APM's PPQ or ChPP), with deep understanding of the theoretical principles which apply to project and programme management. Significant proven experience of managing delivery and/or controls within a complex project environment. Deep domain knowledge of budgeting and cost control, schedule management, risk management, contract management and change control, with the ability to agree and develop standards and processes to a particular project environment. Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders such as agencies, contractors, consultants and member states and working with them to sell a vision for project outcomes. Proven ability to provide team leadership for a geographically dispersed, diverse and multi-cultural team working across several time-zones. Able to seek out and examine a range of information to identify patterns, trends and options, to solve multifaceted and complex problems, and apply this with due consideration to the specific operating context. Proficient user of web-based tools and services used in the delivery of complex projects, including scheduling, financial, configuration, collaboration and risk tools.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience


Post-graduate qualification in management, engineering or physical sciences Full membership of a project management or engineering professional body Experience in managing delivery and/or controls in multi-disciplinary, multi-national projects Industry experience and/or a track record in successful collaboration with industry Experience in using the NEC4 contract suite Experience in using CEMAR, Primavera P6, Confluence, Google Drive and Jira Experience with Business Intelligence software (e.g. Google Looker Studio, Power BI) Experience of delivery and/or controls using predictive and iterative methods

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory's agenda.



Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.



Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.



Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.



SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.



The "How to Apply" information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.