At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop innovative timing technology for critical national services.
- Company: Join the world-leading Time & Frequency department at the National Timing Centre.
- Benefits: Be part of a £180 million government-backed project with career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital infrastructure and ensure reliability in essential services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in technical environments and experience in complex engineering projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
Qualifications and Experience
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.
- 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 Teddington employer: National Physical Laboratory
Join our world-leading Time & Frequency department as a Service Operations Lead and be part of a pioneering initiative that is shaping the future of UK digital infrastructure. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth in a mission-critical environment. Located at the National Timing Centre, you will play a vital role in ensuring the reliability of essential services that underpin modern society, all while working with a diverse team of experts dedicated to excellence.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington
✨Get Chummy with Industry Events
Dive into telecommunications networking conferences and expos. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers like National Physical Laboratory and learn about open positions directly from their teams. Keep an eye out for workshops or panels – they’re perfect for showcasing your passion and expertise!
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✨Showcase Your Skills with Personal Projects
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✨Utilise Online Job Boards Wisely
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We think you need these skills to ace Service Operations Lead - National Timing Centre in Teddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:When you're applying for a role in telecommunications and networking, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Mention specific technologies you're proficient in, like IP networking, VoIP, or security protocols. Be sure your CV includes any relevant certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+; they really show you've got the chops for the job.
Tailor Your Experience to Match Networking Projects:In your CV and cover letter, don’t just list your past jobs—showcase specific projects that align with the role! If you've worked on network design, implementation, or troubleshooting, weave those experiences in and highlight metrics to demonstrate your impact. This paints a vivid picture of how you'd fit into the role at National Physical Laboratory.
Show Enthusiasm for the Industry:With telecommunications evolving rapidly, it’s important to express your passion for the field in your application. Mention any trends or innovations you've been following that excite you and how they'd influence your work. This can really set you apart and show that you're not just after a job, but a career!
Keep It Clean and Professional:While it’s important to be personable, ensure your application maintains a clean and structured format. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for hiring managers to dig into your skills and experience. Remember, you’re applying for a full-time role, so a well-organised application will signal your seriousness about the position at National Physical Laboratory.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Brush Up on Networking Protocols
Make sure you’re up to speed with the key networking protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and perhaps even MPLS if it's relevant. We can expect technical questions about how these protocols function and the problems they solve, so a solid understanding will help you shine.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Got a portfolio? Bring it along! Highlight any relevant projects where you've designed or managed network systems. This is your chance to demonstrate practical experience; employers love to see how your skills can be applied in real-world scenarios.
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Scenarios
You might be faced with a case study or a technical troubleshooting scenario during the interview. Practise responding to common networking issues—like packet loss or latency problems. Thinking through these scenarios will help us sound confident and competent in our responses.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration Skills
In the telecommunications field, teamwork is key! Make sure to share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively, whether in past jobs or projects at uni. Employers want to see that you’re not just technically savvy, but also great at working within a team setting.
