Head of Engineering Operations

To be responsible for managing and directing the work of the engineering operations and maintenance teams to deliver the engineering objectives of the telescope as well as leading engineering upgrades and development through the lifetime of the project.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Provide the vision and leadership for a group who will be responsible for the engineering needs of the organization, as well as the operational support and local development of the telescope, building an inclusive and high performing culture.
- Lead engineering upgrades and development through the lifetime of the project.
- Work with the organization to hire a diverse and talented team of staff to support the engineering operations needs of the organizations.
- Own the Standard Operating Procedures for engineering and maintenance activities to plan and implement engineering operations end-to-end, providing updates and reports as necessary.
- Work as a senior member of the Operations group to represent engineering performance issues, to promote and encourage best engineering practices.
- Work closely with the Engineering Managers in all aspects of engineering operations and performance across the project to deliver common approaches that maximise efficiency and performance.
- Support the roadmap development for the tools, processes and techniques that will be required for the oversight and management of engineering performance of the Observatory.
- Provide updates and reports as necessary on the status of the Mid Engineering Operations in South Africa.
- Travel, as required, to national and international meetings to represent the organizations and the engineering operations.
- Communicate openly, effectively, and respectfully with all staff, clients, and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration, and enhancement of the organization’s reputation.
- Adhere to the spirit and practice of the organization’s Values as well as the Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (preferably HPC or Electronics)
- Eng. registration or membership to SAIEE or IEEE or ECSA
- A total of **15** years’ experience of which**:10**+ years relevant professional experience in engineering leadership of a high-technology or scientific facility including maintenance management; and 5 years leading engineering operational teams; and
- Demonstrable record of successfully delivering long-term monitoring of engineering performance, tracking of metrics, and of driving performance improvements to manage an efficient engineering and maintenance operation.
- A demonstrated record of successful leadership and management of teams, promoting diversity and developing an inclusive, high performing culture.
- Experience of all aspects of people management including recruitment, capability development and performance management.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and confidently at all levels, presenting complex engineering issues and concepts in a style appropriate to the audience, and the ability to represent the company externally.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence, build trust, shape conversations, and change behaviours through effective relationship-building.
- Managing remote work
- A demonstrated record of establishing and running of service level agreements preferably in the NEC4 suite of contracts.