Operations Manager - Security Services - Cambridge

Dardan Security; Hartford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A private security company in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee security services across its regional portfolio. The successful candidate will manage personnel, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain strong client engagement. This senior role requires proven experience in operational management, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to work under pressure. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of employee benefits, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced candidates.

Benefits

23 days holiday

24/7 employee wellbeing support

Virtual GP Service

Recognition rewards

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an operational management role within the security or FM sector.
• Strong people management and leadership capability across multi-site operations.
• Able to work strategically and tactically to ensure consistent operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of security personnel across multiple sites.
• Maintain strong client relationships and ensure service delivery meets expectations.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, and training in line with requirements.

Skills

Leadership capability

Customer service

Communication skills

IT literacy

Education

Valid SIA licence

Full UK driving licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced and highly professional Operations Manager to lead the delivery of security services across our Cambridge regional portfolio. This is a senior operational role requiring strong leadership, commercial awareness, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams under pressure while maintaining excellent client and employee engagement. You will represent the organisation's values and standards at all times, working closely with clients, operational teams, and internal departments to ensure contractual compliance, service excellence, and continuous improvement. This role will manage both security static guarding and mobile services.

Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and management of security personnel across multiple sites
• Maintain strong client relationships, ensuring service delivery meets contractual and operational expectations
• Deliver credible, timely security advice to clients to support continuous improvement
• Ensure contracts are fully resourced in partnership with on‑site teams
• Achieve agreed KPIs across financial, people, client, and operational performance
• Ensure all Assignment Instructions, H&S documentation, and operational manuals remain current and audit‑ready
• Lead on employee performance management, welfare, disciplinary, and grievance matters with HR support
• Conduct regular client meetings, including monthly KPI reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews
• Oversee recruitment, induction and training in line with regulatory and client requirements
• Ensure compliance with SIA standards, company policies, and relevant legislation
• Support internal and external audits, including client, SIA, and regulatory inspections
• Manage operational risk and provide accurate reporting to senior stakeholders

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an operational management role within the security or FM sector
• Strong people management and leadership capability across multi‑site operations
• Commercially focused with excellent customer service and communication skills
• Able to work strategically and tactically to ensure consistent operational delivery
• Confident using management information to monitor performance and drive improvement
• Professional, discreet, and resilient under pressure
• IT literate with strong Microsoft Office skills
• Full UK driving licence (essential)
• Valid SIA licence (desirable)

Dardan has a wealth of experience in delivering smart security solutions that go beyond safeguarding buildings, property, and staff. We combine the best in technology, mobile services, physical guarding, and consultancy. Dardan is a people‑focused, privately owned specialist security company. We choose our employees carefully and value them greatly. We know that our people are our greatest asset and as such we invest in their development. A career with us means joining an ACS Pacesetter & a company listed on Infologue's "One to Watch".

Diversity, Inclusion and Equality: At Dardan, we are committed to building a workforce of talented, intuitive, and ethical professionals. We do this through attracting and retaining a diverse group of people and encourage an inclusive environment for us and our clients. We hire the best people available and have a continuously evolving culture where everybody is celebrated and respected, which we believe is critical for fostering innovation and collaboration. We recognise the strength in growing a workforce that encourages different ideas in line with our shared values. Click on the icons to follow our social media pages and keep up to date on the latest from Dardan!

Compensation & Benefits

• £42,000 – £45,000 per annum
• 45 hours per week; head office, client and home based
• Monday – Friday working pattern (plus on‑call manager on a rota pattern)
• 23 days holiday
• Recognition rewards
• Access to a 24/7 employee wellbeing support line
• Virtual GP Service
• Earn an extra bonus through the recommend a Friend Scheme, no limits