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Senior Practice Manager - Model Development & Analysis

Salary: £76 - 85k per annum + Benefits

Status: Permanent /Full-time preferable (requests for part-time/flexible working arrangements are welcome)

About Us

Energy Systems Catapult is an independent research and technology organisation. Our mission is to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation. Launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, the Catapult has built a team of more than 250 people, with a range of technical, engineering, consumer, commercial, incubation, digital and policy expertise. They draw on sector-leading test facilities, modelling tools, and data collected from our back catalogue of more than 500 research projects. We use that ‘whole energy’ system capability to support innovative companies -- small and large – to test, trial and scale their new products and services. Our impact comes when those innovators attract new customers, new investment and new grants so they can thrive in the future energy system. Based in Birmingham, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine, world-leading technology and innovation centres, established by Innovate UK. The Catapult Network fosters collaboration between industry government, research organisations, academia, and many others to transform great ideas into valuable products and services.

Context

The successful transformation of the energy system hinges on effective understanding of the technical implications for the system as a whole and its constituent parts. At the Catapult one way in which we help partners, clients, and indeed ourselves, understand the requirements for a successful transformation is through detailed analysis, typically underpinned by our suite of modelling tools.

As the number and sophistication of our modelling tools, and the types of research questions they are applied to, continue to grow, we are seeking to ensure consistent excellence in the development and application of those modelling tools.

This role is being established to help drive that consistent excellence across the business and ensure it is not only maintained but continues to improve as the organisation continues to grow.

Driving consistent excellence around the development of the modelling tools will require effective engagement with the respective model owners, users and developers, to utilise their knowhow and ensure they have the clarity of understanding and means to fulfil their responsibilities with efficacy. Beyond these key personnel, there are a multitude of individuals within the business (either for each of the modelling tools or collections of them) who have an important stake in the active and future development of the tool(s). This can range from innovation specialists to commercially-focussed colleagues; from people with backgrounds in, and/or a focus on, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, behavioural insights, policy, business models, product development, marketing, communications, IT and impact reporting; and from senior management to new team members (including prospective future model users). Each of these individuals and groups will need to be consulted with proactively and appropriately, taking on board their respective needs and current and required levels of understanding of the modelling tools. This role will be responsible for driving this, establishing the strategy to do so and leading the implementation of it to gain acceptance and advocacy across the business and up to Exec / C-suite and Board level.

This role will be pivotal in ensuring that the ongoing value of each of the models is sufficiently interrogated; there is sufficient clarity of purpose for each; and that this remains relevant in the context of the Catapult’s mission to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation. This is expected to require setting the standards around this for those undertaking this for each of their models, as well as actively drawing on developments and expertise outside of the Catapult. The role will also be important in ensuring there is appropriate coordination between each of the models and that they remain complementary. These responsibilities concern both model development and the links to the datasets the models rely on and produce.

Driving consistent excellence in the application of the modelling tools will likewise require effective engagement with a wide range of stakeholders across the business. Chief amongst these will be those who design and scope work that utilise the modelling tools and those who interpret the outputs from them. As such, undertaking this role will require knowledge of the principles of mathematical modelling, how to design and undertake analysis effectively (especially when using models), and of the real-world technical elements that the models represent. The role is expected to involve coaching and mentoring for the most senior Technical Leads in the business (individuals who are responsible for scoping and quality of projects) about best practice in the application of modelling tools; and identifying those amongst them who can best support transferring that knowledge to others involved in the technical aspects of delivering modelling and analysis based projects. The role is also expected to involve helping to grow technical leadership capacity by helping to identify those well-placed to become future Technical Leads.

Again (as with the development of the modelling tools), there will be a wider group of internal stakeholders to consult with when it comes to effective application of our modelling tools. Again, this will involve people from a range of backgrounds, though, principally those concerned with current and future modelling and analysis based projects and using the learnings from them.

This role will be responsible for driving the above, establishing the strategy to do so and leading the implementation of it to gain acceptance and advocacy across the business and up to Exec / C-suite and Board level.

This role will sit within the Infrastructure and Engineering team within the Innovation Directorate but will have responsibility for driving best practice across relevant teams in the areas of model development and analysis.

Key Focus

• Develop the strategy for ensuring consistent excellence in model development at the Catapult.
• Pilot the strategy around all seven, or the majority, of the National / Net Zero Nation Modelling tools.
• Gain support for the strategy from both the community of model owners, users and developers and relevant wider stakeholders (up to Exec / C-suite and Board level internally).
• Identify the subsequent tranche(s) of modelling tools to apply the model development strategy to.
• Identify preferred external engagement to support consistent excellence in model development (providing support to model owners in establishing specific external engagement needs for their models) and produce business case for investing in this.
• Develop the strategy for ensuring consistent excellence in model application at the Catapult.
• Gain support for the strategy from the most senior Technical Leads involved in modelling and analysis projects, as well as relevant wider stakeholders (up to Exec / C-suite and Board level internally).
• Identify routes (for example, selected projects) to demonstrate the benefits of the relevant actions/approaches defined in the strategy, providing evidence as to their efficacy, where possible.
• Produce the business case for making the relevant personnel available and investing in the resources needed to realise the delivery of the model application strategy.

