Compliance Manager

Mainstay Industrial; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Compliance Manager for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The role entails overseeing audits, ensuring compliance, and managing technical data. Ideal candidates will have an engineering background, strong leadership skills, and a passion for quality assurance in a secure environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Company car or car allowance

6% matched pension contribution

Single private medical cover

Life assurance (2x base salary)

Qualifications

• Experience managing contract compliance and technical audits.
• Technical background in relevant engineering field.
• Professional membership (e.g., CIBSE) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead audit regimes and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage the Forward Additional Services Plan and lifecycle strategies.
• Provide expert advice on technical compliance to teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Data Interpretation

Education

HNC/HND/Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering

Job description

Role: Compliance Manager – Defence Science & Technology Estate
Location: DSTL, Porton Down, Salisbury – On-Site Role
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary:up to £60,000 + Company Car/Car Allowance + Benefits

Lead Operational Assurance in One of the UK’s Most Critical Defence Environments

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Compliance Manager to take full ownership of the audit and compliance function at one of the UK’s most unique and high-security estates: the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). This role is ideal for a forward-thinking, detail-oriented professional passionate about quality assurance, technical compliance, and delivering operational excellence.

The Role

As Compliance Manager, you will lead both the audit and compliance functions, as well as the CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) team, to ensure all asset data across the contract is current, accurate, and aligned with strategic objectives. You’ll be at the forefront of driving compliance across the estate—ensuring all activities meet strict statutory and contractual standards.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading audit regimes and overseeing statutory and regulatory compliance
• Chairing working groups and producing performance and compliance documentation
• Managing the Forward Additional Services Plan (FASP) and lifecycle strategies
• Supporting risk management processes, audit preparation, and quality reviews
• Providing expert advice on technical compliance to internal teams and supply chains
• Promoting compliance with MOD standards such as SFG20, SOP19/02, EM02, and JSP375
• Leading change initiatives that enhance service delivery, safety, and innovation

This is a hands-on, site-based role across Dstl Porton Down and Portsdown West, requiring close interaction with client representatives, supply partners, and internal operational teams.

What You’ll Bring

• Technical background in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering (HNC/HND/Degree or equivalent)
• Experience managing contract compliance, technical audits, and CAFM systems
• Working knowledge of industry standards including SFG20 and MOD-specific compliance frameworks
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to interpret complex performance data and lead collaborative improvement initiatives
• Experience in secure environments or MOD-related estates (highly desirable)
• Professional body membership (e.g., CIBSE) is an advantage

Due to the secure nature of the site, applicants must be British nationals, over 18 years of age, and eligible for SC (Security Clearance).

What’s on Offer

• 25 days annual leave
• Company car or car allowance
• 6% matched pension contribution
• Single private medical cover
• Life assurance (2x base salary)

This is more than a compliance role—it’s a chance to make a tangible difference in a highly specialised environment that supports the UK’s national defence. If you’re ready to lead from the front and bring your technical expertise to a high-stakes operational setting, we encourage you to apply.