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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure secure and reliable timing services for essential national operations.
- Company: Join the UK's leading Time & Frequency department at the National Timing Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to shape national infrastructure.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation in timing technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Service Operations Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in mission-critical environments. Share specific examples of how you've built and inspired teams to meet KPIs and SLAs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you're interested in, like us at StudySmarter. Express your enthusiasm for the role and ask about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on ITIL principles and service management tools. Be ready to discuss how you can implement robust processes and drive innovation in timing technology. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre
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 technical environments and any relevant projects you've delivered. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the National Timing Centre!
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 KPIs, SLAs, and team building – we love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, don’t forget to showcase your experience in Telecoms or IT engineering if you have it. Mention any familiarity with ITIL principles or service management tools, as these are key to the role. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team!
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. Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in precision timing technology, especially how they relate to satellite systems. This will show your passion for the field and your readiness to contribute to the National Timing Centre.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in mission-critical environments. Think about times when you've successfully built and inspired a team, delivered complex projects, or engaged stakeholders effectively. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to drive strategy at the NTC.
✨Understand ITIL and Service Management
Since this role involves implementing robust processes for ITSM and ITIL, make sure you understand these principles well. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in past roles and how you would implement them in the context of the NTC's operations.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Given the security requirements for this position, be ready to discuss your eligibility for BPSS and DV clearance. Familiarise yourself with what these clearances entail and be honest about your background. This will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of security in this role.