Director of Engineering and Operations

At FCDO Services, we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings, courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government technology, and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we're on. In our world, it all matters.

Protecting overseas technical solutions.

Strengthening value for our customers.

Transforming partnerships through delivery.

Leading change for UK security.

It all matters.

Shape a customer-focused approach to global delivery

An incredible role, with global impact. This is your opportunity to lead the teams that design technical security and engineering solutions, reinforce embassies against seismic activity and hostile threats, deliver critical infrastructure upgrades in active crisis zones, and manage multimillion‑pound secure construction programmes across challenging locations. Commit to work that matters.

You will lead a broad portfolio that covers engineering, construction, architecture, design, security systems and project management. Previously, we’ve replaced radar domes on the Falklands, a visible deterrent, crucial for security. And we’re working on a rebuild of an embassy in a new location in Tokyo. These are the types of projects that you’ll see realised. You’ll be working for a singular, vital purpose, which is to keep the UK safe. As adversaries advance, we need to do our utmost to keep up with new developments and secure our systems.

Through a close partnership with peers and senior stakeholders, you’ll oversee that projects and programmes achieve agreed outcomes, timescales, and budgets. You’ll improve customer relationships and increase the value that we add to both the FCDO and other customers across government. Plus, you’ll uphold the organisation’s technical and professional integrity by maintaining robust engineering and sustainability standards that meet current and future customer requirements.

You will be accountable for an operational and delivery budget of approximately £60m and for leading a team of around 300 people. As a leader, you will ensure ministerial targets are met, drive innovation and continuous improvement, and promote a strong health and safety culture to keep our people working safely around the world.

Join us and you’ll do purpose-led work, every day. You’ll face challenges and feel proud when you resolve them. Lead global design and build projects, inspire a high‑performing team, and leave a lasting legacy in keeping the UK safe overseas.

Bring strong leadership and engineering expertise

To be successful in the role, you’re a driven individual, excited to bring strong leadership to engineering and operations. You’re a proactive, motivated by purpose, and have an eye for even the smallest details.

You’ll bring extensive senior operational management experience with a track record of leading a business and multidisciplinary teams at a strategic level, including large budget responsibility

You’ll have a degree in engineering, construction management, architecture or significant demonstrable experience in one or more of these fields.

Project experience is critical. You’ve led large-scale project and programme delivery in the UK and overseas, understanding and adapting to different requirements. Plus, you’ve ensured performance meets or exceeds customer, business and personal goal metrics in a global, complex project delivery environment. You have a proven ability to convert business opportunities into secure and sustainable projects and services. Your pragmatic approach is paired with exceptional commercial acumen and financial management skills.

As a leader, you’ll have strong interpersonal and communication skills. You know just how to empower, develop, and influence your team. And at a senior level, you can have a personal, credible impact.