At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and support programme governance for a groundbreaking national timing project.
- Company: Join the National Timing Centre, a leader in precision timing and digital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Flexible working, diverse culture, and a commitment to employee well-being.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and offering guaranteed interviews for disabled candidates.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital project that enhances UK digital infrastructure and security.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong stakeholder communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role
Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department seeks a Commercial & Programme Controller with experience in contract management and programme controls. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the global authority in precision timing at a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure. Backed by a government investment of £180million in the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, we are developing a world‑first resilient time distribution capability that will provide industry with a robust complement to satellite systems such as GPS – which are increasingly vulnerable to disruption from solar storms, jamming and spoofing. This will underpin essential services and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail.
- Telecommunications
- Online banking
- Emergency response
- Transport networks
- Wider digital and data‑driven operations
This role combines day‑to‑day contract coordination and change control activities with broader support to programme governance and reporting within a complex national infrastructure programme environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the maintenance, tracking, and reporting of contract documentation and performance – ensuring all records are accurate, audit‑ready, and aligned with governance standards.
- Manage and coordinate the end‑to‑end contract change control process – including defining, logging, tracking, and approving changes.
- Timely contract administration – collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Support commercial and programme governance activities across the NTC programme.
- Contribute to programme reporting, dashboards and management information; assist with tracking actions, dependencies and programme‑level coordination activities to external stakeholders such as DSIT, NISTA and HMT.
About You
Essential
- Demonstrable success in delivering commercial support, procurement, and/or contract management.
- Recent experience in contract management processes (including reporting and change control).
- Proven experience supporting complex projects/programmes.
- Knowledge of programme governance, assurance frameworks, risk management, and control processes across the lifecycle.
- Proven ability to manage stakeholders and communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
- Proactive, collaborative approach with strong relationship‑building skills.
Desirable
- Experience working on Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) programmes.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations.
You will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. For this role in the Time & Frequency department, SC clearance with no restrictions is required, or you must have the ability to obtain SC clearance.
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age. Applications from women, disabled candidates and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates are encouraged. All disabled candidates who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working arrangements and a broad range of benefits are embedded in our culture.
Commercial & Programme Controller - The National Timing Centre in Teddington employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Join the National Timing Centre, a pioneering leader in precision timing, where your role as a Commercial & Programme Controller will be pivotal in shaping the future of UK digital infrastructure. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and equality, you will find ample opportunities for professional growth while contributing to critical national projects that ensure the reliability of essential services. This is not just a job; it's a chance to be part of something transformative in a supportive and innovative environment.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial & Programme Controller - The National Timing Centre in Teddington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges, especially around contract management and programme controls. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Commercial & Programme Controller. Highlight your successes in contract management and stakeholder communication to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial & Programme Controller - The National Timing Centre in Teddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contract management and programme controls. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your experience and how it relates to the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves managing stakeholders, make sure to include examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past. We love seeing how you’ve built relationships and navigated challenges in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in contract management processes. Brush up on your knowledge of change control and governance standards, as these will be crucial in the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed contracts or navigated complex project environments.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires strong relationship-building skills, so think about times when you’ve effectively communicated complex information to various stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your proactive approach and how you’ve collaborated with teams to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Programme Governance
Familiarise yourself with programme governance frameworks and risk management processes. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied these in previous roles, especially in relation to managing dependencies and tracking actions within a programme environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to contract changes or stakeholder conflicts. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly. This will show your analytical skills and ability to handle real-world challenges in the role.
