Manager - Office of Science & Technology

Job Introduction

We’re looking for an exceptional Manager - Office of Science & Technology to help us make a difference to our planet.

As our Manager - Office of Science & Technology, the job may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in the office and part of the week from home.

Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week, but we would also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and we will also try our best to consider those intending to work a job share.  Our people are at the heart of what we do and we'll do our best to agree a working pattern that works for everyone.

World changing work

From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are.

• We’re a force for good - focusing on our environmental and social impact
• We’re experts by nature - always learning and developing to do things better
• We live and breathe it - putting our purpose at the heart of decision-making
• We’re better together - understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater
• We keep evolving - pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers

Your world of expertise

The Office of Science & Technology (OST) reports directly to the Chief of Science & Technology and the Science & Technology Senior Leadership teams. OST is a responsible for ensuring delivery at operational and strategic levels and takes into account the people, practices, and strategic partnerships to enable success.  

This exciting opportunity within the Office of Science & Technology acts autonomously. You will be experienced in P3M (project, programme & portfolio) best practice and ensure such principles are embedded in assessing Science and Technology portfolio health.   

 You will also work on high-profile, Science & Technology initiatives, the role offers a mix of analysis, strategy, influencing, delivery and line management. It will require experience working at both strategic and operation levels.  

Your key duties

• You will be an active member of the Science & Technology Senior Leadership teams.
• Co-ordinate engagement across the 2 directorates (approx 900 FTE) and the wider organisation, to identify priorities, dependencies and efficiencies to enable delivery.
• Apply P3M (project, programme & portfolio) best practice to compile appropriate performance metrics to assess health of Science and Technology annual plans, incorporating risk and opportunity management as appropriate.
• Work with the Science & Technology Senior Leadership teams and oversee all strategic planning and horizon scanning activities.
• Ensure the necessary procedures, governance and controls are in place to support Science & Technology directorates. 
• Acting as an escalation point, you will be empowered to make informed decisions and recommendations at pace.
• Line managing a team, you will be responsible for their development, welfare and continued professional development.

Why join us

Our work is life-changing, often life-saving and always life-enhancing. The Met Office is accredited as a 'Great Place to Work UK 2023' and in addition has achieved a place on both the UK's 'Best Workplaces in Tech' and 'Best Workplaces for Women' lists.

As our Manager - Office of Science & Technology, your total reward package will be up to £72,530 annually, which includes:

• £52,799 base pay
• An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Annual Leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years and option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year of annual leave

Essential Criteria, skills and experience:

1. Expert by nature - Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to successfully influence and negotiate at a senior level, building commitment to a shared vision and sense of purpose. 
2. Keep evolving – proven analysis skills and delivery, drawing well-thought through conclusions, improvements and recommendations regarding next steps.
3. Expert by nature – Experienced in running substantial, complex programmes or portfolios.
4. Expert by nature – Exemplary planning and organisational skills with the ability to work to juggle competing priorities and timescales.  
5. Better together – Good interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to manage, motivate, develop and empower teams. 

Desirable Criteria:

We encourage you to apply if you believe you meet our essential criteria, but we’re also keen to discover if you have:

How to apply

If you share our values, we’d love to hear from you! Click apply to begin your application. Please complete your career history and provide evidence against each of the essential criteria in the supporting statement questionnaire. We recommend candidates use the CARL method (Context, Action, Result and Learning) for presenting evidence of experience and skills.

Closing date 09/09/2024 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 23/09/24. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please contact us via careers@metoffice.gov.uk. You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. Should you be offered an interview, please be aware there may be a selection exercise which could include a presentation, written test or a scenario-based activity. You can select in your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme. To be invited to interview/assessment under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role.

We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.

We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information. We require Security clearance, for which you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible. You will need to achieve full security clearance within your first 6 months with us.