Technical Services Manager - Electrical and Electronic Workshop Services
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
Job purpose
Technical Services Managers in the College of Science and Engineering have a critical function in the delivery of an effective and efficient service to support research, learning and teaching. They play a key role in co-ordinating and overseeing all aspects of delivering the specialist service to a diverse research/teaching community. The postholder provides strategic and operational technical leadership to both research and teaching staff, technicians and students, operating in a specialist competence area, identifying issues, generating ideas and management solutions to improve these services.
The Technical Services Manager for the Electrical and Electronic Workshop Services is part of the Workshop and Teaching Technical Services group in the College of Science and Engineering Technical Services function. The postholder leads and manages a team of currently 12 specialists across several technical areas, with roles ranging from grade 2 (Modern Apprentices) to grade 7 (highly skilled specialist).
The Electrical and Electronic workshop services team offers extensive technical knowledge and experience in designing and operating complex electronics and mechatronic equipment/apparatus to create unique and bespoke electrical and electronic products. The team are also extensively involved with supporting undergraduate electronic teaching labs.
This role reports to the Head of Technical Services – Workshops and Teaching Labs Services and has responsibility to the Directors of Research and Directors of Learning & Teaching to support the development and delivery of Schools strategies and business needs.
Main duties & responsibilities
- Lead, develop and deliver specialist research and teaching support services across the College of Science and Engineering for the provision of workshop services for electrical and electronic design. Interpret and assess the needs of the Electronic and Electrical Workshop services users, defining services requirements and managing delivery to agreed standards.
- Contribute towards the Technical Services, College and School’s strategic objectives by providing appropriate vision, technical leadership and operational control. Anticipate and direct future changes and oversee planning that has long-term reach and focus. Ensure implementation of strategic priorities, driving service improvement and supporting organisational changes.
- Be responsible for all managerial aspects of the Electrical and Electronic Workshop services including leading, planning and organising the work of a team of technical specialists and operational staff, to ensure work is integrated and co-ordinated in line with broad operational plans, objectives and requirements whilst ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, University policy and best practice.
- Day-to-day line management of team members including managing the recruitment, performance, and development of the team members.
- Develop/improve the capability of staff, motivating and mentoring staff to support personal development and to better meet the current and future requirements of the College’s Technical Services.
- Manage operational budgets, technical and operational staff competence and time to ensure maximum value is delivered for resources deployed. Be accountable for the quality and professionalism of service delivery and activities in accordance with operational policies and legal requirements. Report any potential issues regarding service capability or quality to the service users, and/or relevant internal or external bodies timeously.
- Apply technical expertise to manage and operate specific areas of the Electrical and Electronic Workshop Services if required. Provide specialist advice and training to technicians and service users.
- Lead the development and design of novel techniques or systems and lead on policy development with a significant influence upon strategy, structure and development of activity within the service area. Develop and deliver leading edge techniques and practice through innovative design of complex apparatus/equipment/systems or usage/application of specialist techniques.
- Make a leading contribution to shaping the plans of the service area as well as research/teaching group plans. Develop a vision and strategic plans for operational activities in line with Technical Services/College/University objectives, as a member of the management team or senior individual specialist.
- Manage the provision of operational services and resources including space and facilities with the aim of providing a high-quality workshop environment and an efficient and collaborative research/teaching environment. Advise workshops and research facilities design specification to support the management of space allocation, and/or construction.
- Make a significant expert contribution to major funding bids and related activities.
- Be responsible for the management of and compliance with relevant Health and Safety and other specialist legal requirements. Maintain all necessary records in accordance with set requirements, keep up to date with developments or legal changes relevant to the work, advise and train group members as appropriate. Actively contribute to the development and implementation of health and safety standards and processes relevant to the area as well as general health and safety across the College.
- Represent the College Technical Services in School/College/University committees and ensures a collaborative working relationship with staff and students.
- Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/School/Groups and University where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the service/research/teaching aims, promote the technical community and support the broader strategic aims of the University, including for the Technician Commitment https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/technicians/ and other UK-wide initiatives.
- Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together and contribute to outreach.
- Undertake other duties as are assigned by the Head of Technical Services.
Knowledge and qualifications
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles. Or:
- Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, 10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a management role(s).
- Significant breath or depth of specialist technical knowledge and recognised as an expert and authority in either electrical or electronic background.
- Demonstrable knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including but not limited to Health and Safety.
Desirable
- NEBOSH certificate or other recognised health and safety qualifications.
- Awareness of the current and future priorities of the University and the relevant work area.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent teamworking, leadership and people management skills, with ability to collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders for effective project management.
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills obtained through representational, influencing activities across a large organisation, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret complex technical requirements of a research/teaching group and adapt own style to meet the needs of others.
- Leadership and motivational skills in formal and informal situations.
- Ability to plan and prioritise a technical service to meet long term strategic objectives, whilst delivering a day-to-day service.
Experience
Essential
- Direct managerial track record in the provision of specialist technical services.
- Proven analytical and technical/scientific problem-solving capability gained over a substantial period of working at progressively higher levels of technical complexity and influence.
- Experience of contributing to the development of a research/teaching services strategy, planning resource allocation and achieving high-quality research/teaching outputs.
- Experience of managing high value budgets, including knowledge of procurement and tendering processes to inform decision making, approving spends and monitoring expenditure on behalf of others.
- Experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research/teaching goals within set timescales.
Desirable
- Significant relevant work experience within a similar research/teaching services environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.
How to apply
Full details of the role and how to apply can be found by visiting our website:
The closing date for applications is 3 January 2025.
Terms & Conditions
Salary will be Grade 8, £49,250 - £56,921 per annum.
