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House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) is responsible for physical and personnel security across both Houses of Parliament and provides support to Members and staff when away from the Estate. Its purpose is to keep Parliament safe and open for business.

PSD sets security strategy provides expert advice and delivers an operational service. It does this in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and by working closely with the In-House and Strategic Estates teams, Serjeant at Arms and Black Rod’s office, the Restoration & Renewal programme, the Parliamentary Digital Service, and other key stakeholders across both Houses.

The Role

This role reports to the Head of Security Operations and provides security management and leadership of the operational workforce within the Parliamentary estate, working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to manage the day-to-day operations of the parliamentary security workforce of c.306 staff, a 24/7, 365 operation.

As an Operations Manager, you will have direct line management responsibilities for a Deputy Operations Manager and Security Officer Managers, and act as a countersigning manager to a wider team of Security Officers. Visible, collaborative and engaging leadership are essential in assisting and empowering colleagues to achieve their full potential. Focusing on excellent customer service you and your team will ensure that security standards and practices are consistently met, without negatively impacting on the customers experience of UK Parliament.

You will own and manage risks associated with the day-to-day operational activities and provide valuable assurance on planned, actual and forecast outcomes, and on managing risk by drawing upon direct experience and expertise. You are responsible for the correct and consistent application of PSD policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) throughout the security operation.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Providing visible and effective leadership throughout the operation, promoting effective two-way communications. Give direction and support, motivate and delegate tasks where appropriate, in support of continued improvement and the professional development of individuals and the wider team.
• Working collaboratively with the Metropolitan Police Service, monitor, progress and manage operational risks and incidents that impact the security operation, ensuring key stakeholders are kept informed, and inputting into the House Incident Management Framework when necessary.
• Align the team with PSD’s strategic objectives and planning cycle to ensure the operational plans fit in with and support overall strategy. Providing assurance through developed KPIs and management information.
• Guide by example, lead from the front, listen to understand, deliver actual results in their peer group as well as across the wider group. Use various channels of communication, including regular team briefings, ad-hoc meetings and individual 1:1s, to ensure individuals are well briefed and supported to deliver high performance. Seek out opportunities to regularly engage with the team and improve two-way communication.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Leadership and people management skills - Ability to successfully lead and manage large diverse teams, with experience of setting realistic objectives in line with corporate objectives, monitoring performance, giving feedback and supporting development. Driving individual and team development through performance management and setting Key Performance Indicators in line with the Organisation policies and procedures. Motivating and developing to work successfully within a team, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience & Knowledge - Working knowledge of security threats and mitigations; ability to use initiative through problem solving and exercising sound judgement to make dynamic risk decisions whilst remaining calm under pressure and taking control of incidents. Experience of working successfully within a pressurised 24/7 security operations environment managing multiple, concurrent tasks. Accountable for the creation of reports, dashboards, and metrics for presentation to senior management.
• Stakeholder management - Demonstrable ability to establish authority and credibility to build and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels ensuring that everyone is, at all times, treated with dignity, courtesy and respect. The ability to use logic, reasoning, empathy and tenacity to persuade, influence and challenge people at all levels, to consistently negotiate and achieve positive outcomes for PSD operations.
• Communication skills - Effective written and oral communication skills; explains complex and technical information in understandable and meaningful ways to multiple and diverse stakeholders; manages ambiguity and balances differing interests with tact and diplomacy. Creating and delivering presentation to senior stakeholders, auditors, partners and in a challenge/performance environment.
• Problem solving skills - Proven experience of identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities, managing and developing strategies to mitigate them in a complex environment. A track record of making, justifying, and recording well-judged decisions with due consideration of the threat and risk to be mitigated. A demonstrable ability to develop creative and workable solutions to incidents.
• (Desirable) - Experience of working in Security environment that is Agile and Proactive would be highly advantageous.

Next Steps and Additional Information

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your anonymous CV and covering letter with a 500 word limit.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.