UPD Government Seek Procurement Lead for Broadband Delivery UK

The Government’s Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) has placed an interesting new job listing for a Broadband Procurement Lead whom would be paid £120k to help extend fixed line superfast broadband to 95% of UK premises by 2017 (99% by 2018 when you include mobile and wireless technologies).

According to the job description, the winning candidate would be part of a project team that works “across the BDUK commercial and rural broadband programme teams” and their focus will be on using the recent allocation of £250 million (total budget is around £1.2bn) to extend superfast Internet access coverage via the soon-to-be enhanced Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) framework.

Job Requirements

“This is a very high-profile project – and its success depends on you. That’s why we ask that you have experience of government approaches to procurement and commercial contracting positions. We’ll also expect you to have worked on commercial issues in the telecoms industry and to have a good grasp of telecoms infrastructure.

With this background, you’ll have the credibility to deal with local authorities and industry contacts at the highest level. A project management qualification would be an advantage but isn’t essential.”

BDUK is currently going through somewhat of an identity crisis as it works to re-organise itself around a more commercial focus (here) and the above listing appears to support that approach. Interested applicants are told that they can find out more about the position by visiting www.superfastbritainjobs.com, which at the time of writing didn’t appear to work. Applications for the permanent full-time position, which is said to be at the Director / Executive Officer level, close on 13th November 2013.

But at least you don’t have to have any experience of managing projects before, good stuff (tongue firmly in cheek). Take note that various other BDUK job openings are also available, such as a position for a Broadband Deputy Commercial Director or how about somebody to do Broadband Commercial Support? If you like there’s even an opening for a Broadband Value for Money Adviser; that should be fun.

UPDATE 2:50pm

It looks like the official listing spelt Britain incorrectly, updated above.