Whether you’re talking about length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, amount or the brightness of light, the National Physical Laboratory sets the standards by which these things are all measured. It’s highly complex work that requires cutting edge laboratory facilities. As our Head of Estates, you’ll take full responsibility for our estate’s facilities management, to provide a safe and efficient work environment that will support our continued success. 

The ongoing maintenance and development of our estate is critical to keeping us at the forefront of metrology. You’ll own the portfolio of Estates activities – setting the direction for the development of our infrastructure and ensuring long term sustainability. You’ll also have full financial ownership, ensuring that projects are delivered on-time, on-budget and that contracts meet the expected service levels. Of course, you’ll have the backing of your talented team. You’ll also build relationships – internally and externally to keep the highest profile projects on track - part of this will be representing Estates on the Strategic Site Development Committee. Driving long term operational efficiency is key and influencing others to drive change, which you’ll do in line with our values and acting as one and NPL.  

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible.  

As an accomplished Head of Estates, you'll be used to overseeing all elements relating to Estates, including leadership, strategy, procurement, contractor management, planning consents, responsibility for quality and health and safety in a laboratory or similarly highly serviced environment. 

As an inspirational leader, you'll instinctively know how to get the most out of people – whether that’s your team or our service providers. Great communication skills, highly organised, a natural influencer and pragmatic, you’re someone who gets things done.  

Beyond that, we’re looking for someone who’ll thrive in an environment like ours bringing the following 

• • A wealth of experience of inspirational leadership to ensure NPL’s mission, strategy and plan are articulated and delivered successfully, to deliver maximum impact and growth 
• • A record of driving the performance and potential within your team, building highly motivated, customer focussed teams 
• • Management and responsibility for P&L and delivering to time, cost and quality 
• • Accountability for health, safety, quality, security and environmental compliance, minimising risk to the business and enhancing NPL’s reputation 
• • Building strategic relationships with both internal and external customers, acting as a brand ambassador 

At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better. For ourselves and for our customers. And whilst we’re always looking to stretch beyond what we know; we don’t make things more complicated when there’s no need. 

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.