About the Role

We are looking for a Programme Director to lead the NPL Quantum Programme . This supports the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) by enabling the UK quantum industry to develop products with confidence and prove value to customers, end users and investors.

Join NPL to lead a high-profile programme that is supporting the UK’s National priorities and will bring real- world benefits to the UK and globally.

NPL works at a strategic level with government, industry and academia to respond to the challenges and priorities of supporting the economic future of the UK.

Our programmes translate cutting-edge science and engineering into high impact practical applications. Leading the delivery of these programmes is a major responsibility and an opportunity to make a difference for the UK. 

Your role will be within our Senior Leadership Team and may evolve to lead other programmes over time.

Responsibilities

  • You will provide visible, strong leadership to the programme, setting direction to the programme delivery team to ensure the agreed outcomes and benefits are achieved.
  • You will be responsible for developing and updating the programme business case, ensuring that the programme strategic direction remains aligned with government priorities and continues to represent good value for money.  You will drive the approach to benefits realisation and ensure these are being monitored.
  • You will build strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders, securing their commitment to the programme and ensuring it is responds to their need.
  • You will establish appropriate and robust governance across the programme that enables effective delivery of its projects, embedding an open and honest culture across delivery partners that enables the successful delivery of the agreed outcomes. 
  • You will be accountable for proactively managing strategic risks and issues impacting the programme and ensuring that the programme has an effective and appropriate assurance mechanism in place.
  • You will work as part of a wider cadre of programme teams, working together as a cohesive programme delivery capability.  
  • We want you to champion programme management best practices throughout the organisation and support their wider adoption.

Your success in this role will mean the outcomes of a major programme led by NPL deliver national benefit.

Please note internally this role is known as "Head Of Quantum Programmes"
About You
 
  • You will be an experienced programme director with a track record in successfully delivering complex programmes, ideally in a public sector, science or research-led environment.
  • You will have the credibility, passion and experience to create and communicate a compelling vision for the programme.
  • You will be adept at engaging, influencing and building confidence across a wide range of senior stakeholders spanning government, industry and academia.
  • You will have the leadership skills to direct programme delivery, encouraging collaboration across diverse teams, and steering projects to achieve the programme outcomes.
  • You will engender an unrelenting focus on ensuring the programme is achieving its aims and be prepared to adjust plans in response to changing circumstances or to accelerate the realisation of benefits.
  • You will be experienced in establishing robust and appropriate governance and assurance mechanisms that satisfy the needs of programme funders.  
  • You will be highly proficient in programme and project management techniques, recognised by some form of professional accreditation and are likely to have experience of projects within the Governments Major Projects Portfolio. 
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.

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

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 are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognitionOur 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. 


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