Group Leader

About the Role

Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too.

Our research teams need to focus on the task in hand to propel our growth. Thanks to you, they can, as you’ll be taking care of all aspects of the operational management of the group. This will include managing the team to ensure they have the resources and time they need to complete their tasks. It means you’ll need to link in with project managers and delivery managers to make sure that all projects, products and services are delivered on time, to budget and to the highest standard. Along the way, you will be certain to manage expectations and take remedial action as needed. Not only will you facilitate the work the research teams conduct internally, you’ll also build strong relationships with our customers, so that their needs are met. At a strategic level, it will be your responsibility to work with the leadership team so that you’re hitting broader business objectives, whilst ensuring communication and engagement is high across the business. 

About You

This role requires someone who is comfortable working in a changing environment, able to navigate uncertainty and help shape new ways of working. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the department and influence how it operates and delivers impact in the future. 

This position would be particularly well suited to an experienced People Leader within safety critical environments, looking to operate in a fast-paced, strategically important area.

You will be able to:

• Inspire and lead teams to deliver high performance by engaging them in NPLs’ mission and strategy, while keeping them safe and secure by prioritising health and safety.
• Collaborate to align to NPL’s business objectives and facilitate cross-discipline working, setting clear objectives, and synthesising information into intelligence to enable growth in priority areas.
• Balance resource planning and cost requirements across commercial and grant funded project demands to ensure a high quality, customer-focused approach.
• Demonstrate and inspire creative approaches to both the work that we do and the way that we do it, creating an innovative and dynamic environment.
• Build and maintain cross-organisational networks to ensure operations run smoothly and adhere to governance standards.
• Monitor key performance indicators linked to service delivery and measures related to time, cost and quality expectations and manage the financial performance of your group.

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working and strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, please do get in touch to discuss the options. To find out more about what it is like being  Group Leader at NPL .

Essential experience:

• You can evidence your experience of leading specialist teams in a science, engineering or research field where you may not be the technical expert, but you understand the levers of success
• You can demonstrate experience in enhancing health and safety culture and driving team best practice via a continual improvements approach
• You are self-motivated and passionate, with excellent organisational skills that support working across multiple activities, while also being able to prioritise to maximise impact
• You are adept at building networks internally and externally to ensure cross-discipline team working to support growth
• You have excellent communication and people management skills and can demonstrate an ability to lead diverse teams to achieve their objectives, using the talent and skills around you
• You believe in our mission and have a genuine passion, interest and/or curiosity for the work that we do at NPL

Desirable experience:

• Previous experience of working in a ATEX safe / DSEAR compliant environment would be a benefit
• You may have a degree or equivalent experience in a Science or Engineering area, but it is not essential for the role

Areas of Focus

Leadership: Your focus will be to inspire and motivate teams to deliver high performance by supporting staff development and engagement of the team in achieving NPL strategy. A passionate role model, you will encourage collaboration as you balance resource planning and direct cost requirements across projects with new business opportunities to expand team capability.

Communication: Demonstrating impact from our innovative science is key to NPL’s support for the UK economy. You will both promote your team in this ongoing pursuit and facilitate cross-discipline team working and understanding to enable growth in these areas.

Project Management: In collaboration with the Project Management function, you will ensure operations adhere to governance standards. You will also be responsible for the financial performance of your group. You will own key performance indicators linked to project delivery and measures related to time, cost and quality expectations.

Change Leader: Used to dealing with change, you’re the leader of technical experts and you are empowered to maximise results and make things happen. You possess that rare blend of skills that balances customer-focus with operational prowess, and your commercial orientation will ensure opportunities are maximised.   Most of all, we’re looking for someone who’ll thrive in a collaborative and people orientated environment like ours.

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. 

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the advertising period; therefore, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early and bring the closing date forward at any time. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

About Us

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.