Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington
Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre

Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington

Teddington Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the National Timing Centre programme and inspire a high-performing team.
  • Company: Join a world-leading Time & Frequency department with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to work on critical national services.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across diverse teams.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a £180 million initiative supporting essential services.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in technical environments and experience in complex project delivery.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

About the Role

Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a Service Operations Lead to drive the operation of the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, a government‑invested £180 million initiative providing a resilient time distribution capability to support critical national services.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define operational requirements and collaborate with the NTC Leadership Team, scientists and engineers.
  • Recruit, develop and inspire a high‑performing team across science, IT, networks and cyber to deliver on KPIs and SLAs.
  • Establish and manage the Service Management Centre, ensuring that all performance metrics are met.
  • Implement robust processes and tools for ITSM, ITIL and cyber security.
  • Play a key role in risk management and technical design forums.

Essential Qualifications

  • Proven leadership experience in mission‑critical technical environments.
  • Experience delivering complex engineering projects on time and to standard.
  • Expertise in team building, recruitment and operational planning.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and supplier‑management skills.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience in Telecoms or IT engineering.
  • Service operations experience.
  • Knowledge of timing & frequency systems.
  • Familiarity with telecom standards and protocols.
  • Understanding of ITIL principles.
  • Proficiency with service‑management tools.
  • Strong IT skills, including automation and efficiency solutions.

Security Clearance Requirements

Applicants must hold or be able to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) clearance with no restrictions.

Equal Opportunity

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but certain roles may require nationality, residency and security criteria. National Physical Laboratory requires BPSS (or DV) security clearance for this role. All disabled candidates who satisfy the minimum criteria are guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

As a leading employer in the Time & Frequency sector, we offer a dynamic work environment where innovation meets critical national service. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our robust training programmes and collaborative culture, fostering growth and excellence within a high-performing team. Located at the forefront of technology, the National Timing Centre provides unique opportunities to contribute to significant national initiatives while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

Contact Detail:

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around the National Timing Centre programme. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their work.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and team management. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. And remember, if you see a role that fits you perfectly, apply through our website – we’re always looking for talented individuals like you!

We think you need these skills to ace Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington

Leadership Experience
Operational Planning
Team Building
Stakeholder Engagement
Supplier Management
Service Management
ITIL
Cyber Security
Risk Management
Technical Design
Telecoms Engineering
Timing & Frequency Systems Knowledge
Service-Management Tools Proficiency
Automation Solutions
Efficiency Solutions

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Service Operations Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience in technical environments and any relevant projects you've delivered on time.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the NTC programme. Share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and managed complex operations in the past.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your expertise in ITIL, service management tools, and any knowledge of timing & frequency systems. We want to see how your technical background aligns with our needs!

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure you apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Service Operations Lead role. Brush up on ITIL principles, service management tools, and the specifics of timing and frequency systems. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in mission-critical environments. Think about times when you successfully built a team or delivered complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you inspire and develop high-performing teams.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since strong stakeholder engagement is crucial, come prepared with examples of how you've managed relationships with suppliers and stakeholders in the past. This shows you can navigate the complexities of collaboration effectively.

✨Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to risk management and technical design. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you would implement robust processes and tools in the context of the National Timing Centre programme.

Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington
National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Location: Teddington

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