Job Description

As our Programme Finance Manager, you will be joining our finance leadership team and will lead on providing functional support to the National Timing Centre 2 programme. You will also take strategic lead as the senior business partner working across the finance function to support the work of our Project Management Office, Partnership department and Science and Engineering departments.



The National Timing Centre Delivery Programme (NTCDP) 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, including Energy grids, Telecommunications (5G/6G) and 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.

What you'll be doing:

Leading the finance team functional support to the National Timing Centre 2 programme. Work across the business planning, management accounting and capital procurement areas, coordinating so that those teams all give effective support to the programme. Ensure that NTC 2 complies with all appropriate government functional standards for finance, including managing counter fraud risk. Managing and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders, the funding provider - Department for Science, Innovation& Technology (DSIT), suppliers and customers. Build and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships that will support NPL's ability to deliver the NTC 2 programme, enhance its reputation and remain sustainable. Work with leadership colleagues to be one NPL, ensure you are working effectively together with relevant parts of the organisation. Be an agent of change through visible ownership, clear and consistent communication and a focus on benefits realisation. As the programme grows, functional support will need to evolve to keep meeting changing requirements.

What you can bring to the role:

You'll be fully qualified accountant such as ACCA, ACA, CIMA etc. Experience of leading the finance support to major projects. Ability to manage stakeholders at all levels both internal and external. Ability to working independently, setting your own agenda, and working with a shared support team of colleagues. Ability to utilise leadership and influencing skills to manage the delivery of potentially conflicting priorities.

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.

To work in this role, you will also 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.




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.