We're one of the largest and most influent ial materials departments in the country. We work with industry partners locally and globally to solve problems and improve our world. Our ground-breaking research covers all aspects of materials – from magnet ics and metals to tissue engineering and nanotechnology. The Department of Engineering Materials was formed in 1987. The School of
Materials, as it was then known, was an amalgamat ion of the Department of Metallurgy and the
Department of Ceramics, Glasses and Polymers.
We are housed in the Sir Robert Hadfield Building. Since our formation we have flourished, and are now one of the largest centres for materials research in the UK. Currently more than 200 staff and postgraduate students are involved in research and teaching activities.
The Departmental Administrat ion Manager will be responsible for leading the delivery of a high quality, professional administrat ive and financial funct ion within the Department.
You will lead a team providing professional support across the Department, coordinat ing act ivities as part of a unified structure that is fully aligned with and support ive of the Department’s strategy.
You will support the Head of Department, members of Execut ive Committee and work with Faculty staff, as a key member of the Department’s Execut ive Committee to shape and influence the strategic direct ion of the Department. In line with these responsibilities, the Departmental Administrat ion
Manager will devise object ives, plans and strategies to respond to Departmental, Faculty and
University aims, init iating and contribut ing to Departmental, Faculty and University projects, leading on these where appropriate. Therefore, you must be able to demonstrate effect ive negotiat ion and influencing skills with the ability to balance compet ing agendas and priorities to reach an effect ive outcome. A strong analyt ical background is important, as is an ability to init iate and lead change.
Financial planning is essent ial to the success of the Department and is a critical role for the postholder.
You are expected to have a broad knowledge of the developments and challenges within the Higher
Educat ion sector, a solid understanding of good pract ice in delivering professional administrat ive and financial support and the ability to balance academic considerat ions as well as external drivers and priorit ies. This post reports to the Head of Department and the Faculty Director of Operat ions.

 Work in partnership with the Head of Department and members of Executive Committee to develop and deliver the Department’s strategy. Prepare and draft the Department’s Five Year Academic
Plan.
 Lead and implement significant and specific elements of the Department’s strategy, working collaboratively across the Department with both academic colleagues and senior members of the
Department and Faculty to ensure these are delivered effectively and efficiently (eg academic recruitment campaigns, preparation and drafting of the Department’s Five Year Academic Plan,
Women in Engineering).
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With the Head of Department, be responsible for the financial planning and management of the
Departmental budget, including budget allocations, forecasting and the provision of statistical information and modelling in relation to financial performance (eg business plans, scenario planning).
Working with the Faculty Finance Manager and Finance Cluster staff, provide financial management advice and information as required.
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Provide oversight to the Finance Cluster in aligning procedures and practice where possible across the cluster departments, ensuring that core and research finance administration is robust, fit for purpose and complies with University procedures and regulations.
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Direct and support the Student Support Office, taking responsibility for ensuring the full range of student support activities (admissions, exams, quality assurance, timetable) are delivered professionally, effectively and with good customer service.
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Member of the Departmental Senior Management Group (Executive Committee), providing specialist advice on all aspects of the University’s policies and procedures.
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Ensure that the administration meets the needs of the Department in terms of structure, processes and quality of service. This includes understanding and anticipating the needs of the Department, maintaining and developing existing systems, processes and service provision, ensuring they remain fit for purpose regarding compliance with current and future objectives, internal and external regulations or codes of practice.
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Set standards and embed quality of service and professionalism in the administrative functions within the Department, working collaboratively and leading the Department’s administrative team (s) to review and improve processes and develop a culture of service excellence.
 Lead the administrative functional areas (HR, Finance, Teaching and Student Support, Research,
Consultancy, Marketing) including managing team leaders.
 Manage and coordinate HR activity for contract monitoring, ensure compliance with procedures and regulations (including SRDS and staff recruitment), provide advice and assistance to the Head of
Department on HR issues.
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Motivating and developing staff and ensuring an appropriate level of skills and knowledge, including managing the training and development and performance management of all clerical, administrative and secretarial staff within the Department.

