Aura Lead for Talent and Business Engagement Faculty/Department

Job Description

Job Title:	Aura Lead for Talent and Business Engagement
Faculty/Department:	Aura
Reporting to:	Lead for Aura
Duration:	2 years
Job Family:	Administration
Pay Band:	10
Benchmark Profile:	Manager (Administration) Band 10
DBS Disclosure requirement:	N/A
Vacancy Reference:	AE0096

Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context

Aura is a multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder initiative led by the University of Hull which will bring together UK expertise in engineering, and physical, environmental and social sciences to establish a global centre of industrial and academic excellence in renewable energy, in particular for the Offshore Wind (OSW) industry. Through collaboration between leading institutions (the Universities of Hull, Sheffield, Durham, and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult) and businesses (including Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, DONG Energy and others) there will be a seamless offer covering industry engagement and enterprise, research, development and innovation and skills development through a talent pipeline.

Aura is being developed in collaboration with leading UK offshore wind organisations and facilities, and aims to place the University of Hull and the Humber region at the forefront of the renewable energy market.

It will become the vehicle to facilitate the training, research and innovation requirements of the region, the UK and beyond, supported by industry, local and national government and the wider academic community.

Aura will also develop and operate the Aura Technology Innovation Quarter (TIQ), at the geographical heart of an active, diverse and growing OSW supply chain. This will provide the physical focal point of a network of research organisations, a national framework for skills, and the Aura Innovation Centre (AIC) - comprising business and technology support services across the value chain to help create a unique innovative business ecosystem.

The work of Aura is organised around three ‘strands’ of activity: Industry Engagement and Enterprise, Talent Pipeline and Research Development and Innovation (see below).

To provide the 'front door and home base’ for the sector. Located at the heart of the energy estuary we will provide world class facilities, support and knowledge-based resources and advice across the supply chain.
To act as the nucleation point for collaboration to accelerate the maturation of the industry and help secure the UK’s place as a world leader in OSW.

To establish, deliver and act as the central point of the ‘go to’ framework for demand-led high quality education and training to meet the skills needs of the offshore wind industry from UTCs to Apprenticeships to PhDs, including CPD and Executive Education. We will work with partners and providers to offer national and international reach.

To take a lead role in targeted collaboration to identify and solve, through innovation, the technical challenges which will support the development of a sustainable OSW sector.

Industry Engagement

& Enterprise

Talent

Pipeline

Research Development Innovation

Purpose of the role

Roles at this level are held by senior members of staff who will have significant experience with extensive leadership skills. The role holder will be the strategic lead for the IEE Strand and the Talent Pipeline Strand, developing partnerships and robust market intelligence as well as fostering a trusted and informed environment for offshore wind and related organisations to collaborate. Responsible to the Aura Lead for delivery of the activity across the Industry Engagement and Enterprise (IEE) and Talent Pipeline (TP) strands of Aura.

The role holder will also engage internally and externally to ensure that Aura is aligned with, and helps to influence, UK Industrial Strategy as it relates to the OSW sector, especially in the Humber.

She/he will facilitate introductions and develop working relationships across the Aura partnership and with large and small companies in the OSW sector and, where relevant, beyond.

Initially based at the University of Hull and subsequently at the Aura TIQ the nature of this role will require travel to engage with collaborators, clients and other contacts, possibly including internationally.

The IEE & TP Strands

The IEE Strand will provide industry intelligence, expert advice and support, as well as access to specialist and technical facilities. It will also offer a place where stakeholders in the sector, including members of the supply chain, can come together to network, connect and hold industry events such as conferences and workshops. Additionally, it will create a centre from which to market and promote the work of Aura in advancing the development of a successful and vibrant OSW industry. Aura will become the nucleation point for the sector, providing both a front door and a home base to bring together industry, government and the academic community to focus on building the commercial, technical and operational success of the OSW industry.

The IEE Strand of Aura will also develop and operate the Aura Innovation Centre, comprising facilities, expertise, processes and resources designed to catalyse, and facilitate the progression of new innovations from concept to commercialisation utilising the capabilities of the University of Hull and wider resources from external organisations participating in Aura where appropriate.

In association with other agencies the TP Strand aims to establish the national framework of training ‘pathways’ for demand-led, high quality education and training to meet the present and future skills needs of the OWS in the region, the UK and potentially beyond. This will encompass academic and vocational training and education programmes from UTC through apprenticeships to degree apprenticeships, degrees and higher degrees, CPD and executive education. The TP Strand will seek to collaborate with industry to understand skills needs and develop agreed training criteria and standards. TP Strand will enable existing education providers across the country to participate and offer national and international reach.

