Project Controller

National Physical Laboratory; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory is seeking a Project Controller for its National Timing Centre Delivery Programme. The role involves overseeing project controls, managing complex projects within government standards, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. Applicants should have substantial project management experience and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Qualifications

• Experience managing high-complexity projects within Government Major Projects Portfolio.
• Strong knowledge of assurance frameworks and control processes.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and present complex information.

Responsibilities

• Support project planning and program governance.
• Lead setup and management of programme controls.
• Monitor and review project performance.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

Job description

We’re seeking a Project Controller to work on NPL’s National Timing Centre Delivery Programme (NTCDP).

The NTCDP, led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), is the UK's first nationally distributed time infrastructure. It aims to provide trusted and assured time and frequency distribution across the UK, reducing reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS. This initiative ensures the resilience of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including:

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

By establishing a secure, reliable, and nationally distributed time infrastructure, the NTCDP enhances the UK's competitiveness in global trade and manufacturing, ensuring consistency and recognition of measurement units and standards worldwide. You will oversee Project Controls across NTCDP and ensure that all projects are managed to the highest standards.

Key responsibilities:

1. Supporting project planning
2. Program governance, resolving issues, and change management
3. Leading the setup, integration, and ongoing management of programme controls, including:
1. Governance frameworks and board support
2. Risk and opportunity management
3. Assurance planning and delivery coordination
4. Dependency and interface management
4. Leading reporting (to DSIT, NISTA, and HMT) and establishing effective reporting and performance frameworks
5. Monitoring and reviewing project performance

Essential experience:

• Managing high-complexity projects/programmes within the Government Major Projects Portfolio
• Managing change within projects/programmes and communicating with multiple stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of programme assurance frameworks, risk management standards, and control processes across the full lifecycle
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and present complex information clearly
• Experience in developing and applying project management processes and tools, with a willingness to continually improve

Desirable experience:

• Developing other Project Managers through training, tools, or mentoring
• Creating business cases, planning, and reporting
• Proactive governance control, project/programme controls, and delivery monitoring and influencing

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds. However, due to the nature of our work, specific security requirements may apply, including the need for BPSS or SC security clearance. Applicants will be asked about this during the recruitment process.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, and the closing date may be brought forward. We encourage interested applicants to apply promptly.