Operations Manager At UK Health Security Agency

Employer: UK Health Security Agency
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £56,185 to £66,585 per annum
Job Type: Full-time & Part-time
Closing Date: 20 January 2026

Job Summary

The Countermeasures Development, Evaluation & Preparedness (CDEP) and Diagnostic Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) Divisions, alongside other divisions in the Public Health Microbiology (PHM) Directorate, provide laboratory-based capability for UKHSA.

This role is based at the Porton site, joining a fast-paced team that collaborates closely with scientific laboratory staff and supports UKHSA functions including Safety, Quality, Commercial, Finance, Estates, and Engineering.

The Operations Manager will provide specialist, site-based operational management and support across CDEP, DPC, and other operational functions as required.

Main Duties of the Job

Key responsibilities include:

• Operational Management: Lead and manage assigned division-wide operational duties within CDEP & DPC.

• Systems & Processes: Maintain, improve, and manage systems, policies, and processes to ensure effective business delivery and service provision. Formulate plans, monitor outcomes, and report findings.

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Influence other departments and service providers to enhance the service delivered to CDEP & DPC.

• Change Initiatives: Contribute to and lead change projects, including the Harlow Relocation Programme.

• Strategy Support: Assist senior colleagues in developing and executing operational strategy aligned with scientific objectives.

• Staff Management: Supervise, train, and manage staff as appropriate.

• Reporting & Liaison: Prepare reports, presentations, operational publications, and manage communications with internal and external colleagues, stakeholders, and customers.

• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all work follows UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and relevant Quality or other systems applicable to the Porton site.

• Civil Service Requirements: Fulfil Civil Service Behaviours and comply with UKHSA policies and procedures.

Note: The work of the Divisions is confidential and must only be communicated for authorised purposes.

Key Working Relationships

Internal:

• Divisional Deputy Directors

• CDEP/DPC Operational Lead & Head of Operations

• Senior and other Operations Managers

• Heads of Departments, Project Team Leaders

• Scientific Leads, Scientists

• Supporting functions: HR, OH, Finance, Commercial, wider PHM

External:

• Suppliers, customers, scientists

• Regulatory bodies

Currently recruiting for 1 post with potential for similar future posts.

About UK Health Security Agency

UKHSA promotes equality of opportunity and actively encourages applications from all, including underrepresented groups. The agency fosters an inclusive culture, celebrating differences to drive innovative solutions for staff and communities.

For more information, visit the UKHSA careers site.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications:

• BSc in Biological Sciences

Experience:

• Managing and leading a Core Operations Team

• Making tactical decisions in a regulated environment (e.g., Safety, Quality) within life/medical sciences laboratories or healthcare settings

• Problem-solving to drive system or service improvements

• Responding calmly to sudden and unexpected demands

Skills:

• Confident and effective communicator

• Excellent organisation and planning skills

• Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively

• Proficiency in MS Office applications

Selection Process

This vacancy uses Success Profiles, assessing Behaviours, Experience, Strengths, and Technical Skills.

Stage 1: Application

• Complete the application form (do not upload a CV)

• Submit a 1500-word supporting statement demonstrating how your skills, experience, and knowledge meet the essential criteria

• Longlisting may categorise applications into: Meets all, some, or none of the essential criteria

• Successful applicants proceed to shortlisting

Stage 2: Interview

• Single face-to-face interview (remote may be offered in exceptional cases)

• Assessment of Behaviours:

  • Communicating and influencing

  • Changing and improving

  • Working together

  • Managing a quality service

• Strength-based questions and a 5–10 minute presentation on a relevant example of managing or implementing a system, process, or improvement

Interview dates to be confirmed.

Location

This role is office-based at the Porton Scientific Campus. Hybrid working is not available.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) required initially, with potential to work towards Security Check (SC) clearance.

• UK residency requirements: Typically 3 years for CTC and 5 years for SC; exceptions may apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants, including those outside the Civil Service.

Salary Information

Starting salary generally aligns with the pay scale minimum for the grade. Exceptions may apply for transfers or promotions from other government departments, NHS, or Local Authorities. Pay increases follow the relevant annual pay award.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure to the DBS is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applicants.

• Skilled worker applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from countries resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Adult dependants over 18 are also included.

• Guidance: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants

How to Apply

For more information or to apply, visit the official website — click here to apply now.