Network Team Leader in Birmingham

• Lead and support a team of network professionals, creating an inclusive and collaborative working environment.
  
• Be accountable for the performance, resilience, security and effectiveness of UKTL's network services.
  
• Develop and communicate plans for network and connectivity services that align with organisational priorities.
  
• Review existing network services and identify opportunities to improve, simplify and modernise where appropriate.
  
• Ensure security considerations are incorporated into network design, delivery and operational processes.
  
• Support continuous improvement activities that enhance service quality, reliability, efficiency and user experience.
  
• Provide leadership and coordination during major incidents, ensuring effective communication and resolution.
  
• Work closely with technology, security, research and delivery teams to understand and meet current and future
• business needs.
  
• Build positive working relationships across UKTL and contribute to informed decision-making.
  
• Oversee network risks, technical debt and lifecycle activities to ensure services remain sustainable and supportable.
  
• Monitor service performance and use data to identify opportunities for improvement.
  
• Work with suppliers and partners to support successful service delivery.
  
• Encourage the adoption of automation and modern ways of working while maintaining appropriate governance.
  
• Support the development of team capability through coaching, knowledge sharing and career development conversations.
  
• Contribute to wider technology initiatives and strategic objectives across UKTL.

What You Could Bring to the Role

• Experience leading or supporting technical teams within a network, infrastructure or connectivity environment.
  
• Strong people leadership skills and the ability to support, develop and motivate others.
  
• Experience working with enterprise-scale network environments and operational services.
  
• Good appreciation of network architectures, connectivity technologies and network security principles.
  
• Experience delivering improvements to network services and infrastructure.
  
• Ability to assess technical environments and identify opportunities for improvement and modernisation.
  
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Experience balancing day-to-day operational priorities with longer-term improvement activities.
  
• Experience supporting teams through change and the adoption of new technologies and processes.
  
• Experience working with suppliers and third-party partners.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Evidence of delivering positive service or business outcomes.

Flexible Working
Successful applicants will be expected to attend our Birmingham office a minimum of two days per week. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide an excellent environment for collaboration, and we encourage colleagues to make the most of our on-site workspace.
We are committed to fostering a positive work-life balance and welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs.

Location
Our site is conveniently located within easy reach of Birmingham, with excellent transport links. We are accessible by rail, with the nearest being Birmingham International station, and are also served by local bus routes. Free on-site parking is available for those travelling by car.
If relocating is required for this role, UKTL may be able to provide relocation support, subject to hiring manager approval, location and eligibility. Please contact your recruiter to discuss the options available to you.

Why Join UKTL?
At UKTL, you'll be part of a mission that has real national impact, helping to strengthen the security, resilience, and future of the UK's telecommunications networks.
We are committed to investing in our people, providing opportunities to develop your technical expertise, broaden your experience, and build a rewarding long-term career. Whether you're an experienced specialist or looking to grow your skills in a new area, you'll benefit from:
• Meaningful work that helps shape the future security of UK telecommunications.
• Access to industry-leading training, professional development, and certification opportunities.
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies across telecoms, cyber security, research, and testing.
• Collaboration with recognised experts in a highly skilled and supportive environment.
• Opportunities to work on unique projects that drive innovation and influence industry best practice.
• A culture that encourages continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and career progression.

Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain You will need to meet the necessary security standards. The role requires SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.SC clearance with no restrictions. Existing SC clearance would be advantageous, although candidates without clearance are encouraged to apply.

Diversity & inclusivity
We actively recruit people from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: people of different ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, neurodivergent conditions, experiences and ways of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from groups that are currently under-represented within our workforce, including women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Salary
Salary for UKTL specialist roles is benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in-demand technical expertise.
We recruit based on capability, technical excellence and potential rather than simply years of experience. As a result, candidates may be considered for different grades depending on their skills, experience and technical depth.
During the interview process, we'll discuss how your experience aligns with our grading framework and provide an indication of the salary range associated with the most appropriate level. This ensures you have a clear understanding of expectations and opportunities from an early stage.
Our technical assessment process is designed to evaluate your expertise in greater detail and will ultimately determine the grade and salary offered. We are committed to offering competitive, market-aligned reward packages that recognise the value and impact our specialists bring to UKTL.

Our Benefits
At UKTL-NPL, we recognise that our people are key to our success. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development and financial security. Benefits include: [uktl.org.uk], [npl.co.uk]
• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 12%.
• Life assurance providing cover of three times your annual salary.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, sick pay and shared parental leave.
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and surrogacy leave, including up to 39 weeks' full pay.
• Private GP service with confidential phone and video appointments.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free and confidential advice and counselling.
• Group Income Protection for additional financial security during periods of long-term illness.
• Interest-free loans for season tickets, rental deposits, house purchase deposits and other qualifying purchases.
• MyLifestyle benefits platform, providing discounts across retail, supermarkets, entertainment, travel and fitness providers.
• CSSC membership offering access to additional leisure, travel and lifestyle benefits.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.
• Professional development opportunities including technical training, mentoring, coaching and leadership development.
• Support towards professional accreditation and chartered status.
• Annual salary reviews and market benchmarking to ensure competitive and fair pay.
• Access to wellbeing initiatives, employee networks, social clubs and community activities.

We are committed to helping our people thrive both professionally and personally, providing the support, flexibility and opportunities needed to build a rewarding and meaningful career.

• UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security.

  Read more about UKTL here!

  Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.

  As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

  The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

  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, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

  At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

  We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.