Programme Controller

National Physical Laboratory; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility in the UK is seeking a Programme Controller for the National Timing Centre Delivery Programme. This role involves managing complex projects to ensure the resilience and security of critical national infrastructure. Key responsibilities include supporting programme planning, governance, and monitoring project performance. Candidates should possess strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with a background in change management. Security clearance may be required for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience working with complex projects/programmes.
• Knowledge of change management and control processes.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide Programme Controls across NTCDP.
• Support programme planning, scheduling, and estimating.
• Monitor and review project performance.

Skills

Complex project management

Change management knowledge

Programme assurance frameworks

Risk management standards

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

We’re seeking a Programme Controller to work on NPL’s National Timing Centre Delivery Programme (NTCDP) – a high-profile, complex initiative at the heart of the UK’s future Critical National Infrastructure.

The NTCDP is the UK’s first nationally-distributed timekeeping infrastructure. It aims to provide trusted and assured time and frequency distribution; reducing reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS.

This initiative ensures the resilience and security of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI); including

• Energy grids
• Telecommunications (5G/6G)
• Financial systems

Through establishing secure and reliable timing infrastructure, the National Timing Centre enhances the UK’s competitiveness in global trade and manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to a PMO Lead, you will provide Programme Controls across NTCDP and ensure that all projects are maintained to the highest standard, including

• Supporting programme planning, scheduling and estimating
• Assisting with governance, resolving issues, and change management
• Contributing to the set-up, integration and ongoing management of programme controls across Governance frameworks and board support, Risk and opportunity management, Assurance planning and delivery coordination, Dependency and interface management

• Preparing reports (to DSIT, NISTA and HMT) and contributing to effective reporting and performance frameworks
• Monitoring / reviewing project performance

Essential: Experience working with complex projects/programmes; Knowledge of change management within projects/programmes; Knowledge of programme assurance frameworks, risk management standards, and control processes across the full lifecycle; Strong communication skills and stakeholder management; with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and present complex information clearly; Experience in applying project management processes and tools.

Desirable: Experience working with programmes on the "Government Major Projects Portfolio".

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 practical.