The University envisages a role spanning quality, standards, accreditation, curricula, governance, co-ordination, marketing and some areas of delivery, including Degree Apprenticeships.

Responsibilities

1. 
   Play a lead role in the set-up, design and implementation of Aura; contributing experience, expertise and know-how to the core Aura Team in order to realise the Aura vision. In particular, work with colleagues to develop and deliver the strategic vision for the IEE and TP strands, creating and nurturing an innovative, business-facing enterprise culture.
   

2. 
   On behalf of Aura engage with businesses, commercial and training organisations and other relevant bodies to:
   

• 
  Provide the principal point of contact for new business relationships.
  
• 
  Survey renewables sectors to identify opportunities for Aura and the University.
  
• 
  Explore opportunities to utilise and learn from existing models in other sectors or territories.
  
• 
  Develop and actively manage relationships to drive increased engagement across the University, the Aura partnership and the OSW Sector.
  
• 
  Stimulate the establishment and growth of a regional supply chain cluster of innovation and knowledge-based companies.
  
• 
  Support, promote and facilitate innovation and deliver commercialisation activity in support of a wide range of SMEs.
  
• 
  Contribute to the development of the Aura TIQ, taking responsibility for key areas of this work.
  

3. 
   Develop and manage the IEE engagement process, including:
   

• 
  Creating, managing and maintaining the IEE Strand data-base of stakeholders.
  
• 
  Expanding the Aura OSW Industry Intelligence Repository.
  
• 
  Organising and delivering IEE Strand events, such as workshops, seminars, conference, etc., in conjunction with the Aura Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Lead.
  
• 
  Coordinating all IEE Strand activity, across Aura, the wider University and Aura Partners.
  

4. 
   Work with employers, external specialists, local, regional and national government organisations and NGO bodies to:
   

• 
  Carry out robust market intelligence to understand the current and future sector skills needs.
  
• 
  Identify and analyse key roles to create a ‘talent inventory’ of skills and competencies required.
  
• 
  Determine the training and education which will meet the present and future needs of the emerging Offshore Wind Industry.
  

5. 
   Having established the market demand the post holder will:
   

• 
  Work with Aura colleagues, across the University, partner organisations and providers to facilitate the development of the systems, programmes, materials and resources to meet demand.
  
• 
  Engage and involve employers in the development, implementation and operation of the Talent Pipeline.
  
• 
  Ensure compliance with University requirements and is approved for validation and/or accreditation where necessary.
  

6. 
   Work to enhance and promote Aura and the University’s reputation and profile to:
   

• 
  Position Aura a resource for the development and support of new business initiatives and enterprise at a regional, national and global level.
  
• 
  Help drive research activity and student registrations at the University.
  

7. 
   Develop the necessary processes and systems for the IEE and TP strands, monitor these to ensure effective and efficient delivery.
   

8. 
   Manage the IEE and TP Steering Groups and their programmes of work.
   

9. 
   Work with colleagues and partners help develop the business case for Aura, taking particular responsibility for the IEE and TP strands, including seeking appropriate funding.
   

10. 
    Assume responsibility as the senior manager of the Aura TIQ and AIC, once fully developed, setting strategic direction for the AIC and TIQ to facilitate the journey of new innovation from concept to market. Delivery of responsibilities will occur through liaison and collaboration with colleagues within and / or external to the Aura Team. In all cases the post holder will need to take account of Aura’s strategy and continuing development to ensure deliverables remain appropriate and relevant.
    

11. 
    Monitor and report progress for Aura and the University, implementing interventions as required.
    

Other Information

The Aura Lead for Talent and Business Engagement reports to and is accountable to the Lead for Aura.

The Aura Lead for Talent and Business Engagement will be expected to undertake required training and continuing development, in particular in relation to their role as a leader.
GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION

The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.

