At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
The role would suit a candidate with significant experience of development and implementation in international multi-currency Unit4 ERP environments, in particular within the finance and procurement modules of Unit4. The ideal candidate will thrive on working in a small team and being empowered to complete the end-to-end development cycle.
The Role
Reporting to the ERP System Manager, the U4 ERP Developer will be responsible for development projects in relation to the SKAO’s Unit4 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and its interfaces with other tools across the organisation. SKAO’s Unit4 ERP system was implemented over 5 years ago, however, system development is still in progress as new functionality continues to be brought online to replace or improve on existing business processes.
This is a fixed term position with a duration of two years and six months and is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
This role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
- Project manage Unit4 ERP development projects;
- Collaborate with other staff members to formulate, design and develop solutions for the SKAO ERP systems;
- Perform back and front-end development of Unit4 ERP, including end-to-end testing;
- Liaise with other SKAO system owners and collaborate to create and enhance Unit4 ERP interfaces, ensuring that they function as intended;
- Create documentation for new functionality including technical documentation, training materials, and user guides;
- Deliver training on newly developed functionality;
- Fix bugs on new functionality during post-implementation period;
- Provide second line support on SKAO’s ERP helpdesk for incidents relating to new functionality during post-implementation period;
- Travel within UK and infrequent international may be required; and
- Undertake any other reasonable duties, such as assisting with other business systems, as directed by the post holder’s line manager or other senior managers.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- University degree or equivalent experience in Business Information Systems, Information Technology or a related area;
- Experience in a similar role, performing the design, testing and implementation of Unit4 ERP developments in a multi-currency, multi-client Unit4 environment with interfaces with other systems;
- Development experience of at least three of the following modules of Unit4 ERP: e-Procurement; supplier relationship management; FP&A; inventories and warehousing; fixed assets; Workspaces; reporting; expenses.
- Experience of developing Unit4 ERP interfaces with other systems, including APIs, as required to meet business needs, including for reporting and management information purposes;
- Attention to detail, ability to prepare clear and accurate technical documentation, including policies, processes, risks and controls;
- Ability to self-manage projects through to completion;
- Problem solver with ability to manage conflicting priorities and work to deadlines;
- A self-motivated team player who is flexible and adaptable to change;
- Good English oral and written communication skills to prepare technical documents, delivery training, etc;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Accountancy qualification or previous experience of working in a finance or procurement team would be beneficial;
- Experience with large scale science infrastructure projects and/or working in a globally dispersed organisation;
- Understanding and experience of the principles and practices behind lean agile organisation management.
- Management and/or co-ordination of remote staff and external contractors.
- Experience of creating AG16s and SQL queries;
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.
