Security Services Group (SSG) - Operational Delivery Team Leader

Job summary

Security Services Group (SSG) is the MOD’s Technical Authority for electronic and physical security providing in-house expert advice, design, installation and maintenance of electronic and physical security systems across Government, prioritised towards Secret and Above Secret, and items Attractive to Criminal and Terrorist Organisations (ACTO). SSG is part of GUARDIAN and is positioned within Standing Joint Command to support UK homeland security and resilience.

With an FTE of 325, SSG provides technical specialist ‘consultancy’ advice to projects to support the creation of design specifications through to commissioning; project management and delivery with through life maintenance; strategic and tactical compliance assurance reviews and audits across the business; an assured government use only Intruder Detection System built in-house; and security furniture services. Head of SSG is also the MOD’s Head of Specialism for Physical Security across the MOD (part of the Government Security Profession).

SSG’s Operational Delivery teams are the MOD’s specialist in-house security providers, delivering project management, design, installation and 24/7, 365 days a year maintenance of all aspects of electronic and physical security, with a global reach. SSG’s work is independently audited to ensure, ISO 9001:2015 and NSI compliance and accreditation as well as MOD’s own internal compliance regime. To learn more about SSG, visit Security Services Group - GOV.UK

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Operational Delivery Team Leader within Security Services Group (SSG) provides central leadership, governance, and assurance across SSG’s Operational Delivery function.

The post holder leads a team of Operational Delivery Managers (ODMs) who support the delivery of SSG’s electronic and physical security projects and maintenance activity across the UK and overseas estate. Operating from head office, the role ensures that delivery activity across all regions is undertaken in a consistent, compliant, and auditable manner, aligned to SSG’s role as MOD’s Technical Authority for security.

A core focus of the role is driving standardisation of processes, controls, and data, ensuring that high‑quality, reliable management information is produced to support operational decision‑making, financial management, and internal and external assurance, including ISO and NSI regimes.

Leadership of the Operational Delivery Function

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of Operational Delivery Managers, providing clear direction, priorities, and support.
• Set clear expectations for delivery standards, governance compliance, and data quality across all Operational Delivery activity.
• Promote a professional, collaborative culture aligned to SSG values and GUARDIAN objectives.

Governance, Assurance and Standardisation

• Act as the focal point for operational delivery governance within SSG, ensuring common processes and controls are embedded and consistently applied.
• Own and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, and guidance covering project delivery, financial management, procurement, and close‑out.
• Ensure compliance with SSG, MOD and wider government assurance requirements, including audit readiness and evidence management.

Data Quality and Management Information

• Ensure Operational Delivery Managers maintain accurate, complete, and timely records within agreed systems, including CASH, SharePoint and associated MI tools.
• Drive a strong culture of data integrity, ensuring delivery and financial information supports effective reporting and scrutiny.
• Provide assurance on consolidated management information submitted to senior leadership to enable informed operational, financial and strategic decision‑making.

Operational Oversight and Continuous Improvement

• Provide head‑office oversight of SSG Operational Delivery activity, monitoring performance, risks and emerging issues across regions.
• Lead or commission first‑line assurance activity, process reviews and Learning from Experience activity.
• Ensure lessons identified from audits, reviews and delivery challenges are translated into sustainable improvements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Operational Managers, SME Project Managers, Finance, Commercial and senior stakeholders to support effective delivery.
• Provide constructive challenge where delivery activity does not meet required governance or data standards.
• Represent the Operational Delivery function within SSG boards, assurance forums and stakeholder meetings.

Decision Making

• Make operational decisions on prioritisation, governance actions and assurance interventions within delegated authority.
• Exercise judgement to balance delivery pressures with the need for consistency, control and auditability.
• Escalate significant or systemic risks to the Operations Manager or Head of Function with clear analysis and recommendations.

Please note, due to the level of security applications are only accepted from sole UK nationals only.

, and assurance across SSG’s Operational

Person specification

Essential Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences

• Experience leading or managing operational delivery, business management or project support teams.
• Strong understanding of governance, assurance and compliance within a technical or operational environment.
• Proven ability to drive standardisation and consistency across multiple teams or delivery areas.
• Experience assuring data quality and producing or validating management information.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to challenge constructively.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences

• Experience of working within MOD, Defence or wider government delivery functions.
• Familiarity with the SSG operating context or similar technical assurance environments.
• Experience supporting audits, inspections or quality management systems such as ISO.
• Knowledge of project, maintenance or financial management systems such as CASH.

Licences

Full UK Driving Licence due to travel to sites that are not accessible by public transport.

Behaviours

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

• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.