JOB DESCRIPTION

This form summarises the purpose of the job and lists its key tasks.

It may be varied from time to time at the discretion of the College in consultation with the post holder.

Job Title: Biological Services Unit Manager / Job ref no: RVB-0042-17
Grade: 8 / Department: RVC Business, Biological Services Unit
Accountable to: Head of RVC Business / Responsible for: BSU Staff in HH and CT
Job summary:
Manage the Biological Services Units (Hawkshead and Camden) to enable the Royal Veterinary College to fulfill its Research service objectives and to successfully deliver commercial trial work commissioned by RVC Business in a professional way whilst maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and biosecurity. As part of this role, the post-holder will be expected to work with Senior Management to develop a strategic plan for both Biological Services Units in the Hawkshead and Camden Campus’; identifying where appropriate new activities to improve efficiencies, income and future business opportunities.
Competency: Knowledge and Experience
Key tasks are to ensure that:
·  Any animals sourced and kept in the BSUs are maintained to the highest standards of animal welfare and that all legal requirements as to their care and husbandry are met as required by government agencies including the Home Office, DEFRA and others as applicable.
·  All activities that take place in the BSH meet the legal requirements of the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and that all legal requirements as to their care and husbandry are met as required by government agencies, including DEFRA, The Home Office, Veterinary Surgeons Act and others as applicable.
·  The BSUs operate to the requirements of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Research Practice (GRP) as applicable.
·  The units operate in compliance with all necessary Health and Safety legislation and College policies.
Competency: Analysis and Research
Key tasks:
·  Review BSU procedures and practices, making changes or recommending changes to Senior Management.
·  Undertake cost/pricing reviews on a regular basis to ensure services are accurately calculated based on facilities and support staff required.
·  Ensure units are managed within set income and expenditure budgets and that all invoices are issued in a timely and accurate manner and that invoices received are paid promptly.
·  Review income and expenditure with Deputy BSU Managers and Senior Management and assist with other budgeting issues as appropriate.
Competency: Communication
Key tasks:
·  Provide regular updates to Management on strategic, operational and financial matters.
·  To take part in NVS and HOI visits, AWERB Meetings as appropriate. Be a key member of AWERB Committee.
·  Support the Deputy BSU Managers in all aspects of team management and customer liaison.
·  Communicate effectively with all customers and unit users to meet their needs and ensure they understand what is expected of them.
·  Be willing to work at both BSU Camden and Hawkshead as required and to attend meetings at both sites in order to manage staff and activities as appropriate.
Competency: Service Delivery
Key tasks:
·  Ensure that units maintain a high standard of biosecurity, hygiene, tidiness and cleanliness.
·  Ensure that all equipment in the BSUs are serviced, validated, tested and fit for purpose.
·  Ensure accurate record keeping – such as controlled drugs registers, stock and severity records for ASPA, staff training records and equipment records for the BSU.
·  Communicate with the Estates department regarding capital projects and routine maintenance jobs, to ensure an efficient flow of completed tasks.
Competency: Liaison and Networking
Key tasks:
·  Ensure good communication with the Contract Research team, the NVS service and other supporting arms of RVC Business.
·  Build and maintain a network of animal suppliers and service providers to meet the needs of customers.
·  Maintain good relations with other departments in the Royal Veterinary College.
·  Provide a welcoming and helpful service to all clients working or proposing to work in the BSU.
·  Support business development activities in order to boost the profile of both units internally and externally
Competency: Team development
Key tasks:
·  Ensure all staff employed in the Biological Services Units are appraised annually and are trained as appropriate and in accordance with College policies.
·  Assess staff and work levels – review current staff skills, training requirements and procedures that would benefit staff, the BSU and ultimately aid in attracting and securing new clients and contracts both internal and external.
·  Motivate staff through up skilling, training, education and participate in the BSU through external contributions via presentations and posters at conferences and seminars.
·  Organise probation progress meetings for new staff as appropriate and participate in review meetings with staff in relation to performance related issues.
Flexibility:
To deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed, and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above.