Western Cape: SKA Mid – Deputy Telescope Director posted by The Hiring House

About the Role

The Hiring House is seeking an experienced professional to fill the role of Western Cape: SKA Mid – Deputy Telescope Director. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial part in managing the operations and ensuring the successful integration of new systems for the SKA-Mid telescope. With your leadership skills and technical expertise, you will be responsible for fostering strong partnerships with the South African Astronomical Observatory (SKAO) and other stakeholders to drive collaboration and achieve common objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Work manage the SKA-Mid Engineering Operations, Computing and Software and Science Operations teams, in support of construction, commissioning and operations of the SKA-Mid Telescope, optimizing costs and resources.
• Responsibility for the integration of new systems for SKA-Mid in partnership with the Programmes Directorate ensuring smooth execution.
• Monitor and report on the performance of operational and Collaboration initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure all operations and Collaboration activities comply with legal, regulatory standards, and align with internal policies and procedures.
• Ensure effective line management and seamless operational integration of collaboration-related activities, aligning goals, ensuring compliance, and optimizing resources to maximize mutual benefits between SKAO and the company.
• Act as the Senior liaison between the SKAO and the company for collaboration-related operations under the Collaboration, fostering open and effective communication channels to strengthen the partnership.
• Establish and maintain robust relationships with all stakeholders associated with the SKAO objectives, including the teams at both telescopes, the company, and the SKAO GHQ to support the meeting of objectives.
• Develop and implement operational plans that align with both the SKAO and the company’s objectives and policies, ensuring operational excellence.
• Work closely with the Telescope Director and Site Construction Director to jointly establish comprehensive goals for performance and growth within the Collaboration framework.
• Lead projects and initiatives, including those related to the Collaboration, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget.
• Manage operational risks through the development and execution of mitigation plans.
• Lead, motivate, and manage various departmental and cross-functional teams to achieve excellence in operational processes and Collaboration related activities.
• Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and agility, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and creative strategies within the organization and in partnership with others.
• Deputise for the SKA-Mid Telescope Director as required;
• Be an active member of the SKAO operations management group and SKA-Mid senior leadership teams, contributing to the wider management and strategy of the SKAO;
• Be an active member of the company’s Executive, contributing to the wider management and strategy of the company;
• Serve as the SKAO Head of Profession for SKA-Mid roles in South Africa; and
• Other duties as directed.

Requirements

• Master’s in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or a related field
• Or Masters degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, with a Bachelors degree or higher in a technical field related to telescope operations.
• A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in technical operations management, with a significant focus on strategic partnerships or joint ventures.
• At least 5 years in a senior management role, preferably with experience in managing cross-organizational or collaborative projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or a related field
• PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or a related field (desirable)

[NO generic filler phrases, and only include actual numbers/details if mentioned in the original.]