Secure Spaces Operations Manager

Job summary

At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Job description

Designing engineering solutions. Earthquake-proofing embassies. Managing construction contracts in challenging locations. Just a few examples of the incredible work our Engineering team does. They're the people who plan, design, and deliver innovation across all corners of the globe. Now, you've got the opportunity to join them.

Bringing energy to embassies.

Designing systems that protect.

Realising the power of your skills.

It all matters.

Lead the delivery of secure spaces that protect critical operations

This critical role is dedicated to creating the secure spaces that protect sensitive information and operations. You will develop and implement operational strategies aligned with FCDO Services ambitions. You’ll work onsite at Hanslope Park, ensuring a successful delivery for all project phases once released. This will include managing the onsite security installations, the management of the SCIFs HSP storage locations and transporting across HSP. You will strive for customer satisfaction while balancing the needs of the service.

Another vital responsibility will be managing the secure spaces location at the 2027 Logistics Hub. You’ll be hands on about the design of the space, the resources required (both people and equipment), and continue to manage it.

Team leadership is a major part of this role. We would like you to foster a culture of continuous improvement, quality outputs, and meeting compliance. Plus, you will recruit, develop and coach a team of senior technical resources. You will identify and remedy any skills gaps through drawing up training plans. To your team, you’ll demonstrate resilience and an ability to negotiate under pressure.

Resource and financial management will fall under your remit. You will monitor and analyse performance metrics to improve efficiency and effectiveness; forecast needs and budget accordingly; and allocate resources across departments. We’d like you to be proactive about leading initiatives to streamline workflows and improve productivity.

A strategic leader with a proven track record of delivery

We are looking for someone that can confidently take on all that this role requires. You will bring experience in leading technical specialists in product delivery or equivalent disciplines, and a broad knowledge of product development. Collaborative in your approach, you are able to negotiate with senior stakeholders. You have managed operational service delivery in a complex operating environment. Plus, you’re experienced in business planning and forecasting. It is important that you have a strong track record delivering services and reporting to KPIs.

Discover the support you need to grow your career further

But we’re always looking to improve – just like you. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, good holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Want to see your future team’s work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy and select a guide to take you round to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting at fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

Closing date: 6th Sept 2026

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Person specification

We are looking for people with

• Experience of leading technical specialists in product delivery or equivalent disciplines.
• Experience managing operational service delivery in a complex operating environment.
• Track record of delivering services and reporting to KPIs.
• Experience of business planning and forecasting.
• Demonstrates a collaborative approach with the ability to negotiate with senior stakeholders.
• Broad knowledge of product development.

Behaviours

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Experience of leading technical specialists in product delivery or equivalent disciplines.
• Experience managing operational service delivery in a complex operating environment.
• Demonstrates a collaborative approach with the ability to negotiate with senior stakeholders.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,209, FCDO Services contributes £16,863 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension
• A leave allowance of 25 days per annum
• Free Shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
• 9 days per annum public and privilege days

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply