.Head of Operations, Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes ISAAC NEWTON GROUP OF TELESCOPES LA PALMA, CANARY ISLANDS Head of Operations Closing date for applications: 16:00 (GMT) on the 29th March 2024 The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) invites applications for the post of Head of Operations, a top-level management post responsible for ensuring that the telescopes, instruments and systems are working, on a daily basis, for use by astronomers. The ING operates the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope (WHT) and the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope on behalf of the UK Research and Innovation Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Dutch Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek , and the Spanish Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias . The facilities, which are equipped with world-class imaging and spectroscopic instruments, are located at the Observatorio del Roque de Los Muchachos (ORM) situated at an altitude of 2400m on the Spanish island of La Palma. Exciting developments for both ING telescopes are currently underway: at the WHT, the WEAVE multi-fibre spectrograph has started science observations in 2023, while the HARPS-3 stabilised high-resolution spectrograph for the INT will be deployed in early 2025 following robotisation of the INT in mid 2024. Reporting to the Director and contributing to the general direction and strategic development of the ING as a member of ING's management team, the post is ideally suited to an experienced engineer who is looking for opportunities to grow in a challenging, operational environment. Our preference is for a mechanical or industrial engineer, but expertise in other areas, including team organization and project management, will also be valued. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES The primary responsibility of the Operations Group is the handover, to the Astronomy Group, of two functional telescopes every day of the year. To that end, the post holder will lead and manage the Operations Group. An associated responsibility is a leading contribution to the engineering activities in the area of specialization of the post holder. Management of the Operations Group includes, but is not limited to, the following duties: Leading ING operations, planning daily routine and repair work, as well as preventive maintenance activities; Leading the Operations Team, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge and resources required to carry out their tasks; Managing operational financial budgets; Ensuring coordination of operational activities with other engineering groups, with the astronomy group and with ING administration; Ensuring thatoperational documentation is accurately produced and maintained; Keeping up todate with developments in operational environments, especially for astronomical observatories, and identifying organizational areas for further development