Managing Director - Future Telecoms

As a key member of the NPL Executive Team, reporting to the CEO, the Managing Director for the Future Telecoms Business Unit will play a pivotal role in shaping, leading, and accelerating NPL’s contribution to one of the UK’s most strategically significant technology domains. This role provides devolved leadership of the Business Unit, with clear accountability for performance, growth, customer relationships, and scientific and commercial impact.

The Managing Director will define and deliver a market‑shaping vision that positions NPL at the forefront of future communications, digital infrastructure and enabling technologies. The role anticipates market shifts, champions innovation, and connects Business Unit performance with enterprise‑wide priorities to maximise national and organisational value.

As an enterprise‑level leader, the MD will work collaboratively across the Executive and with partners, customers, regulators and key stakeholders to strengthen NPL’s influence, build strategic relationships and unlock new opportunities across telecoms and adjacent sectors. This role is central to ensuring NPL remains relevant, connected, and impactful in its sector.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute customer‑centric strategies that drive scientific innovation, market relevance and sustainable growth.
• Align Business Unit priorities with NPL’s mission, values and enterprise capabilities.

Customer Growth & Delivery

• Full ownership of new business acquisition and delivery against commercial targets.
• Shape and influence major bids and opportunities.
• Act as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for significant customer programmes.
• Accountable for Business Unit budget setting and financial performance.
• Own end‑to‑end delivery across science, delivery and customer engagement.
• Leverage market and customer insight to inform growth, capability development and impact.

Customer Relationships & Retention

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior customers, partners and regulators.
• Ensure customer activity anticipates future needs and aligns with strategic priorities.
• Represent the customer agenda with clarity and insight at Executive and Board level.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop strong, collegiate relationships across NPL and its external ecosystem.
• Ensure the Business Unit is fully aligned with the wider organisational vision.
• Partner with central customer functions to unlock enterprise and cross‑Business Unit growth.

Leadership & Culture

• Foster a culture of collaboration, empowerment and customer focus.
• Develop senior leaders and role‑model inclusive, values‑led leadership.
• Create accountability for safety, security and wellbeing across the Business Unit.

Governance & Assurance

• Set and assure KPIs in partnership with enabling functions.
• Maintain proportionate governance and ensure compliance with regulatory, ethical and security requirements.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in telecoms, digital infrastructure or adjacent technology sectors.
• Experience operating in science, physics or engineering‑led environments.
• Strong B2B, customer‑centric leadership credibility at executive and board level.
• A track record of leading large‑scale, complex programmes.
• Experience navigating diverse stakeholder landscapes and secure environments.
• Capability leading blended employee and contractor workforces.
• Resilience, curiosity and adaptability in fast‑evolving markets.

Personal Attributes

• Enterprise‑minded, collaborative and externally focused.
• Naturally curious with strong instinct for emerging opportunities and market shifts.
• Skilled at influencing without hierarchy, building trust and alignment.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to adapt across technical, customer, board and partner audiences.
• An inspirational “leader of leaders” who empowers, develops and energises teams.
• Values‑led, inclusive and people‑centred in leadership approach.

Security & Eligibility

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 in this role, you will need to have a DV clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an DV clearance. 

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.