IDS Unit Operations Manager

The Unit Operations Manager (“UOM”) is a key member of the IDS Commercial and Operations function, reporting to the IDS Commercial and Operations Manager (“UCOM”). This a critical role in ensuring the Region’s operations run efficiently, safely, securely and with reduced carbon footprint. The role holder will need to work with specialists in health and safety, security, ethics, compliance, procurement, decarbonization, safeguarding, IT and many more to achieve this. Other key stakeholders include:

territory-based Operations Managers, Territory Managers, Office Managers, Project Principals, Project Managers, and the Region’s Senior Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

Set & Maintain Operational Standards

• Maintain the Standard Operations Manual for IDS-managed projects including relevant process charts and templates to ensure it complies with Group legislative and client requirements.
• Facilitate an annual review of the Standard Operations Manual for IDS-managed projects with relevant internal stakeholders to ensure it reflects good industry practice and any changes from Group, law or clients.
• Support Territory Managers and territory-based Operations Managers in the application of the Standard Operations Manual for IDS-managed projects and adapting it to territory context.
• Work with operational teams to ensure adopt and comply with the operational standards set out in the manual. Develop and implement a continuous improvement and learning system, including the establishment and maintenance of a Teams Group and a bi-monthly forum schedule for IDSR Operations Managers to facilitate training, knowledge sharing, and support. Create a project-to-project operations network to help knowledge sharing between projects. Continually review the operational model to identify opportunities for effectiveness and efficiency.
• Undertake root cause analysis of any operational incidents or issues and present recommendations to leadership on rectification/mitigation measures.

Project Start Up & Close Down

• Develop, maintain and implement a standard project start up and close down processes.
• Work with bidding teams to develop effective and efficient operational plans and budget for forthcoming proposals, providing advice on accommodation, travel and other supply chain issues.
• Support Territory Managers, WIN and DO teams to ensure effective and efficient start-up of projects in IDS-territories in line with all relevant governance processes.

Office & Accommodation management

• Support Territory Managers and territory-based Office Managers in effectively and efficiently managing offices in line with Group Directives and Requirements.
• Maintains register with all office and lease agreements.
• Develop and implement a continuous improvement and learning system, including the establishment and maintenance of a Teams Group and a bi-monthly forum schedule for IDSR Office Managers to facilitate training, knowledge sharing, and support.
• Ensure offices have the required level of fit out required for the project requirements including IT, information management and security.

Procurement and asset management

• Develop and implement an enhanced risk-based procurement and asset management process for overhead-funded procurement activities based on Group Directives and requirements.
• Develop and implement Green Procurement approach to align with the Group’s decarbonisation policies and procedures.
• Maintain and manage an asset management process for client-funded procurement activities based on Group Directives and Requirements and in compliance with client requirements and legislation.
• Ensure the necessary testing and monitoring regimes for equipment are carried out as required.
• Ensure the necessary insurances are held and maintained for Unit and client assets we are responsible for.
• Provide ad-hoc support to Territory Managers and project teams in effectively and efficiently conducting procurement and disposal of assets

Supply Chain Management

• Regularly review the Regions supply chain spending and relationships with suppliers to identify the opportunity to improve value for money, identify fraudulent or unethical practices, increase our spend with local suppliers where prudent/possible to do so and to reduce our carbon footprint.
• Lead negotiations or dispute discussions with vendors where necessary.
• Ensure only registered and approved vendors are used by the business.

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  Information Technology

• Maintain overview of IT infrastructure in all IDS-territories.
• Support Territory Managers in managing IT infrastructure.

LEARN

• Undertake suitable continuous professional development required for the role including but not limited to health & safety training
• Develop commercial and operations thought leadership, add to the commercial and operations practice site.
• Become an active member of the commercial and operations community within IDSR.

Key skills, qualifications and experience 

• Qualification in relevant field
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel to low- and middle-income countries (up to 25% of time).
• Project management experience.
• International development sector experience.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to multitask and prioritise to meet deadlines.
• Possess a collaborative mindset and works well as part of a team.
• Ability to challenge and make sure corporate governance is followed

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.