Head of Intelligent Manufacturing for the China Beacons Institute
University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Ningbo - China
The Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute (China Beacons Institute) was jointly established by Ningbo Municipal Government and the University of Nottingham in Ningbo National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone in 2020. The establishment of the China Beacons Institute is a combination of a world-class university, with its advanced science and innovation, national development strategies and local social and economic development. It is also an important project and accelerator for the strategic development of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC).
The China Beacons Institute leverages the unique ‘Ningbo-based and global-oriented’ advantages of UNNC, introducing key international technological and innovative resources of the Beacons of Excellence from the UK. The intention is to attract global technology innovation resources, which will allow the China Beacons Institute to focus on original research and cutting-edge new technology development. The China Beacons Institute (CBI) aims to establish a world-class scientific and technological innovation platform with innovative research, research achievement transformation, technology transfer and talent cultivation, in order to support and drive the industry development of Ningbo.
Your Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Vice Provost of CBI, the Head of Intelligent Manufacturing Centre will play a critical role in establishing and leading the Intelligent Manufacturing Research Centre, with support from CBI’s professional teams.
You will be tasked with the following responsibilities:
- Goal Setting and Strategy Development. To define the overall aims and objectives of Intelligent Manufacturing Research Centre aligning with the overall goals of CBI, and to devise, implement and evaluate strategies and plans to achieve specific targets;
- Research Development. To initiate, develop and oversee various levels of Intelligent Manufacturing Research Centre projects, identifying and addressing needs for tools and systems tools and systems to provide critical information on both strategy and operations for the Research Centre;
- Engagement with Internal and External Stakeholders. To engage with peer academics and staff within CBI and the University of Nottingham campuses in the UK and Malaysia, and other relevant stakeholders within and outside of UNNC to foster collaboration and secure resources;
- Research Team Building and Development. To build a strong research team through strategic recruitment, supporting staff training, professional development, problem resolution, performance evaluation, and the establishment of a healthy and effective institutional culture;
- Operations and Compliance. To identify needs in the development of policies and procedures and to implement change as needed, as well as ensure that the Intelligent Manufacturing Research Centre is compliant with legal, regulatory and audit requirements;
- To identify and undertake other tasks and responsibilities as might reasonably be required to further the development and excellence of Intelligent Manufacturing Research Centre.
About You
We seek to appoint a seasoned, proactive and mature leader who is self-driven and results-oriented, adaptable and creative, with internationally recognised intellectual contributions in the area of intelligent manufacturing. Prioritised research areas include, but are not limited to:
1) Additive Manufacturing
2) Advanced Manufacturing
3) Precision Manufacturing.
You will be at full professor or equivalent level, specialising in an area that is related to Intelligent Manufacturing, with more than 10 years of experience in a senior academic leadership role and experience of working with boards. Experience of building or leading a research centre would be desirable. Industry experience would be preferred. Recognised training in relevant standards and teaching experience, particularly in key technologies related to intelligent manufacturing, is required.
You will lead the Centre’s development with proven skills in strategic project planning and development in a complex organisation, as well as experience in leading organisational change. Strong analytical skills and experience in setting and implementing a strategic vision are required. Strong verbal and written communication skills will be crucial in managing internal and external stakeholders. You should possess strong management skills and the ability to motivate team members. You should have an extensive international network to attract talent and secure resources for the Centre. A good understanding of China’s tertiary and research environment will be an advantage.
Your Remuneration, Benefits and Support
The successful candidate will be offered a five-year contract, that may be extended by mutual agreement. We are committed to providing competitive employment packages while supporting the wellbeing of our staff to help them reach their full potential. We offer highly competitive salary packages and you will have a range of benefits and entitlements, including an accommodation allowance, insurance, schooling support, home flights, relocation and repatriation support, and paid annual leave. You will be offered a wide range of Chinese talent scheme opportunities, based on the eligibility of application.
How to Apply
Informal enquiries and applications may be addressed to Mary Comer at WittKieffer via email to [email protected]
- a full and up-to-date CV
- a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria
- a five-year plan covering your strategic vision for the Centre (e.g. research and team development)
- should you wish to bring your research team, team members’ CVs should be supplied
- any other relevant supporting documents