Overall Purpose of the Role

• 
  Roles at this level are held by senior members of staff and will have significant experience with extensive leadership skills
  
• 
  The role holder:
  
  • 
    Is responsible for developing and delivering the strategic plans for their area, securing and deploying the resources necessary to meet the current and future needs of the University
    
  • 
    Is required to manage the relationship between teams and ensure they interact effectively to achieve the common purpose of the University and will have responsibility for setting of overall standards across a function or area of the University
    
  • 
    Will be responsible for planning on a long-term or strategic basis that will affect large parts of the University
    
  • 
    Will initiate solutions which take into account strategic implications for the University, anticipate problems and develop appropriate options
    
  • 
    Will build and initiate contact internally and externally to market the University, influence developments and benefit the University as a whole
    
  • 
    Will initiate, through appropriate consultations and negotiations, establish policy changes to tackle major issues and situations, advising the University’s Senior Management Team as appropriate
    

Additionally the post holder will be required to:

• 
  Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department. May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden
  
• 
  Fulfil the managers’  responsibilities as described in the University’s health and safety policies. These duties include responsibility for ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are in place for activities within your area of control and for ensuring appropriate health and safety training is in place.
  
• 
  Support staff to demonstrate their commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory behaviour. This role includes making time available for staff to undertake mandatory equality and diversity training
  
• 
  Raise awareness amongst staff and support staff to fulfil their responsibilities to comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
  

COMPETENCY SPECIFICATION

To fulfil your role, you will need certain knowledge, skills and competencies. The following competency specification provides a framework within which your performance will be assessed. The interview assessment may include, for example, testing on IT skills.

The Competencies set out below are essential and are core requirements needed to perform the role and any candidate who fails the requirement will not be taken forward for further assessment or to interview

Competency	Identified by
Knowledge and Experience
Significant experience of strategic planning in major initiatives. The ability to provide strong leadership and vision in Aura, to enthuse and inspire colleagues and stakeholders. Substantial knowledge of the energy and renewables sectors, particularly in offshore wind. Significant experience in, or engaging with, industry, business, educational organisations and government. Detailed knowledge and understanding of the skills and training environment within the energy and renewables sectors, including provision and procurement of training and skills development services. Extensive experience of leading contracts and projects effectively, often including multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. Thorough understanding of the drivers for commercial activity and the ability to assess commercial needs. Proven track record of operating at senior strategic level, and working with, senior leaders in external organisations or industries. A solid understanding of business development and stakeholder management. Experience of developing excellent relationships between industrial/business partners and educational organisations, with a demonstrable track record of converting these into meaningful collaborative relationships. The ability to develop understanding and appreciation of university activities, engaging credibly and constructively with colleagues across the institution.	Application/Interview__Application/Interview_Application/Interview_Application/Interview_Application/Interview'>Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview
Administrative and project management skills, and the ability to identify priorities and manage time successfully, work to deadlines and achieve outputs that are clear, accurate and focussed. Financial and commercial awareness. Ideally a track-record in obtaining funding from industry / business as well as public sources.	Application/Interview Application/Interview Application/Interview
Communication (Oral and Written) Can demonstrate the ability to summarise complex ideas or information, which may be highly detailed, technical or specialist.	Application/Interview
Teamwork and Motivation Encourages contribution and involvement from staff at all levels. Recognises and rewards individual and collaborative achievement. Creates a culture that facilitates and promotes partnership working and rewards achievement from united effort as well as individual success.	Application/Interview
Liaison and Networking Can demonstrate the ability to build credibility and enhance the reputation of Aura and the University and to advance objectives. Influence external developments to generate benefits for Aura and the University as a whole.	Application/Interview
Service Delivery Can demonstrate the ability to set the overall standard across a substantial area (e.g., major initiative; faculty; university) whilst continually monitoring standards and level of service. Identifies ways of making improvements to standards based on feedback and anticipated changes in the environment, with consideration given to external factors that may impact on service provision.	Application/Interview
Decision Making Can demonstrate the ability to combine rational analysis and experience to take long lasting and or complex decisions that can be implemented. Takes account of immediate and potential factors and their possible impact on successful implementation.	Application/Interview
Planning and Organisation Can demonstrate the ability to involve others in the creation of long term objectives and strategic planning. Anticipates changes in demand, opportunities or obstacles that would affect the chances of success.	Application/Interview
Initiative and Problem Solving Can demonstrate the ability to assess risk and take action to prevent adverse impact. Analyses problems, identifying solutions that bring wider and longer term benefits for the University and its partners.	Application/Interview
Analysis/Reporting Can demonstrate the ability to gather data rigorously and conduct robust analysis, questioning assumptions and existing knowledge. Develops hypotheses and concepts to explain data, events and phenomena. Report findings effectively and credibly.	Application/Interview

Aura Lead for Talent and Business Engagement