Head - Telecoms Modernisation Programme (FTC)

Department: Market Programmes

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: London

Compensation: £45,000 - £65,000 / year

techUK Overview: techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. With over 1100 members (the majority of which are SMEs) across the UK, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy and the planet. By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.

Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF) Overview: The Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF) is the UK Government’s advisory group on digital connectivity issues. Its members collaborate, source evidence, provide expertise and make recommendations to Government, regulators and industry, with the aim of developing policies which deliver seamless digital connectivity across the UK.

Role Overview: The purpose of the program is to oversee and coordinate industry activity around the move from legacy telephone networks – principally the retirement of the Public Switched Telephone Network and move to digital (IP‑based) lines but also looking ahead to 2G switch off and copper retirement. The role will serve as a single point of contact for industry, stakeholders and Ofcom and the UK Government. The role will sit within the Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF). As Head of the Telecoms Modernisation Function, you would be responsible for developing and delivering a proactive and comprehensive outreach program to increase engagement, spread awareness, and focus on solutions for the successful migration of consumer or business edge cases, special services, and the CNI sector as the telecoms sector moves ahead with its infrastructure upgrade programme. This high‑profile role would see you at the heart of a strategic digital upgrade programme, responsible for representing industry plans and progress to stakeholders, actively engaging with the CNI and business sectors to raise awareness and troubleshoot potential issues and supporting the telecoms industry outreach into the special services sector and third party dependencies. The position requires the ability to work with a large and diverse selection of external stakeholders. You will need to build consensus, have an excellent understanding of the telecoms market, develop a work programme in a multi‑stakeholder environment, and deliver clear messages to stakeholders outside the telecoms sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a bi‑monthly Ops Board meeting with programme sponsors, setting out engagement activity and progress and suggest actions to troubleshoot identified issues.
• Develop overview of programme activity for the year and ensure programme sponsor priority areas are identified and supported and identify opportunities for proactive collaboration.
• Organise events and roundtables to reflect the industry areas in need of additional support and maintain the profile of techUK’s role in the programme.
• Be the go‑to voice of industry on the program and speaker at external events.
• Maintain meetings with government officials, regulator and other stakeholders including local government and the third sector on industry plans and programme progress.
• Work with other techUK programmes to identify opportunities for cross programme collaboration.
• Maintain the Digital Phone Switchover website so that it remains relevant and up‑to‑date.
• Work with the Head of Press and Media in the instance of media coverage.
• Oversee financial and operational spend and ensuring continued financial viability of programme.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:

Core Competencies:

• A proactive, self‑motivated individual who is comfortable leading several projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and good at building relationships.
• An effective communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Operational and financial management skills, including supporting the sustainability of the programme.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Attention to detail.

Essential Knowledge and Experience:

• A strong understanding of the UK’s policy and regulatory approach to telecoms.
• In‑depth knowledge of public policy and public affairs.
• Experience of managing projects and external consultants.
• A proven track record and experience of building and managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including at the C‑suite level.

Desired Knowledge and Experience:

• In‑depth technical understanding of the UK’s telecoms networks services and the products delivered.
• A proven track record of managing events ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrable management expertise and ability to work with small but dedicated team.

Additional Information: This is based out of techUK's London offices. However, techUK operates a flexible working policy. This is a 12‑month fixed term contract, reporting into the Head of the Digital Connectivity Forum, based at techUK’s London offices. The role can either be full‑time or part‑time which can be configured across four days. This role profile is a guide to the work that is required but does not form part of any contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances. The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK prior to the commencement of employment.