Main Purpose of the Job

The Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) Programme is a construction project on the Norwich Research Park (NRP). It will provide new accommodation for The John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) culminating in a new science building for both institutes.

A key element of the project will be understanding and managing the equipment that will be provided or relocated into the new building.

NGI Programme Office are seeking an Asset Manager to work with JIC Lab Managers and the Facilities Team to lead a review of the system, maintain a detailed and accurate record of scientific equipment and leading the development and implementation of management strategies covering all stages of the equipment life cycle, from purchase to disposal.

The role will be vital to the successful migration of the JIC into the new building and will provide accurate reports to inform funding bids for equipment where required, and planning of lab layouts.

Key Relationships

Within JIC, your key relationships will be with NGI Science Liaison manager and the JIC Lab Managers, also working with the Facilities Business Services Manager. 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Current Asset Database Management
• Responsible for leading the  review and maintenance of data held in the existing bespoke asset management system, identifying  and implementing process improvements

• Ensure the accuracy of current asset records including location, specification, warranty information and service records for all current scientific equipment.

• Manage the process of updating erroneous information where required. Engage  with stakeholders to achieve this with minimal disruption to ongoing operations

• Responsible for the development, establishing and monitoring of data entry protocols to ensure ongoing accurate input for new equipment.

• Responsible for training staff involved in data entry, ensuring adherence to new processes.

• Lead engagement with stakeholders and suppliers of scientific equipment to develop the requirements of a complete life-cycle scientific asset management system.

• Collaborating with Facilities to lead the integration of asset records within a new CAFM and maintenance planning system, ensuring consistency, auditability and lifecycle traceability.

40

Equipment Life Cycle  
• Take sole responsibility for tracking and managing scientific equipment assets from procurement through deployment, maintenance and end of life, including sustainability considerations at all stages.

• Lead on the coordination and monitoring of inventory audits and help identify missing, damaged or obsolete equipment.

• Understand, manage and maintain the budget associated with supplier and third-party maintenance contracts. 

• Lead on writing business cases for investment in new systems or equipment, working with Lab managers to agree technical requirements and specifications. 

30

Process Review and Operational Improvement
• Lead the evaluation of current equipment management workflows and business processes, identify and implement opportunities for improvement.

• Lead collaboration with Lab Managers, Facilities and Finance teams to ensure processes are aligned and efficient.

• Contribute to the management of supplier and maintenance contracts, including monitoring performance, supporting tender reviews and ensuring value-for-money and service quality.

• Support activities relating to statutory compliance, insurance inspections and assurance reporting, ensuring that records, certificates and remedial actions are accurately maintained within asset and CAFM systems.

25

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

A-level education or equivalent

Essential

Good general level of education, 6 GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths

Essential

Degree in a science discipline

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Proficient in using asset management databases or software

Essential

Experience working with CAFM / maintenance management systems, including iimplementation and improvement

Desirable

Experience of scientific or technical equipment commonly used in a research environment

Desirable

Demonstrable understanding of maintenance techniques, inspection regimes and maintenance scheduling principles

Desirable

Demonstrable understanding of maintenance techniques, inspection regimes and maintenance scheduling principles

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of working in a collaborative team environment

Essential

Experience of working asset management or similar role

Essential

Experience of working in an academic/research/scientific environment

Desirable

Experience of contract management or supplier performance monitoring in relation to equipment or maintenance services

Desirable

Experience of developing or improving business processes and operational workflows

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to work on own initiative and to work effectively as part of a team, requiring flexibility, versatility, and adaptability

Essential

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Essential

Demonstrable ability to influence decision makers at all levels

Essential

Good people and interaction skills, with the ability to work with individuals at all levels

Essential

Detail–oriented, highly organised, and efficient. Excellent time management, with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively

Essential

Self-motivated and proactive

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Willingness to occasionally undertake out of hours working

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Directorate

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Asset Manager
Salary:            £36,540 - £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract:        24 months, full-time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 6th April 2026
Reference:     1006078

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Asset Manager to join the Directorate Department, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

About the Programme:

The Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) Programme is a construction project on the Norwich Research Park (NRP) to provide new accommodation for The John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) culminating in a new science building for both institutes. A key element of the project will be understanding and managing the equipment that will be provided or relocated into the new building.

NGI Programme Office are seeking an Asset Manager to work with JIC Lab Managers and the Facilities Team to lead a review of the Equipment tracker system, maintain a detailed and accurate record of scientific equipment and lead the development and implementation of management strategies covering all stages of the equipment life cycle, from purchase to disposal.

The role will be vital to the successful migration of JIC into the new building

The role:

The John Innes Centre (JIC) are seeking an Asset Manager to be responsible for scientific equipment across the institute. Review and maintain systems for the accurate recording and tracking of scientific equipment, developing processes that ensure effective and sustainable management from purchase to end of life and disposal. To achieve this, the role will work closely with JIC Lab Managers, and staff from our Facilities Management, Purchasing and Finance.

The role will also support a major redevelopment programme that will provide a new laboratory building housing JIC and TSL. It is anticipated that the role will develop to current business activities and the management of asset relocation and provision for the new facilities.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in Stakeholder and Contract Management and advance your familiarisation with a range of scientific equipment and technical specifications. You will also work with JIC Lab Managers and the Facilities Team.

The ideal candidate:

You will have a good general level of education, 6 GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths. The ideal candidate will have previous experience of asset management, preferably in a research or technical environment. Experience of developing and managing the implementation of new protocols and processes, using and maintaining asset databases, and strong team working and interpersonal skills are essential for this role.   

Additional information:

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family-friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.