Group Leader - Engineering Manufacturing

At the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) we develop highly accurate metrology instruments, sensors, and artefacts. We design, manufacture, and deliver innovative technical solutions based on advanced measurement science and precision engineering expertise. Our Engineering Department provides an in-house engineering delivery function and oversight to the whole of NPL across a range of activities.

We're looking for a Group Leader to join our growing Engineering team. Reporting into the Head of Engineering, you'll head up the Engineering Manufacturing group and will work with a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, celebrating the unique contributions that everyone brings to the team.

You’ll be working in NPL’s research and development environment responsible for delivery of manufacturing services provided within NPL Engineering and to the wider NPL business, from the manufacture of single components through to fully built instruments, machines, apparatus, and equipment, these are usually highly bespoke and one-offs.

In this role, you'll be taking care of all aspects of the operational management of the group and NPL Engineering’s mechanical and electrical manufacturing facilities. This includes leading, managing and motivating the team to ensure they have the resources and time they need to complete their tasks and engaging across groups and departments. At a strategic level, you’ll work with the management team to meet broader business objectives, whilst ensuring communication and engagement is high across the business.

Areas of focus in the role

Leadership

• Providing clear and effective technical and managerial direction to the group members.
• Being responsible for; planning, organising, and training, to ensure the necessary skills are in place to deliver and maintain good quality Engineering services to our customers.
• Monitoring staffing needs, identifying shortfalls in capacity and capabilities as needed.

Communication

• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders and maintaining close contact with NPL projects teams and collaborative partners.

Operational Management 

• Growing the efficiency of existing organisational capability and developing the processes and procedures to enhance and sustain the organisation’s internal capacity.
• Responsibility for the day-to-day management and expenditure of any delegated budget
• Working closely with Quality, regulatory compliance and safety functions to ensure compliance.
• Ensuring engineering manufacturing activities are fit for purpose and delivered to time, cost, and quality including problem solving technical and delivery issues.
• Controlling, planning, and executing engineering manufacture policy requirements, ensuring they remain fit for purpose.

Key skills that you can bring to the role:

• Demonstrable experience in technical leadership of multi discipline engineering teams.
• Proven people management skills, including ability to guide a team through change and developing their skillset.
• Strong communication, influencing and engagement skills with stakeholders at all levels, internal and external.
• A post-graduate qualification in an engineering field or equivalent work experience.
• Chartered engineer or equivalent experience
• Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organisational control of operations.
• Project management qualification and/or skills
• Have proven knowledge and track record in engineering manufacture and delivery in a high-tech and/or regulated environment.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC 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.

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 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.