JOB AND PERSON PROFILE FOR: Horticulture Manager
Grade:
SC4
Department:
Horticultural Services
Location:
John Innes Centre
Hours per Week:
37
Status:
Indefinite
Main purpose of the job:
The Horticulture Manager is accountable for all aspects of the operation and development of
JIC’s glasshouse, controlled environment rooms and related facilities to meet the requirements
of the plant science programmes of the John Innes Centre and of other Norwich Biosciences
Institutes that use the services (referred to collectively as NBI below). The Horticultural Services
Manager is accountable to the Horticultural Services Steering Group for overall delivery, the
Chair of which is drawn from JIC science, and will report to the HSSG Chair.
The Horticulture Manager is accountable for ensuring that JIC’s Horticultural Service achieves
a consistently industry-leading standard of support for NBI science and for improving and
adapting the service to meet the changing demands of science. The role includes line
management of the Horticultural Services Operations Lead.
Key relationships:
In order to ensure that the service fulfils the requirements of NBI science, the Horticulture
Manager is expected to work closely and effectively with the scientists who use the service and
with NBI Partnership teams and others who support the service. The Horticulture Manager is
expected to delegate supervision of many day-to-day operations to the Operations Lead but
retains overall responsibility for the service.
To work with Project Leaders, HSSG and other key stakeholders to develop and deliver the vision
and strategic plan for horticulture on the JIC site.
Main activities and responsibilities:
−
Set the standards and manage Horticultural Services to ensure the service provided
meets the current and foreseeable future needs of NBI science.
−
Recruit, manage and develop staff to ensure there is excellent two way communication
with the scientists and their input and work adds value to the science and continuously
innovates.
−
Understand new and improving technologies and techniques, implementing those that
bring added opportunities and value to science.
−
To be accountable for the effective, efficient and safe operation of the current plant
growth facilities and associated estate, ensuring that it is fit for NBI science, that high
standards of cleanliness and hygiene are maintained, that environmental controls are
appropriate, and that timely and appropriate repairs, maintenance and minor works are
done so as to maximize continuity of service for science.
−
To ensure t h a t the risk of plant loss is minimised through care and attention to detail,
that there is effective pest and disease control in plant growth facilities, and that
control programmes are properly implemented in coordination with the needs of science.
−
To provide leadership to the Horticultural Services staff and manage the Operations
Lead, ensuring that they manage the staff in their teams effectively and working closely
with them in staff development and performance management.
−
To ensure that HS staff, including casual workers, have the training required to work
effectively, efficiently and safely to support NBI science.
−
To organise Horticultural Services staff meetings to promote the aim of an excellent
standard of service and operational efficiency through discussion with staff.
−
To be aware of and to take responsibility for working with licence holders on
compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, such as those affecting GMOs and
pesticide use.
−
Ensure all legal requirements including containment, health, safety and the environment
are managed.
Relationships outside the Horticultural Service
−
To build good working relationships with NBI scientists who use the Horticultural
Service, enabling them to have confidence in the service by providing an excellent
standard of work and by communicating with them effectively, accurately and
professionally.
−
To build good professional relationships with NBI Partnership staff and with external
suppliers who support the Horticultural Service, with the aim of ensuring that efficient,
effective support is provided to NBI science.
−
To work with the Chair of HSSG and other NBI staff to develop a vision for sustainable
development and future planning of the service to serve the current and foreseeable
future requirements of NBI science, and to gain the necessary resources to deliver this
vision.
−
To contribute to developing the brief for new facilities, with emphasis on technical
aspects. To implement new developments in the glasshouse and controlled
environment room (CER) estate, ensuring that they meet the requirements of NBI
science. To interact effectively with other stakeholders (scientists, NBI Partnership,
external suppliers, etc.) and see each project through to a complete and satisfactory
conclusion.
−
To ensure that the service provides high quality, cost-effective support to science, while
ensuring that charges accurately reflect costs. To ensure that the service operates
effectively in cost recovery from NBI science and other parties.
−
To be responsible for the Horticultural Services budget and to achieve a competitive,
cost-effective service to NBI science, with the aim delivering excellent value for
money and a high standard of support for science.
