Are you an experienced construction professional who thrives in busy, complex environments and knows how to bring people with you? Do you have the technical knowledge to oversee a major capital programme - and the communication skills to make it land across a diverse range of stakeholders?
About us
Based on a 545-acre WWII airfield in Wroughton near Swindon, the Science & Innovation Park (SIP) is home to one of the world’s preeminent collections of science, technology, transport, medicine and the media, housing more than 300,000 objects from the Science Museum’s Collection. The site is made up of a number of hangars, purpose-built stores, large open areas, native woodlands, runways and one of the UK’s largest solar farms.
We have an ambitious and exciting £10m investment programme of construction works to ensure our collection is protected for generations to come. The programme will help improve the conditions of the storage facilities on site for our collection, build infrastructure resilience, enhance operational effectiveness and lower the museums’ carbon footprint, while aiming to minimise the impact on the day-to-day operations of our colleagues working on the site. It’s a challenging and fast-paced programme and an exciting time to join the team!
About the role
Joining the Estate Operations team at the Science and Innovation Park, you will play a key role in ensuring the construction works and other projects on site are carried out to the highest quality standards and in compliance with the drawings, specifications, statutory regulations and health and safety requirements.
You will be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Estates department and represent their needs across all stages of the construction projects being delivered by the Masterplan Department.
You will be working in a small department consisting of the SIP Estates Manager, Estates Coordinator and Estates Project Coordinator as well as working closely with the Projects Team playing a vital role in delivering a tight schedule program of works. The projects for the next 2 years include: works to roller shutters and hangar doors, MEP installations such as lighting replacements, dehumidification works, replacement boilers; site-wide fire safety; drainage works etc. There is a focus on MEP works rather than building fabric in this programme of works. The program will be delivered at fast pace and may change and develop over the course of the fixed term contract.
Alongside the major capital renewal projects, you will also support smaller estates work for repair and remedial work onsite. This will require working closely with our term maintenance provider to ensure these are delivered in a timely manner and on budget. Projects may include remedial or replacement works to MEP, or installation of new technology with a keen eye on sustainability and value for money.
You will be part of a professional group wide Estate Directorate and will work collaboratively with a dynamic team of project managers, consultants, contractors and museum operational teams. Collaborating effectively to deliver these transformative works in live open and dynamic environments.
This is a 2-year fixed term contract, advertised for 35 hours per week, working Monday to Friday and based at the Science and Innovation Park in Wroughton. The role requires flexibility to undertake occasional out of hours working, where contractors may be working early mornings, evenings and weekends - the team use flexible working arrangements to cover this. Please note, the Science and Innovation Park is difficult, though not impossible, to access and travel within without a vehicle. A car or driving licence is not a requirement for the role, but we do ask candidates to consider their travel plans before applying.
About you
We're keen to see applications from candidates with substantial experience overseeing construction sites, whether as a Site Manager or Clerk of Works, and a deep technical understanding of mechanical, electrical, and fabric trades. You'll be comfortable reading drawings, reviewing specifications and keeping a close eye on quality, compliance and health and safety across everything you do. A NEBOSH qualification or equivalent, along with knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015, will be important foundations for the role.
Equally important is how you communicate. You'll be translating complex technical information to colleagues and stakeholders who don't share your specialism, managing expectations across a busy programme and bringing people on board with decisions and direction. This is a highly collaborative role, you'll be working across multiple concurrent projects with contractors, project teams, operational colleagues and external bodies, so the ability to build strong, trusted relationships and navigate competing demands with diplomacy and resilience is just as valued as your technical expertise.
This is a practical, site-based role and we want to be upfront about that - you'll be out on site in all conditions, moving between projects at pace throughout the week. We welcome applications from anyone who brings the right combination of experience, knowledge and approach, whether your route into the industry has been through formal qualifications, trade experience or a mix of both. What matters most is that you're technically capable, a clear communicator and someone who takes real pride in delivering quality work.
Don’t feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Packs listed under ‘Attachments’ on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the roles and the application process, or click ‘Apply Online’ to submit an application.
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you’ll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
Meaningful work. We’re a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.- Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
