ICG Principal Technical Advisor

COM1000 Office of Communications; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Disability confident employer

Job summary

Ofcom is seeking a Senior Technical Expert for the Infrastructure and Connectivity Group. The role will shape regulatory thinking and technology programmes across telecoms, satellites, and networks, guiding policy decisions and industry collaboration.

You will lead a small team and collaborate with senior leaders to deliver complex programmes that advance the UK’s digital infrastructure. The successful candidate will apply deep technical expertise in 3GPP, satellite and optical networks, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, evidence-based advice.
• Experience shaping regulatory thinking and technology strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across infrastructure, connectivity, security and resilience.
• Translate complex concepts into clear recommendations for senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a small technical team to deliver regulatory programmes and projects.
• Shape Ofcom’s technology strategy and respond to industry developments.

Skills

3GPP/mobile architecture (4G/5G)

Satellite communications

Optical networking

Carrier Ethernet/MPLS/IP

Broadcast technology

Data analysis

Regulatory context

Stakeholder management

Programme leadership

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Closing Date: 21/10/2026 Group: Infrastructure and Connectivity Group Management Level: Principal Job Type: Permanent

Job Description: Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Wednesday 21 October, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Tuesday 20 October.

About Ofcom

As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.

About the team you’ll be part of

The purpose of the Infrastructure and Connectivity Group is to advance a better-connected UK so people and businesses can participate in and benefit from a digital society. We do this by helping deliver the connectivity that supports the services people and businesses want, promoting competition and investment in the industries we oversee and helping make sure that communications networks are secure and resilient. Our work helps drive innovation, deliver consumer choice and value, and makes sure people and businesses get the services they need. Technology in our sectors changes fast and there are always new and exciting issues to explore. In a time of significant digital disruption, we support economic growth by ensuring that our communications infrastructure meets the country’s needs and enables a wide range of digital services. The purpose and scope of the role The successful candidate would act as a senior technical expert across communications technologies, helping shape regulatory thinking, strategic programmes and policy decisions relating to the UK's digital infrastructure. They will bring significant experience in the telecommunications industry and be able to shape future technical work programmes to deliver against Ofcom’s strategic plan.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with colleagues across Ofcom, providing technical leadership and contributing expertise to a broad range of work across infrastructure, connectivity, security, resilience, competition and consumer policy Commission, conduct and critically evaluate technical research and analysis to support regulatory interventions, policy development and strategic decision making.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations for senior leaders, policy teams and external stakeholders.
• Future focussed with an ability to anticipate and consider technological developments and the influence and impact on our work (including industry standards and fora)
• Responsible for the management and development of a small technical team
• Contribute to Ofcom broader technology strategy regarding the sector’s ICG regulate.
• Working with peers to ensure the team can deliver the optimum outputs in most effective manner

The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success

• Technical expertise in 3GPP mobile network architecture, including 4G and 5G (NSA and SA).
• Practical experience of designing satellite communications solutions with GEO satellites and LEO constellations.
• Knowledge of optical networking and the practical application of fibre in access, metro, core, and sub-sea networks.
• An understanding of telecoms transmission and transport networks, including Carrier Ethernet, MPLS, and IP.
• An appreciation of TV and radio broadcasting technologies, such as Digital Terrestrial Television.
• Proven experience of working with complex data sets and a familiarity with Ofcom’s role within their sector(s).
• The ability to research and learn new technologies as required by the role.
• A proven track record of communicating complex technologies in an accessible manner.
• Experience working across classifications and sensitive areas.
• Scanning Horizons: Strong strategic thinking and programme leadership skills.
• Harmonising Work: Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and regulatory landscapes.
• Executing Plans: Ability to form, lead and motivate successful project teams to deliver complex programmes and projects.
• Forming Relationships: Quickly build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Articulating Ideas: Communicate complex and contentious subjects clearly to different audiences, including leading discussions with senior colleagues.
• Executing Plans: independently set and lead delivery of projects with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelors degree in an associated field or equivalent.

Inclusive hiring at Ofcom

At Ofcom, our mission is clear: to make communications work for everyone. To achieve that, our people must reflect the diversity of the UK, in background, identity and experience. We believe innovation thrives when difference is valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. That’s why we welcome colleagues of all ethnicities and races, sexes, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, faiths and beliefs, and those with apparent and non‑apparent disabilities. We value socio‑economic diversity, life experience and neurodiversity too. Whether you’re a carer, a parent, a veteran, or re‑entering work after time away, your voice and perspective matter here. Flexibility is at the heart of how we work because we want you to thrive in a way that suits you best. Most roles can therefore be adapted for part‑time hours, job shares, or other flexible arrangements. Learn more about our Rewards, Benefits and Wellbeing on our careers page. Our recruitment process is intentionally designed to be open and accessible. If you need adjustments, information in a different format or an alternative way to apply, contact us at [e-mail] or 0330 912 1378. As a proud Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role. You can read more about this commitment here. Whoever you are, whatever your story, you belong at Ofcom. We make communications work for everyone.

As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.

Ofcom’s remit is huge – we keep UK citizens and consumers safe from harm and ensure they receive the best possible service from their communications providers. Find out more about Ofcom, where we operate, and the different types of work we do to keep the country connected. At Ofcom we are determined to do all we can to promote diversity and equality inside our organisation and in the wider sectors we regulate. Diversity and equality are fundamental to achieving our purpose to make communications work for everyone. We need to make the best decisions for all UK consumers and citizens. To do this, it is essential that all levels of our organisation are diverse and foster an inclusive culture.