Other activities
−
Establish world class standards and continuously improve the key measure, systems,
processes and facilities so staff can work as effectively as possible and the John Innes
Centre is proud to show visitors.
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The Horticulture Manager will supervise contractors operating in her or his area.
−
Subject to availability of space and other commitments, Horticultural Services may
be required to accommodate non-NBI customers. The standard of service expected
here is the same as for NBI science.
Personal standards
−
To promote, by leadership, personal example and effective staff management, a
professional service in which all HS staff aim to achieve an excellent standard of
support for NBI science.
−
To be proactive in all areas of responsibility, including provision of service maintenance
of the Horticultural Services estate; management and training of HS staff;
communications with scientists, service staff, suppliers and others; financial
management and cost-effectiveness; regulatory compliance; and recommending and
planning new developments in HS. The HS Manager is expected to show substantial
initiative in carrying out all aspects of his job, based on a sound knowledge of the
institutes’ requirements. They are expected to act independently but to take appropriate
advice from scientists, NBI Partnership staff and others.
−
To keep up-to-date with current developments in glasshouse and CER design, plant
management and plant protection, and to apply their knowledge to improving and
developing the service provided by HS to JIC science.
−
To be accountable to the Horticultural Services Steering Group through the Chair of
this group (line manager) and the Capital Projects Manager (to be confirmed)
(countersigning officer) for the standard of the Horticultural Service.
Unique selling points of the job:
The Norwich Research Park is a major centre for bioscience research within the UK and its
national and international status in the biosciences ranks it fourth in the country after London,
Cambridge and Oxford. The Horticulture Manager will ensure Scientists receive excellent
Horticultural support to enable them to continue world leading research.
PERSON PROFILE
Essential
Desirable
Knowledge of science, particularly
biology or chemistry, at A-level or
higher. A levels in maths and at least
one in Science, Biology or Chemistry.
Knowledge of GM Containment
Regulations Level 1 & 2 (desirable on
appointment, essential in post).
Horticultural qualifications to HND or
equivalent level or higher, or
equivalent knowledge gained through
practical experience.
Education and
qualifications
Some experience of working within a
disciplined scientific environment.
Considerable relevant practical and
managerial experience in a
horticultural environment, ideally with
a research or plant breeding bias.
Effective leadership skills in
order to drive high standards of
service delivery.
The ability to form a vision for the
future development of JIC’s
glasshouse and (CER) estate to meet
current and future needs of NBI
science.
The ability to advise staff on the
identification of pests and
diseases and appropriate
Specialist knowledge control methods, in accordance
and skills
with statutory and local
rules/regulations; this includes
obtaining professional advice as
required.
An excellent technical knowledge of
glasshouse and CER design and the
ability to keep up with new
developments.
Sufficient knowledge of business
management and finance to work with
other stakeholders, including NBI-P
BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection
or equivalent technical knowledge
(desirable on appointment, essential
in post).
Relevant Certificates of Competence
such as PA1 and PA6.
Knowledge of regulations for the
control and disposal of GMO material
(desirable on appointment, essential
when in post).
Knowledge of local and statutory
Health and Safety regulations
(desirable on appointment, essential
in post).
Finance, on improving the value-formoney and cost recovery of HS.
Competent IT user.
Ability to manage staff performance.
The ability to lead by example,
knowing what is involved in
horticultural tasks and what
standard of work is achievable.
Relevant experience
The ability to take responsibility for
Health and Safety and compliance
with relevant laws and regulations and
to ensure compliance with these
requirements in the HS area.
Ability to manage a complex
horticultural operation, including
staffing.
The ability to demonstrate effective
communication skills at all levels of
the organization.
Excellent written and verbal
communication skills that enable
you to inform and advise others
clearly.
Strong interpersonal skills that
Interpersonal and
communication skills enable you to work with people at
all levels, motivate others and
influence people’s attitudes where
necessary.
Ability to build good working
relationships with colleagues,
including HS workers, scientists,
service departments, contractors and
suppliers.
Additional
requirements
Last update 20/10/15
Ability to work out of hours and
weekends when necessary.
Promotes equality and values
diversity.