Beyond the first year the successful candidate is expected to:

• Ensure the model development strategy is applied to all modelling tools across the Catapult, and a route to continuously refreshing and adapting the strategy is in place.
• Lead (or oversee, as appropriate) the implementation of the approved aspects of the business case for external engagement to support consistent excellence in model development
• Ensure the agreed model application strategy is rolled out, such that the relevant actions are adopted in all modelling and analysis projects; and a route to continuously refreshing and adapting the strategy is in place.
• Ensure the most senior Technical Leads involved in modelling and analysis projects are engaged in and advocating for the model application strategy (providing leadership throughout)
• Ensure those identified to support, and transfer knowledge to, others involved in the technical aspects of delivering modelling and analysis projects are equipped to do so (providing coaching and mentoring to them as appropriate)
• Ensure there is continued support for both the model development and model application strategies as they evolve, amongst relevant wider stakeholders (up to Exec / C-suite and Board level internally)

 Key Work Activities

To deliver the key outcomes of the role, the Senior Practice Manager – Model Development and Analysis will be expected to:

• Lead the development of the respective model development and model application strategies.
• Consult with both key personnel closely affected by the resultant strategies and those with an important stake in what they will enable (up to Exec / C-suite and Board level internally), using their powers of persuasion and analytical prowess to gain their support.
• Provide a compelling vision, for those affected, of what the strategies will enable.
• Engage with external expertise to ensure model development approaches, in particular, and intended development plans remain on the leading edge (and consistent with the Catapult’s mission to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation).
• Undertake (or oversee, as appropriate) cost-benefit analysis of potential investments to build business cases for the most promising.
• Liaise with those involved in external communications (including marketing and commercial specialists) around articulation of the capabilities of the models.
• Liaise with the Catapult’s IT team to ensure there is a shared understanding and advanced notice of hardware and software needs to ensure the required hardware and software is in place and usable in a timely manner.
• Coach and mentor others who currently undertake the role of Technical Lead (specifically, in regard to modelling and analysis based projects).
• Help to grow technical leadership capacity in the business by helping to identify those well-placed to become future Technical Leads (especially, in regard to modelling and analysis based projects).
• Provide guidance to potential future Technical Leads and their line managers on how to develop their technical leadership capabilities (especially, in regard to modelling and analysis based projects).
• Be the line manager for selected individuals involved in model development and/or application. 

What credentials are we ideally looking for ?

You will need to be results orientated and self-motivated with extensive leadership, coaching, analytical, presentation, planning and organisational skills and with substantial strategy development experience, able to lead, facilitate and persuade through your personal authority and approach. A willingness to work in a fast-paced technical environment and with experience of leading and overseeing the specification, development and application of appropriate modelling tools and datasets is also critical.

Qualifications:  

Educated to minimum of Masters degree level, or ideally Doctoral (e.g. PhD, EngD) level in a relevant engineering or science subject with a strong systems approach.

Management or business qualification (e.g. DMS, MBA) is desirable but those with several years commercial experience will be considered.

Experience:  

• Demonstrable experience leading and/or overseeing the specification, development and application of appropriate modelling tools and datasets.
• Extensive experience in strategy development and implementation; with a proven track record of gaining acceptance and advocacy across an organisation up to Exec / C-suite and Board level.
• Significant experience (or a demonstrable capacity for) simplifying complex areas into a critical analysis of the key issues.
• Strong knowledge of the principles of mathematical modelling, with extensive experience of both the development of modelling tools to be able to interrogate real-world situations and the application of modelling tools to address specific research questions.
• A demonstrated ability to learn about new areas of technology and their application and how this relates to model development and application.
• Experience leading teams of developers, model users and/or subject matter experts.
• Experience coaching and developing others.
• Knowledge and experience of the energy system – especially in any, or several of: bioenergy, buildings, CCS, energy networks, energy storage, hydrogen (production, storage, distribution and/or end-use), industry decarbonisation, nuclear, renewables and transport – is highly desirable
• Knowledge of technologies in the aforementioned areas in relation to their: development, deployment and commissioning, operation and maintenance, decommissioning and the supply chain factors related to this is highly desirable
• Understanding of how businesses develop and exploit new technology and ultimately make money from technology is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of the policy and regulatory environment associated with the energy system.

