Commercial & Programme Controller - The National Timing Centre

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek a Commercial & Programme Controller with experience in contract management and programme controls.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the global authority in precision timing at a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure. 

Backed by a government investment of £180 million in the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, we are developing a world-first resilient time distribution capability that will provide industry with a robust complement to satellite systems such as GPS – which are increasingly vulnerable to disruption from solar storms, jamming and spoofing. This will underpin essential services; including

• Telecommunications, 
• Online banking, 
• Emergency response, 
• Transport networks, and 
• Wider digital and data-driven operations.

Together, these services form the backbone of modern society - and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail.

This role combines day-to-day contract coordination and change control activities with broader support to programme governance and reporting within a complex national infrastructure programme environment.

 Key responsibilities:

Reporting to the PMO Lead, you will lead programme contract support activities with a primary focus on contract management, while providing programme controls across NTC to ensure projects are maintained to the highest standards. This includes;

• Own the maintenance, tracking, and reporting of contract documentation and performance - ensuring all records are accurate, audit-ready, and aligned with governance standards

• Managing and coordinate the end-to-end contract change control process - including defining, logging, tracking, and approving

• Timely contract administration - collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders

• Supporting commercial and programme governance activities across the NTC programme

• Contribute to programme reporting, dashboards and management information. Assist with tracking actions, dependencies and programme-level coordination activities to external stakeholder such as (to DSIT, NISTA and HMT)

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:  

Essential:

• Demonstrable success in delivering commercial support, procurement, and/or contract management

• Recent experience in contract management processes (including reporting and change control)

• Proven experience supporting complex projects/programmes

• Knowledge of programme governance, assurance frameworks, risk management, and control processes across the lifecycle

• Proven ability to manage stakeholders and communicate complex information clearly and effectively

• Proactive, collaborative approach with strong relationship-building skills

• Experience working on Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) programmes

• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations

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.

However, to work in this role in the Time & Frequency department, 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 possible.

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. 

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 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.

 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 benefits. 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.