About the job

Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen in BDUK. BDUK has a dynamic delivery-focused portfolio using a breadth of products to drive gigabit-capable connections across the UK.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, UK Gigabit Programme, the Head of Technical Operations will have a fundamental role in setting technical standards for suppliers to meet and leading BDUK’s technical evaluation of suppliers and their proposals. To achieve this, the role holder will develop an in-house technical evaluation capability as well as manage third-party technical resource.

This role is also responsible for developing and managing BDUK’s strategic technical relationships with suppliers, local bodies, industry and other stakeholders.

Leading the BDUK’s Technical Capability, the postholder will ensure that the supplier’s proposed network designs are compliant with BDUK’s terms and conditions. Previous experience o core network architecture design and evaluation in fixed or mobile infrastructure is desirable.

As a member of BDUK, you will demonstrate your experience of delivering Government priorities with a mix of career civil servants and expert contractors, including telecommunications professionals, finance, digital & commercial specialists, analysts and project management specialists.

You will be working in a high profile team with regular exposure to senior stakeholders and policy-makers and work alongside a range of Civil Service and industry experts in the telecommunications and infrastructure sectors. This is an opportunity to join a team delivering one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects.

Job description

Lead BDUK’s technical evaluation process across the infrastructure procurement lifecycle;

Responsible for setting and reviewing technical criteria (e.g. for gigabit capable core networks) and aligning expectations with internal and external stakeholders;

Lead and manage evaluation of supplier submissions both at Open Market Review/Public Review stages and at tender submission stages including proposed network architecture and implementation plans;

Oversee BDUK’s Operational Teams in coordinating all aspects of pre & post-procurement submission evaluations to reach contract award;

Support and guide technical assurance of suppliers' test strategies for gigabit networks at tender stage and at implementation stage;

Make available technical advisory capacity for the rest of BDUK and support strategic discussions on technical developments (including business case and market strategies);

Build and develop an in-house technical evaluation capability in line with programme requirements;

Manage third party technical resource where utilised to supplement in-house resources;

Business owner of infrastructure technical specification models and framework & tools of evaluation; and

Develop and manage BDUK's technical relationships with suppliers, Local Bodies, industry and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Practical ability to evaluate Telecoms Core Network plans including capacity and resilience;

Commercially astute with the ability to provide commercially robust advice;

Able to communicate effectively both written and verbal with evidence of delivering high impact and influencing both technical and non-technical audiences;

Well developed project management and operational leadership skills;

Self-starter & finisher and able to deliver competing priorities; and

Championing diversity and inclusion as well as experience of creating diverse and inclusive teams that are motivated; and inspired to work together to achieve a common objective.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others

Benefits

You’ll receive over 30% of your total compensation package in benefits:

Flexible working arrangements and Flexi-time

26.5 days annual leave on entry increasing to 31.5 days after 5 years’ service.

Exceptional contributory pension scheme

5 days of paid leave for L&D

3 days of paid volunteering

Parental leave up to 9 months on FULL pay

Occupational sick pay

Brilliant and engaged staff networks to join including the LGBT+, BAME, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Women’s Network.

Access to one of the world’s largest learning and development platforms

Masterclasses and talks through the DCMS Academy

Season ticket loan, Cycle to work scheme and much more!

SCS T&C’s will vary, please refer to the attached candidate information pack to find out more.