This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent).
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook [https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/](https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/), benefits and discount packages.
A flexible approach to working.
A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University [https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/](https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/).
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community [https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/](https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/).
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan [https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/](https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/) and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website [https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/](https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/) for more information.
World-Changing Campus
We have delivered one of the most significant expansions of a UK university city campus for over a century.
Over the last decade, the University of Glasgow has invested in its estate to expand its world-class campus and facilities.
An area covering 14 acres of land next to our magnificent Gilmorehill campus has been redeveloped to build a mix of modern research, teaching and public spaces.
Our new buildings will mean the University remains a centre for world-changing research, as well as a vibrant community hub and centre for public engagement.
The development will transform our teaching, learning and research spaces. It will allow us to bring together the best minds of today and tomorrow within world-class interdisciplinary research spaces that offer flexibility and stimulate collaboration, and modern study spaces that will combine study and social learning space with technology enabled teaching.
- The Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) is changing the way research is conducted at Glasgow. The ARC is the creative and collaborative heart of research at the University of Glasgow, bridging the boundaries between research, cross-subject collaboration and true societal impact . The ARC brings more than 500 world-leading researchers from a range of disciplines together in a building specifically designed to break down organisational structure and facilitate collaboration and interdisciplinary work.
- The James McCune Smith Learning Hub is an inspirational and diverse learning space. The flagship building was the first to be completed as part of our campus development, and provides a creative environment, combining flexible study and social learning space with multi-styled and technology-enabled teaching. It can accommodate more than 2,500 students, and includes a lecture theatre with capacity for 500 students. State-of-the-art teaching facilities, with flexible study spaces and interactive teaching for students, help to create a more immersive learning experience.
Find out more
Living in Glasgow
A UNESCO City of Music, a vibrant arts and culture scene, a food-lover’s delight, and a shopper’s paradise. Just some of the highlights of the ‘friendliest city in the world’. As well as that accolade by the Rough Guides poll, Glasgow has also been named a must visit destination by publications including the New York Times, The Guardian, and Wanderlust.
Music
The city hosts an average of 130 music events a week catering for every taste; from rock to rap, and classical to country. Glasgow also has a world class club scene playing host to some of the world’s top DJs.
Shopping
Outside of London’s West End, Glasgow is frequently voted the best place for shopping in the UK. A must-visit destination for any shop-a-holic, it houses high street chains, international designers, and independent retailers. The West End, home to the University of Glasgow, is bustling with vintage fashion, vinyl stores, and second-hand bookshops.
Arts and Culture
Glasgow’s arts scene has gone from strength to strength, and is the base for five internationally renowned performing arts companies including the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet. The city has several world-class museums, which are free to the public, and the city’s architecture is a work of art in itself.
Food and drink
You can be in Glasgow and taste the world with its many diverse restaurants, cafes, and bars. And if you’ve yet to sample the delights of haggis and whisky, Glasgow is the place to be.
The City and Beyond
Glasgow has all the opportunities and excitement of a big city but its compact size means you can quickly travel from one vibrant district to the next. You could be relaxing in one of its many parks, before shopping in the quirky West End, and then dancing until the wee small hours in the Merchant City.
And when you fancy getting out of the city you can reach the stunning Loch Lomond in just 30 minutes, climb one of our many breath-taking Munros, play golf at one of Scotland’s many world-class courses, visit one of our ancient castles, or go further North and search for Nessie! Scotland has also just been named the world’s most beautiful country by Rough Guides.
Relocating to Glasgow
Choosing to relocate to Glasgow is a big decision. There are numerous things to be considered, such as the costs of moving, the cost of living, and where exactly to relocate to. We have created two guides to aide you in the decision making process.
Find out more on relocating to Glasgow at the below link:
- Relocating to Glasgow
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
WORLD CHANGING GLASGOW 2025
Our outstanding disciplinary breadth and expertise has enabled us to make world-changing advances in fields as diverse as medicine, physics, linguistics, public policy and global development.
The key to our success is our talented staff and students pushing back at the boundaries of knowledge and understanding together.
Our World Changers Together strategy recognises the fundamental importance of a culture of open cooperation: not just as colleagues and mentors or students and teachers, but as a community of discovery that reaches beyond its walls and draws inspiration and strength from its connections and partnerships worldwide: excellence that's part of something bigger. The strategy is articulated across three themes:
COMMUNITY
- People centred, globally engaged
CONNECTIVITY
- Collaboratively minded, digitally enhanced
CHALLENGES
- Solution focused, impact oriented
Find out more
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
Our values
The future holds innumerable challenges for our sector, our society, and our world. We will have to adapt and change what we do and what we offer if we are to navigate these successfully. Our strategy and approach may evolve as the landscape changes, but our values will remain constant: a fixed point of certainty in uncertain times.
We have identified our values in consultation and partnership with our staff and student community. Living and upholding these values will ensure that we remain true to the spirit of our community and ourselves:
Ambition and Excellence
- We strive for excellence through our work
- We defend academic freedom globally
- We recognise and celebrate shared success
- We have an unrelenting focus on development
Curiosity and Discovery
- We innovate and solve problems together
- We lead by influence and example
- We engage with lifelong learning and personal development
- We learn from our mistakes
Integrity and Truth
- We uphold honesty, integrity and fairness
- We share our work widely and generously
- We do the right thing, not the easy thing - or we don’t do it
- We take responsibility
An Inclusive Community
- We are one Glasgow team, and we care for and respect one another
- We advocate for diversity and believe in variety as a vital part of a healthy university
- We champion education as an engine for social progress
- We practise and advance sustainability