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Form of work
SalaryAbout Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.
Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.
We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us.
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
Over 300 scientists based at the Museum tackle important global challenges, spanning mineral scarcity, food security and biodiversity loss. The Museum is globally renowned for excellence in science and research and championing digital capacity and innovation.
The Museum has been awarded a substantial government investment to create a new science and digitisation centre at the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP). This is a once in a century opportunity to shape the future of the Museum, protect and share our unique collection and further our science.
The centre will include a large collections store alongside new specialist laboratories and staff accommodation. The programme involves preparing and moving over 38 million specimens, from frozen molecular samples to whale skeletons. These are used for scientific research, enabling the Museum to unlock the information to support work to address the global biodiversity crisis.
This role will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of the data collection and analysis needs of the Unlocked Programme, through collating and defining requirements, assisting decision making and delivering the data products. The products produced will be predominately used to plan the spatial requirements of the site at TVSP and to plan the complex move of 38 million specimens.
This role involves the day-to-day coordination of the Information Management and Technology (IMT) Team activities in developing these products. This will require strong influencing skills and active management of stakeholders from across the organisation to ensure that the products are effective in helping the programme meet is objectives. The post holder will work closely with the IMT Senior Delivery Lead to ensure that the strategic direction for the data workstream is translated to a clearly defined set of product deliverables.
The requirements of the programme will develop and change over time and there is likely to be the opportunity for roles within the team to change to reflect this.
Main Responsibilities
Lead and manage Information Management and Technology (IMT) team to deliver essential IMT deliverables - which includes scoping and delivery of all data products.
Coordinate analysis and modelling work to determine the spatial requirements of the TVSP site
Work with analysts in the team to identify and manage the implementation of a logistics and warehousing system
Liaise with key stakeholders on other key Museum programmes (e.g. RECODE) to ensure outputs are in alignment and any impacts are understood.
Responsible for the full lifecycle workstream management, ensuring effective delivery within time, quality and budget constraints.
Develop product roadmaps by agreeing scope and schedule with Museum stakeholders and Programme team and continue to adapt to meet changing needs during the life of the programme, including developing new product proposals and documentation as necessary. Ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged and work is effectively prioritised.
Represent the IMT Workstream on relevant groups and boards, including senior decision-making boards. Present progress, including proposals, business case/PIDS and regular progress reports. Ensure production of accurate, timely and tailored information.
Direct line management of staff, including recruitment, mentoring, motivating and developing staff and ensuring dissemination of product management best practice.
Be accountable for matrix management of staff responsible for technology, data and back end digital delivery, in order to ensure that all these activities can be reported in a single plan
Responsible for resource allocation and flagging resource shortages and/or conflicts.
Liaise with Senior Delivery Lead, Programme Manager, Programme Director and other project/workstream heads to ensure dependencies and interfaces are effectively managed.
Budget management including forecasting and reporting to the Senior Delivery Lead, Director and Programme.
Monitor overall risks and issues. Use professional judgement to identify and resolve arising issues, including determining the appropriate action. Ensure use of ‘Lessons Learned’ log and continued development of quality standards.
About you
Significant demonstrable experience working as a product manager, project manager or programme manager, in a multidisciplinary environment, ideally with relevant professional qualifications
Demonstrable experience of managing a portfolio of products or projects with significant, complex data gathering and analysis requirements. An appreciation of Data architecture would be preferred, as would experience of Data quality and data governance good practices.
Understanding of Database technologies and SQL desirable.
Strong analytical skills, with knowledge of business analysis tools and techniques.
Strong leadership skills, with a demonstrable ability to lead and motivate others, including influencing those who are outside the direct management line
Proven line management experience including effective staff development and performance management
Ability to prioritise own and others work effectively and maintain an appropriate balance between process and achieving outcomes.
Significant knowledge and experience in business planning and financial management within projects. In particular, demonstrable experience of managing a multi-year programme budget, with a total commitment of £2-5M
Substantial experience of stakeholder management at different levels within an organisation
Experienced and confident in presenting ideas and concepts to boards and external groups, with the ability to conduct and chair meetings and oversee, or give, presentations in a confident and assured manner
An appreciation for the logistics of working with Museum Collections, particularly collection move and storage projects
Excellent communication skills; able to write clear reports and business plans on complex topics
Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage issues and resolve conflict
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What we offer
27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
Life insurance
Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
How to apply
If that sounds like you, please apply online on the Natural History Museum’s careers portal.
Closing date: 9am, 7th March 2024
Interviews expected w/c 18th March 2024
Title: Senior Data Products Manager
Contract: Fixed Term (5 Years), Full Time (36 hours per week)
Salary: £55,000 per annum plus benefits (TP4)
Please note that this role would not meet UK Visa and Immigration’s requirements for a sponsorship visa. As such we are only able to consider candidates who have the existing right to work in the UK.
