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- Tasks: Lead a team to develop innovative timing solutions for critical national services.
- Company: Join the UK's leading authority in precision timing and digital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to shape national services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a mission-critical setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential services that underpin modern society.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in technical environments and experience in complex project delivery.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a Service Operations Lead. 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 £180 million 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, including:
- Telecommunications
- Online banking
- Emergency response
- Transport networks
- Wider digital and data‑driven operations
Together, these services form the backbone of modern society—and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail.
Key responsibilities
- You’ll define operational requirements, collaborate with the NTC Leadership Team, scientists and engineers, and recruit and inspire a team of specialists to deliver against KPIs and SLAs.
- This is a unique opportunity to shape a critical national service and drive innovation in timing technology.
- Drive strategy and collaboration with NTC leadership, scientists, and engineers.
- Recruit and develop a high‑performing team across science, IT, networks, and cyber.
- Establish and manage the Service Management Centre, ensuring KPIs and SLAs are met.
- Implement robust processes and tools for ITSM, ITIL, and cyber security.
- Play a key role in risk management and technical design forums.
Key skills, experience and qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:
Essential
- Proven leadership 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
- Experience in Telecoms or IT engineering.
- Service Operations experience.
- Knowledge of timing & frequency systems.
- Familiarity with telecom standards and protocols.
- Understanding of ITIL principles.
- Proficient with service management tools.
- Strong IT skills, including automation and efficiency solutions.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.
To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. To work in this role, you will need to have Developed Vetting (DV) clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain DV clearance (with no restrictions).
Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in London employer: National Physical Laboratory
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals 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 mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals, especially in areas like ITSM and cyber security. Tailor your responses to show how you can help them achieve their KPIs and SLAs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on demonstrating your leadership experience and technical expertise, especially in mission-critical environments, as these are key for the Service Operations Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the National Timing Centre and contributing to something truly impactful.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Operations Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience in mission-critical environments and any relevant projects you've delivered. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about precision timing and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your experience with team building and operational planning.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, don’t forget to showcase your experience in Telecoms or IT engineering. If you have knowledge of timing & frequency systems or ITIL principles, make that clear – we love seeing that expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Know Your Timing Tech
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of timing and frequency systems. Understand how they work and their importance in the context of telecommunications and digital infrastructure. This will show your passion for the field and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in mission-critical environments. Think about times when you've successfully built and managed teams, delivered complex projects, or engaged stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and develop a high-performing team at the National Timing Centre.
✨Understand ITIL and Service Management
Familiarise yourself with ITIL principles and service management tools. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement robust processes and ensure KPIs and SLAs are met. This knowledge will demonstrate your readiness to take on the operational challenges of the role.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Since this role requires BPSS and DV security clearance, be ready to discuss your background and any potential issues that could arise. Honesty is key here, so make sure you understand the requirements and can confidently address them during the interview.