Technical Compliance Manager

Join us as a Technical Compliance Manager and take a leading role in ensuring the safe, compliant and effective management of one of the UK's most complex and technically demanding Defence estates. Reporting directly to the Head of Technical Services and acting as their deputy when required, you'll provide strategic leadership across compliance, quality, assurance and technical governance activities while managing a diverse team that includes Appointed Persons, Quality professionals and Project Managers.

This is a high-profile position where you'll influence operational performance across the Dstl contract, ensuring statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations are consistently achieved. You'll lead the compliance and audit function, provide assurance to internal and external stakeholders, and drive improvements that enhance safety, customer confidence and operational effectiveness.

Working closely with operational delivery teams, safety specialists, asset managers, auditors and client representatives, you'll provide the governance, insight and technical leadership required to support critical estate operations. From overseeing compliance reporting and audit programmes through to shaping asset investment strategies and leading continuous improvement initiatives, you'll play a key role in the long-term success of the contract.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced compliance professional who combines strong technical knowledge with leadership capability, analytical thinking and a passion for driving excellence.

What You'll Bring

You'll have significant experience in technical compliance, assurance, quality management or facilities management within a complex operational environment. You'll understand how to balance strategic oversight with practical operational delivery and be comfortable working across multiple disciplines, stakeholders and compliance frameworks.

A strong analytical mindset is essential. You'll be experienced in managing, interrogating and interpreting complex datasets to identify risks, trends and opportunities for improvement. You'll have the ability to transform technical and performance data into meaningful insight that supports informed decision-making and drives operational performance.

You'll possess a detailed understanding of asset lifecycle management and long-term investment planning, with experience supporting maintenance strategies, condition-based decision making and future asset requirements. Experience leading or supporting asset management programmes, lifecycle planning activities or facilities condition assessments will be highly beneficial.

Your background will include managing compliance frameworks and governance processes within regulated environments. You'll be confident overseeing assurance programmes, monitoring statutory compliance, evaluating risk and ensuring contractual obligations are consistently achieved. Experience applying industry-standard maintenance frameworks and reporting requirements will be important to your success in this role.

You'll have proven experience planning, conducting or leading audits and inspections, supported by a thorough understanding of assurance methodologies and compliance management principles. You'll be comfortable acting as a key point of contact during internal and external audits, working collaboratively with stakeholders while providing robust evidence of compliance and operational control.

Strong report-writing and communication skills are essential. You'll be capable of producing high-quality performance reports, governance documents and executive summaries, presenting complex technical information in a clear and meaningful way for a wide range of audiences, including senior leaders, operational teams and clients.

You'll have practical experience using CAFM systems and reporting tools, with the ability to manage data effectively, maintain governance standards and deliver accurate compliance reporting. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and reporting tools, is expected.

A natural relationship builder, you'll be able to influence and engage effectively with clients, supply chain partners, operational teams and senior stakeholders. You'll be confident providing technical advice, challenging constructively where required and building trust through professionalism, credibility and expertise.

You'll bring experience leading change initiatives and continuous improvement programmes, with the ability to identify opportunities to enhance compliance, improve customer outcomes and deliver greater operational efficiency. A solutions-focused approach and strong problem-solving skills will enable you to navigate complex challenges while maintaining high standards of governance and performance.

Membership of, or progression towards membership of, a relevant professional body such as CIBSE, IWFM, IET or a similar institution would be advantageous and will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining professional standards and ongoing development.

Most importantly, you'll be an organised, commercially aware and highly credible professional who thrives in a leadership role. You'll combine technical expertise with strategic thinking, influence and integrity, ensuring compliance is not only achieved but continuously improved. You'll be passionate about creating robust governance frameworks, driving operational excellence and helping teams deliver safe, compliant and value-driven services.

This role is based across Dstl Porton Down and Portsdown West and requires regular site presence. Due to site requirements, applicants must be British nationals, aged 18 or over, and able to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC).

What We Offer

• 6% employee matched pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance 2x annual salary
• Single private medical cover
• Company car/Car allowance