Liaise and collaborate with other Departmental Administration Managers to ensure coordinated action, minimise duplication and share good practice.
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Working with the Technical Manager to ensure a seamless provision of support to the Department.
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Contribute to the development and implementation of Faculty strategy and objectives through leading and working on projects at Faculty and sometimes University level.
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Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Applicants should provide evidence in their applications that they meet the following criteria. We will use a range of selection methods to measure candidates’ abilities in these areas including reviewing your on-line application, seeking references, inviting shortlisted candidates to interview and other forms of assessment action relevant to the post.
Criteria
Qualifications and experience
Essential Desirable
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1. A good honours degree (or equivalent experience).
2. Experience of financial management including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, financial processes and practice.
Management skills
3. Experience in the design and delivery of operational and strategic plans.
4. Experience of operating at a managerial/strategic level within the HE sector or similar complex environment.
5. Experience of reviewing and improving internal processes and systems.
6. Successful track record of leading, managing and motivating teams, which could be Faculty-wide to deliver a high quality service and lead to positive change.
7. Experience of successfully managing and co-ordinating a diverse range of service areas including research, finance, HR, marketing, teaching, student support and other administrative systems and processes within a HE environment.
8. Ability to think strategically and proactively contribute to the development of strategy within an academic environment including delivering and driving key parts of the strategy.
Communication skills
9. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to conduct effective working relationships.
10. The ability to interpret and present complex financial and non-financial information in a non-technical and easy to understand format.
11. Demonstrable ability to network and influence at a high level.
Team working
12. Experience of building and developing a team and aligning the day-to-day work and goals of the team with the organisation’s strategic vision.
13. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse and complex team.
14.
Supporting staff performance
Experience of reviewing individual/team progress and performance and embedding organisational strategy into individual performance planning.
15. Ability to motivate high performance in others at both individual and team level.
Problem solving and decision making
16. Proven ability to tackle and resolve complex and often conflicting problems with an appreciation of the longer term implications.
Project management
17. Strong analytical skills and the ability to plan and oversee the management of mult iple projects.
Personal effectiveness
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18. Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts.
19. Experience of proact ively adapt ing own skills to new circumstances and working flexibly to meet the demands of the post, both to meet current requirements and for ant icipated future skill requirements.
20. Demonstrable ability to manage a broad-ranging workload with challenging and competing deadlines and to deliver to agreed t imescales.
21. Evidence of successful track record in delivering excellent customer service.
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This post is full-time:
This role has been identified as a full-time post, but we are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities with our staff which benefit both the individual and the University. Therefore, we would consider flexible delivery of the role subject to meeting the business needs of the post. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/wellbeing/info/wlb.html
for more information.
Terms and conditions of employment: Will be those for Grade 8 staff.
Salary for this grade: £37,756 - £45,053 per annum. Potent ial to progress to £50,688 per annum through sustained except ional contribut ion.
More details on salaries, terms and conditions and our wide range of benefits for staff are available at www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/reward/structures
Closing date: 22 January 2013
Informal enquiries:
For all on-line application system queries and support, contact: e-Recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk
.
For informal enquiries about this job and department, contact: Dr Malcolm Butler ( m.a.butler@shef.ac.uk
) or
0114 222 9553 or his PA, Amanda Fider ( a.fidler@shef.ac.uk
) or 0114 222 7634.
Following the closing date, you will be informed by email whether or not you have been shortlisted to be invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process. Please note that due to the large number of applications that we receive, it may take up to two working weeks following the closing date before the recruiting department will be able to contact you.
It is anticipated that interviews and other selection action will be held on XXX. Full details will be provided

to invited candidates.
The University of Sheffield is committed to achieving excellence through inclusion.
The University of Sheffield is proud to be a Two Ticks employer www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/equality/support/twot icks
The University has achieved the Athena SWAN award for Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine.