SIEC Data Centre Technical Manager

SIEC Data Centre Technical Manager Apply Post Details

Full time Fixed term until 31 December 2024

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 21 September 2023. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 09 October 2023.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role under SOC code 2424.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

Scotland's International Environment Centre (SIEC), a flagship programme funded by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City and Region Deal, is looking to appoint a highly motivated, forward-looking Project Manager to lead the implementation of the new SIEC Data Centre. The procurement phase for the Data Centre in now complete and the supplier identified.

The Data Centre is being built to support a broad range of research and commercial activities across the remit of SIEC. One of the initial projects the Data Centre will support is the Forth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA). Forth-ERA is a world-leading digital catchment observatory for the Forth Valley region being developed in collaboration with a range of regional and national stakeholders.

You will join a dynamic, innovative team focused on delivering a programme that will help deliver on Scotland's net zero targets through the provision of digital products and services built on big data. The postholder will be responsible for the technical delivery of the Data Centre working closely with the SIEC research team and external contractors to co-design the technical vision for the Data Centre and convert this into a production-ready environment.

This role will not only require intimate knowledge of cloud solutions and strong project management skills, but also an ability to work effectively in an academic research and innovation environment. The postholder will also support the SIEC commercial teams in presales technical advice and bid support.

Description of Duties

Cloud Solutions Delivery

Demonstrable experience in the design and delivery of cloud solutions, ideally for big data applications

Responsible for managing the transition of current on-prem services to cloud and facilitating the development of new cloud-enabled services. You will be required to liaise closely with the science team and work closely with external contractors to translate technical requirements efficiently into production ready solutions

Contribute to infrastructure planning exercises taking an active role in the preparation of investment proposals for new technology to strengthen the programme's ability deliver on strategic aims

Provide high quality, timeous and succinct advice to the Head of Infrastructure and Infrastructure Development Team Leaders in Information Services, the SIEC Programme Manager, and the Forth-ERA Science Director

Project Delivery

Effectively lead and project manage the implementation of the SIEC Data Centre with the successful supplier, and contribute proactively to the successful delivery of associated projects. The Technical Manager will lead the full project management lifecycle, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, closure and evaluation

Manage the various workstream activities and associated working groups and contractors to ensure they produce the necessary outputs to the required quality and within defined timescales. Including for example: user journey maps, cloud infrastructure design, security architecture, hosting and optimisation, data analytics, AI & machine learning, data management plans, commercialisation strategy, integration of IOT and other edge devices, partnership building, training and upskilling

Monitor and report on project progress upwardly through the relevant governance structure (e.g., Project Board) and to Senior Stakeholders and project sponsors

Act as an ambassador for SIEC, manage external relationships in partnership with the business to ensure that solutions are co-designed and meet the needs of various users

Support the skills development of the wider science and technical team by identifying training needs and helping to organise and deliver internal training and/or securing appropriate external opportunities

Commercial Support

Manage the development materials to support funding bids, advise on cloud usage and operational cost models, and lead the technical pre-sales bid support activities

Proactively engage with external commercial users of the Data Centre, providing end-to-end support, and closely manage project delivery to meet agreed outcomes

Design and build appropriate processes to regularly review performance and operating cost to optimise operational cost

Scientific Understanding

Be able to liaise with the science communities to understand technical and performance demands of the Data Centre and to ensure that the science communities (and potential third parties) understand technical/performance constraints of the Data Centre

For a full description of duties, please see the attached job description.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Degree in computing science or a closely related discipline. Lesser qualified candidates with relevant experience in academia or industry are also strongly encouraged to apply

Knowledge & Experience

Possess a deep understanding of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, including its various services, capabilities, and architecture. This includes knowledge of Azure/AWS compute, storage, networking, security, and governance features

Cloud Architecture and Design: Possess expertise in cloud architecture and design principles, specifically related to Azure. This includes understanding how to design and implement scalable, resilient, and secure cloud solutions using Azure services and features. Knowledge of architectural patterns, such as microservices, serverless, and hybrid cloud, is valuable for optimizing data centre operations

Technical Expertise: Have a strong technical background and expertise in areas such as server administration, network management, storage systems, virtualization technologies, and Azure-specific services like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Networking, Azure Storage, Azure Active Directory

Cloud Security and Compliance: Understand cloud security principles and best practices, with a focus on Azure security features, identity and access management, data protection, and compliance requirements

Project Management: Possess project management skills to plan, execute, and oversee infrastructure projects within the Azure cloud environment. This includes tasks such as resource provisioning, workload migration, infrastructure automation, cost optimization, and ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets

Vendor Management: Be proficient in vendor management, including engaging with Microsoft Azure representatives, Azure service providers, and other third-party vendors. This involves evaluating vendor proposals, negotiating contracts, overseeing vendor performance, and ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs)

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Have knowledge of disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity planning (BCP) principles in the context of Azure and or AWS cloud services

Communication and Collaboration: Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT staff, management, vendors, and stakeholders. This includes the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts related to cloud tech to non-technical stakeholders and provide guidance and support to the team

For a full list of esstential criteria, please see the attached job description.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

Formal project or programme management qualification or certification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner, P3O Practitioner, MSP, APM PMQ, or similar)

Knowledge & Experience

Experience of Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, etc

Experience with technologies such as containerisation (e.g., Docker), NoSQL databases, IoT connectivity

Experience of performance management and continuous service improvement

Experience of training and supporting others in cloud solutions

Knowledge of SFIA and application of the skills categories

Experience of working in the HE sector

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES)

Our research interests are broad, ranging from conservation and evolutionary ecology to environmental processes including carbon and nutrient cycling, aquatic and catchment sciences, landscape and forest ecology, evolutionary biology, environment and human health, energy and environmental sustainability. Research activities are led by principal investigators who seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of the natural environment and its interactions with human populations. We develop and exploit a range of technologies from Earth observation through to molecular techniques to understand how environments function and ecosystems are impacted from local to global scales and over annual to millennial timescales. Our research and impacts are found in all continents of the world and position us as a leading institution in Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation. In REF2021 all 100% of our research was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Available documents

SIEC Data Centre Technical Manager.docx

Job number

FAC01829

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Posting End Date

21-Sep-2023

Location:

Stirling Campus

Grade

Grade8 £45,585-£54,395 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Faculty of Natural Sciences Post Details

Full time Fixed term until 31 December 2024

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 21 September 2023. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 09 October 2023.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role under SOC code 2424.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

Scotland's International Environment Centre (SIEC), a flagship programme funded by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City and Region Deal, is looking to appoint a highly motivated, forward-looking Project Manager to lead the implementation of the new SIEC Data Centre. The procurement phase for the Data Centre in now complete and the supplier identified.

The Data Centre is being built to support a broad range of research and commercial activities across the remit of SIEC. One of the initial projects the Data Centre will support is the Forth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA). Forth-ERA is a world-leading digital catchment observatory for the Forth Valley region being developed in collaboration with a range of regional and national stakeholders.

You will join a dynamic, innovative team focused on delivering a programme that will help deliver on Scotland's net zero targets through the provision of digital products and services built on big data. The postholder will be responsible for the technical delivery of the Data Centre working closely with the SIEC research team and external contractors to co-design the technical vision for the Data Centre and convert this into a production-ready environment.

This role will not only require intimate knowledge of cloud solutions and strong project management skills, but also an ability to work effectively in an academic research and innovation environment. The postholder will also support the SIEC commercial teams in presales technical advice and bid support.

Description of Duties

Cloud Solutions Delivery

Demonstrable experience in the design and delivery of cloud solutions, ideally for big data applications

Responsible for managing the transition of current on-prem services to cloud and facilitating the development of new cloud-enabled services. You will be required to liaise closely with the science team and work closely with external contractors to translate technical requirements efficiently into production ready solutions

Contribute to infrastructure planning exercises taking an active role in the preparation of investment proposals for new technology to strengthen the programme's ability deliver on strategic aims

Provide high quality, timeous and succinct advice to the Head of Infrastructure and Infrastructure Development Team Leaders in Information Services, the SIEC Programme Manager, and the Forth-ERA Science Director

Project Delivery

Effectively lead and project manage the implementation of the SIEC Data Centre with the successful supplier, and contribute proactively to the successful delivery of associated projects. The Technical Manager will lead the full project management lifecycle, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, closure and evaluation

Manage the various workstream activities and associated working groups and contractors to ensure they produce the necessary outputs to the required quality and within defined timescales. Including for example: user journey maps, cloud infrastructure design, security architecture, hosting and optimisation, data analytics, AI & machine learning, data management plans, commercialisation strategy, integration of IOT and other edge devices, partnership building, training and upskilling

Monitor and report on project progress upwardly through the relevant governance structure (e.g., Project Board) and to Senior Stakeholders and project sponsors

Act as an ambassador for SIEC, manage external relationships in partnership with the business to ensure that solutions are co-designed and meet the needs of various users

Support the skills development of the wider science and technical team by identifying training needs and helping to organise and deliver internal training and/or securing appropriate external opportunities

Commercial Support

Manage the development materials to support funding bids, advise on cloud usage and operational cost models, and lead the technical pre-sales bid support activities

Proactively engage with external commercial users of the Data Centre, providing end-to-end support, and closely manage project delivery to meet agreed outcomes

Design and build appropriate processes to regularly review performance and operating cost to optimise operational cost

Scientific Understanding

Be able to liaise with the science communities to understand technical and performance demands of the Data Centre and to ensure that the science communities (and potential third parties) understand technical/performance constraints of the Data Centre

For a full description of duties, please see the attached job description.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Degree in computing science or a closely related discipline. Lesser qualified candidates with relevant experience in academia or industry are also strongly encouraged to apply

Knowledge & Experience

Possess a deep understanding of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, including its various services, capabilities, and architecture. This includes knowledge of Azure/AWS compute, storage, networking, security, and governance features

Cloud Architecture and Design: Possess expertise in cloud architecture and design principles, specifically related to Azure. This includes understanding how to design and implement scalable, resilient, and secure cloud solutions using Azure services and features. Knowledge of architectural patterns, such as microservices, serverless, and hybrid cloud, is valuable for optimizing data centre operations

Technical Expertise: Have a strong technical background and expertise in areas such as server administration, network management, storage systems, virtualization technologies, and Azure-specific services like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Networking, Azure Storage, Azure Active Directory

Cloud Security and Compliance: Understand cloud security principles and best practices, with a focus on Azure security features, identity and access management, data protection, and compliance requirements

Project Management: Possess project management skills to plan, execute, and oversee infrastructure projects within the Azure cloud environment. This includes tasks such as resource provisioning, workload migration, infrastructure automation, cost optimization, and ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets

Vendor Management: Be proficient in vendor management, including engaging with Microsoft Azure representatives, Azure service providers, and other third-party vendors. This involves evaluating vendor proposals, negotiating contracts, overseeing vendor performance, and ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs)

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Have knowledge of disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity planning (BCP) principles in the context of Azure and or AWS cloud services

Communication and Collaboration: Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT staff, management, vendors, and stakeholders. This includes the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts related to cloud tech to non-technical stakeholders and provide guidance and support to the team

For a full list of esstential criteria, please see the attached job description.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

Formal project or programme management qualification or certification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner, P3O Practitioner, MSP, APM PMQ, or similar)

Knowledge & Experience

Experience of Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, etc

Experience with technologies such as containerisation (e.g., Docker), NoSQL databases, IoT connectivity

Experience of performance management and continuous service improvement

Experience of training and supporting others in cloud solutions

Knowledge of SFIA and application of the skills categories

Experience of working in the HE sector

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES)

Our research interests are broad, ranging from conservation and evolutionary ecology to environmental processes including carbon and nutrient cycling, aquatic and catchment sciences, landscape and forest ecology, evolutionary biology, environment and human health, energy and environmental sustainability. Research activities are led by principal investigators who seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of the natural environment and its interactions with human populations. We develop and exploit a range of technologies from Earth observation through to molecular techniques to understand how environments function and ecosystems are impacted from local to global scales and over annual to millennial timescales. Our research and impacts are found in all continents of the world and position us as a leading institution in Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation. In REF2021 all 100% of our research was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Available documents

SIEC Data Centre Technical Manager.docx