Skills:  

• Proven leadership, strategy development, team working and project management skills – ideally in a fast-paced technical environment and involving the specification, development and application of appropriate modelling tools and datasets
• Strong inter-personal skills – articulate and able to work with a diverse team of colleagues with backgrounds across science, engineering, business, and policy.
• A strong relationship builder, well versed in engaging with external stakeholders to learn, persuade and identify mutually beneficial opportunities.
• Able to effectively guide others in how to understand, interpret and effectively communicate analytical outputs and the wider implications of these.
• Confident at constructively challenging the established norms and an ability to ask the difficult questions whilst maintaining relationships.
• Able to anticipate requirements, consider implications and work effectively with others to identify productive routes forward and resolve issues in a timely manner with consideration of the wider needs of the team.
• Strong communication and associated IT skills with an ability to produce clear, compelling, concise and accurate written documentation; deliver engaging and informative presentations; and provide reasoned and persuasive arguments and explanations.

Other Requirements: 

Willingness to travel, within the UK and globally as required. Knowledge of UK regulations associated with the energy sector is desirable but not essential.

Applicable to all Opportunities.

• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to excel in a rapidly growing, fast-paced organisational environment.
• A can-do attitude, able to work with limited supervision under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Persuasive and approachable you are able to successfully manage relations with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and ability to work effectively in line with changing priorities
• Enquiring mind with desire to challenge the status quo

Would you like to Apply?

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 8th October 2024

Please note that at this time we are unable to provide UK visa sponsorship.

We welcome applications from all, including those who may be returning to work, those wishing to work flexibly for any reason, and those who may need additional support.

Energy Systems Catapult undertakes innovative and exciting work that will help shape the future of energy, with this in mind we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible, as we do reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

(Strictly No Agencies).

"We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation, or status regarding gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity."

Privacy Statement

Purpose of the Privacy Statement

The purpose of this Privacy Statement is to make you aware of how and why your personal data will be used during any recruitment process and how long it will usually be retained for.  This statement provides you with certain information that must be provided under the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (GDPR).

In the recruitment process we, Energy Systems Catapult Limited, are a “Data Controller”. This means that we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal data about you.

The Energy Systems Catapult Limited is located at Cannon House 7th Floor, 18 Priory Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, B4 6BS and can be contacted by email at: dataprotectionoffice@es.catapult.org.uk. 

Data Protection Principles

We will comply with data protection law and principles, which means that your data will be:

Used lawfully, fairly and in a transparent way;
Collected only for valid purposes that we have clearly explained to you and not used in any way that is incompatible with those purposes;
Relevant to the purposes we have told you about and limited only to those purposes;
Accurate and kept up to date;
Kept only as long as necessary for the purposes we have told you about;
Kept securely. 

The Kind of Personal Data we hold about you

In connection with your application for work with us, we will collect, store and use the following categories of personal information about you:

The information you have provided in our application form;
The information you have provided to us in your curriculum vitae and covering letter;
Any information you provide to us during an interview;
Any other information provided by you as part of the recruitment process. 
We may ask you for information to allow us to monitor our equal opportunities and diversity performance in recruitment. Also, if you inform us that you have a disability we will keep this information on record to allow us to make reasonable adjustments as needed. 

How we will use your Personal Data

We will use the personal data we collect about you to:

Assess your skills, qualifications and suitability for the role;
Carry out background and reference checks, where applicable;
Communicate with you about the recruitment process;
Keep records relating to our hiring processes;
Manage recruitment related activities, which includes setting up and conducting interviews and tests for applicants, evaluating and assessing the results thereto, and as is otherwise needed in the recruitment and hiring processes;
Comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
We will also use information about any disability you may have to consider whether we need to provide appropriate adjustments during the recruitment process.

Such processing is lawful as it is necessary for our legitimate purpose in seeking to attract, evaluate, and select applicants for employment. 

Data Sharing: Greenhouse Software Inc

Your personal data will be shared with Greenhouse Software, Inc., a cloud services provider located in the United States of America and engaged by us to help manage our recruitment and hiring process. Accordingly, if you are located outside of the United States, your personal data will be transferred to the United States once you submit it through this site. This transfer will be subject to appropriate additional safeguards under the Privacy Shield so as to comply with EU law. 

Data Retention

We will retain your personal data for a period of 12 months after we have communicated to you our decision about whether to appoint you to the role. We retain your personal data for that period so that we can show, in the event of a legal claim, that we have not discriminated against candidates on prohibited grounds and that we have conducted the recruitment exercise in a fair and transparent way. After this period, we will securely destroy your personal data in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Your Rights in Connection with Personal Data

Under the GDPR you have the right to request access to your personal data, to request that your personal data be rectified or erased, and to request that processing of your personal data be restricted or transferred.

When you apply for this role, and tick the confirmation box below, you have provided consent for us to process your personal data for the purpose of the recruitment exercise. You have the right to withdraw your consent for processing for that purpose at any time. Withdrawal of consent to process your data may mean that we cannot continue with your application to us.

If you wish to exercise the rights granted to you under GDPR please contact: dataprotectionoffice@es.catapult.org.uk.