Programme Manager

UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL)

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 the UKTL here!

Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility 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.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham 2 days per week.

This role is considered suitable for flexible hours providing the key responsibilities are met on time. The role is equivalent to 28 hours/week and can be spread across several days providing availability for key meetings and reporting deadlines are maintained.

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business demands permit. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

STRATEGIC BUDGET MANAGEMENT

• Evolve financial models and funding streams in line with evolving technology scope.
• Evaluate the commercial viability of new revenue streams and business models entering new revenue streams into SalesForce.
• Perform the Project Accounting function to deliver an accurate and effective service that enables informed decision making to support the business to deliver the strategic outcomes.
• Extract and analyse data to provide the intelligence and work with the UKTL leadership team to manage the business.
  Liaise and support NPL's finance team to ensure cohesion and alignment across the organisation.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING

• Coordinate and prepare the budget and financial forecasts identifying, reporting and explaining variances.
• Generate ad hoc financial reports as required by the business
• Planning, tracking and management of operational and project budgets.
• Prepare, analyse and publish timely and accurate monthly, quarter and annual financial forecasts and reports based on data from the NPL ERP system (Microsoft D365).
• Extract data from D365 and reconcile accounts working with the central financial team.
• Support month, quarter and year-end close process for UKTL/NPL.
• Work with UKTL Team Leads to ensure budgets and spend are controlled.

GOVERNANCE, EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS

• Oversee quality of management reports provided to the business leaders to ensure high quality, timeliness and consistency.
• Support continuous improvement to ensure efficient and effective operational delivery.
• Ensure efficient and effective budgetary controls are implemented, followed and reviewed regularly.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Liaise with Department of Finance, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) finance team to ensure the contracted level of financial transparency.

CHANGE

• Be an agent of change through visible ownership, clear and consistent communications and a focus on benefits realisation.
• Recommend changes in policies or procedures that will improve project financial performance or processes.

VALUES IN ACTION

• Model and promote NPL’s values. Work individually and collectively to embed the values and increase their manifestation on behaviours within UKTL.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proficiency in accounting principles and processes.
• High level of familiarity with project and operational budget functions.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience reporting to a variety of stakeholders with different requirements.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with stakeholders both internal and external.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey financial information to different target stakeholder groups.
• Advanced skills in Excel.
• Experience with D365 desirable (but full training will be provided)

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.

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. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role within UKTL, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

UKTL is operated by The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) which 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.

NPL and UKTL 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 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 hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

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.