Principal Technician

telent; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications provider in the UK is seeking a Principal Technician with a civils focus to enhance their Fibre division. This role involves overseeing the delivery of PON build workstreams and ensuring compliance with safety standards. A strong understanding of Civils Engineering and excellent communication skills are essential. The position offers competitive benefits and a chance to impact the fibre network significantly.

Benefits

Company commercial vehicle

Uncapped overtime opportunities

26 days annual leave + 8 public holidays

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Civils Engineering within the Fibre Telecommunications sector.
• Understanding of project/programme delivery within the Openreach network.
• NRSWA Supervisor certification highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Managing route feasibility, re-routes, and blockage resolution.
• Overseeing civils and Flex gangs for compliance.
• Supporting build activity through technical oversight.

Skills

Civils Engineering knowledge

Analytical and problem-solving ability

Excellent stakeholder and communication skills

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Principal Technician Job Description

Principal PON Technician Civils Focus (West Yorkshire, Field Based)

Location: West Yorkshire covering Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, Barnsley, and York
Occasional travel: Sunderland, Newcastle, Durham (to support wider team)
Driving licence required, NOPS / SA001 / SA002 / SA006 accreditations highly desirable.

Telent is seeking a Principal Technician with strong civils and PON builds experience to join our Fibre division within Network Services. This is an exciting opportunity to help drive a right-first-time culture while delivering high-quality PON builds for Openreach. This is a field based role - full UK driving license required!

Join a team that keeps the UKs critical communications infrastructure connected and protected 24/7. Youll be empowered to innovate, collaborate with technical experts, and make a tangible impact on the nations fibre network.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Area Operations Manager, you will lead and support the delivery of multiple Openreach PON build workstreams, from survey and planning through to build, release, and handover.

Your focus will be on the civils elements of PON deployment - overseeing excavation, ducting, reinstatement, and poling operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient delivery. Youll coordinate contractors, manage field teams, and ensure all works meet quality, safety, and streetworks standards.

Responsibilities

• Managing route feasibility, re-routes, and blockage resolution
• Overseeing civils and Flex gangs, ensuring compliance with NRSWA and Highways SLG standards
• Assessing traffic management requirements and footpath/carriageway reinstatements following civils activity
• Supporting build activity through technical oversight, ensuring contractual and regulatory compliance
• Liaising with suppliers, subcontractors, and local authorities to progress permits and resolve site issues
• Attending site meetings to address customer concerns, validate works, and maintain high service standards

Youll use your field experience and technical judgement to anticipate challenges - minimising delays, avoiding rework, and ensuring cost-effective delivery. By maintaining strong local authority relationships and clear communication across stakeholders, youll keep workstreams fluid and build volumes consistent, supporting both customer performance and revenue targets.

This role gives you genuine ownership and autonomy across the full lifecycle of the build.

Key Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of Civils Engineering within the Fibre Telecommunications sector, including Poling and overhead works
• Understanding of project/programme delivery within the Openreach network
• Strong working knowledge of CDM Regulations and streetworks compliance
• NRSWA Supervisor certification highly beneficial
• IOSH Managing Safely desirable
• Familiarity with PIA standards and civils permitting processes
• Commercial awareness understanding of P&L, cost control, and revenue models
• Technically strong with analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent stakeholder and communication skills
• Computer literate proficient in Microsoft 365 and trainable in internal systems (SUI, CTM, SOLO etc.)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across multiple field teams
• Willingness to travel across the region as required
• Desire to upskill (e.g., fibre splicing exposure and training offered)

What We Offer

A career at Telent gives you the opportunity to grow across sectors, technologies, and customers - developing new skills while helping shape the UKs digital future. Were committed to creating an inclusive, supportive culture that values difference and empowers everyone to thrive.

Benefits include

• Company commercial vehicle
• Uncapped overtime opportunities
• 26 days annual leave + 8 public holidays, with option to buy/sell
• Matched pension scheme
• Family-friendly policies
• Occupational health and wellbeing support
• Discounts on cinema, dining, and shopping through the Telent Rewards scheme