Department Manager

Mitie Group plc.; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service company located in Chippenham is seeking an experienced personnel administrator to manage administration services for MOD personnel. This full-time role includes managing a team, delivering quality services and complying with regulations. Candidates must have strong management skills, IT proficiency, and a proactive work approach. Training on MOD systems will be provided, but prior experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Management experience with good organisational and motivational skills.
• Proven track record of delivering quality administration and service.
• Persuasive and credible communicator with relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage personnel administration safely and efficiently.
• Maintain quality standards and performance indicators.
• Lead and develop a team of professionals.

Skills

Management experience

Organisational skills

Customer-facing experience

IT literate

Proactive approach

Education

Good standard of education, preferably to NVQ Level 4

Tools

MS Office applications

MOD personnel administration applications (JPA, Defence Travel)

Job description

Based in MOD Lyneham, this full‑time, permanent role holds primary responsibility for leading the delivery of all contracted service lines relating to the administration requirements of Service personnel, encompassing Pay and Allowances, Travel, Appraisals, Medical Administration, Personal Assistance and Gymnasium to quality and time. Training on the supporting MOD systems can be provided; however relevant experience/familiarity in a military unit administration role would be an advantage. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Manage and facilitate the delivery of personnel administration safely and efficiently within given timescales.
• Maintain required contracted outputs to the appropriate quality standard and agreed performance indicators, including the completion of appropriate checks, controls, and compliance auditing.
• Act as the lead Subject Matter Expert for all personnel administration matters, enabling best practice.
• Promote the development and optimum performance of the delivery team, taking appropriate and timely action to mitigate risk and the potential for service failure.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to meet the emerging demands of the business within contractual boundaries.
• Ensure all activities are carried out in full compliance with current Health and Safety Regulations and the General Data Protection Regulations.
• Support and contribute to contract Incident management and Business Continuity.
• Undertake any additional tasks as determined by the Mitie Line Manager, including leading change to meet the emerging needs of the business and authorised Public Events.
• The contract operates a 37.5‑hour working week between the hours of 0800 and 1630 Mon to Fri only.

The successful candidate will be well‑organised, precise, and confident with credible communication skills, readily able and willing to contribute at any level. Versatile, intuitive and professional with good judgement and absolute integrity, pro‑active and persuasive when required, responsive to changing needs of the business and demands of the customer, while remaining calm under pressure and self‑motivated. Reliable and well‑presented, giving a positive image of Mitie company values.

Qualifications

• Management experience with good organisational and motivational skills and a high degree of integrity.
• Proven track record of delivering quality administration and service with customer‑facing experience.
• Persuasive and credible verbal and written communicator with the ability to develop close working relationships.
• IT literate with a good working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Conversant/knowledge of MOD personnel administration applications and systems (JPA, Defence Travel etc) (desirable).
• Proactive approach and the ability to embrace and lead on change.
• Ability to manage short‑notice changes to requirements and deadlines.
• Management level knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and practice (IOSH – Managing Safely) (desirable).
• Good standard of education, preferably to NVQ Level 4 and above.

People & Performance Management

Lead, coach, and develop a team of site‑based professionals, including supervisors. Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performance through regular reviews, training, and succession planning. Ensure all team members are inducted, trained, and supported to deliver excellence.

Additional Information: MOD Security Clearance and DBS Standard required (Proof of right to work in UK essential).