UK Ministry of Defence
Security Services Group (SSG) - Operational Delivery Team Leader
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Lisburn, Northern Ireland, BT28 3NP : Garden City, Wales, CH5 2LS : Rosyth, Scotland, KY11 2BL : Wyton, East of England, PE28 2EA : Woolwich, London (region), SE18 6XJ : Shrivenham, South East England, SN6 8LA
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.
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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.
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
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. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
- Generous Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave increasing by one day per year to a maximum of 30 days after five years of service.
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Career Development: Benefit from continuous professional development opportunities within the security field, helping you grow and advance your career.
- Equipment: Laptop and mobile phone.
- Family Support: Access enhanced parental leave policies to support work-life balance during important life events.
- Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy savings through the Defence Discount Service (fees apply), offerings deals on a range of products and services.
- Health and Wellbeing: Receive Specsavers eye test vouchers and access on-site gym facilities (where available).
- Community and Social Perks: Join the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) or the Civil Service Club in London, providing access to a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities (membership fees apply).
- On-Site Amenities: Many of our locations offer free parking, subsidised canteens, sports and social clubs, and on-site shops for your convenience.
- Inclusive Workplace: Join one of our Diversity and Inclusion Networks. We value diversity and are committed to creating an equal and supportive environment for all.
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The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
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