Facilities Manager (Cleanroom)

Job Description

Role SummaryThe Facilities Manager will play a critical role in the safe and effective operation of a set of laboratory spaces, including the Engineering Clean Room Facility and the Emerging Device Technology Laboratories. The post reports to the Senior Technical ServicesManager and works in concert with other members of the Cleanroom Management Group (CMG), dedicated to the operational and strategic oversight of the facility.The Facilities Manager holds responsibility for:

• The coordination of health and safety for the lab spaces
• Maintenance of both legacy and state-of-the-art equipment
• Training users in safe and effective operations of tools and processes
• Supporting user research
• General administration of the facility
• Assisting with the effective management of hazardous waste within the school

The position would suit a candidate with experience in facilities management within a scientific research establishment who is willing to broaden their knowledge of microengineering tools and techniques. An experienced microengineer with facilities managementexperience would be ideal for the role, but applicants with an understanding of the demands and requirements of complex facilities and an understanding of hazardous materials, who are willing to pick up new skills, are encouraged to apply.Main Duties

• With a proactive approach to management, holds responsibility for operational quality and continuity, maintaining full oversight of the day-to-day function of the facility.
• Provides specialist technical expertise to advise and train users in the operation of specialist equipment and to support the continuous improvement of the facility.
• Acting as a champion for best practice in health and safety, retains full oversight of health and safety in the facility and contributes specialist knowledge (e.g. hazardous materials) to the safe operation of all School facilities.
• Actively supports the School, College, and University in promoting a positive working environment.
• Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
• Considerable relevant experience is required, educated to Degree level in a relevant engineering subject or equivalent technical qualification preferred. Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant relevant practical experience and expertisein a series of more demanding roles will be considered.
• Significant experience in the handling and management of hazardous materials, particularly class I chemical hazards required. Experience with COSHH is a requirement. Other health and safety experience or qualification favoured, e.g. IOSH, NEBOSH, or willingnessto undertake such qualification.
• Experience in a supervisory role in a scientific or engineering laboratory facility is essential, particularly within cleanrooms is desirable.
• A broad technical knowledge of the facility’s specialist areas and equipment is desired. Experience in physical vapour deposition, lithography, packaging of microsystems is all desired. A willingness to undertake specialist training is essential.
• A demonstrable ability to understand and interpret a wide range of stakeholder requirements and apply a creative approach to problem solving, analysing the issues, and delivering innovative solutions through a package of works. An understanding of researchprocesses and experience of working in a dynamic research-intensive environment is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, adapting the approach to engage and relay information to a diverse range of stakeholders. Experience in training others, preparing reports, and delivering presentations is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience of working collaboratively as part of a wider team to achieve operational or strategic goals. Experience of designing and proposing operational improvements is desirable.
• Ability to manage a large inventory of equipment, consumables, and materials throughout the lifecycle, from procurement to disposal, maintaining safety and compliance throughout.
• A self-driven work outlook is required, along with an ability to work in both highly collaborative endeavours along with periods of individual working. Excellent time management skills to handle team workload. Experience of physical and human resource managementdesired.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to drive a positive culture with an ethos of proactive support. Experience in leading and developing novice engineers is desirable.
• Ability to negotiate, mediate and deal effectively with sensitive or difficult issues.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Role contextThe Facilities Manager has oversight of all operational aspects of the cleanroom and nearby labs. The role works in close collaboration with lab users, academic supervisors, and the Technical Services Management Team to achieve common goals within businessas usual’ and to deliver strategic projects. The post-holder will have a commitment to personal and professional development and apply this attitude to support the operational needs of the cleanroom in the context of School and Group Strategy. The role isa central point of contact for users with a focus on maintaining excellent collaborative relationships and the sharing of specialist technical knowledge.Core competencies/transferable skillsWorking at this level you will be able to develop and successfully demonstrate the core competencies/transferable skills outlined in each of the areas shown below. As appropriate for the level, our Birmingham Professionals will take ownership for gettingthings done. You will be expected to be flexible as required in supporting your department and the wider University.