Head of Operations (Events and Access)

We are looking for the next Head of Operations (Events and Access). Internally, this job is known by its historical title, Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod. The Head of Operations (Events and Access) acts as the deputy to the Lady or Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. This post assists with the planning, coordinating and executing of events held in the House of Lords, and in areas shared with the House of Commons. The Department also has responsibility for access to the precincts of the House and is responsible for assessing and advising on the impact of major building works on access.

As The Head of Operations (Events and Access) you will support Black Rod in the day-to-day operational delivery of all Black Rod’s responsibilities and act as Deputy to Black Rod. This includes having oversight of access policies and admission of visitors, Incident Management and leading and managing allocated projects that impact on access to the House and its precincts. The postholder also has participation in ceremonial functions, including the Lord Speaker’s daily processions, and other events as well as detailed planning and coordination, under the direction of Black Rod, of allocated areas of responsibility within ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster.

If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply below.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience of managing and improving complex services with multiple stakeholders
• Experience of delivering projects and programmes, ideally with an access and security dimension.
• Expertise in planning and coordination of high profile multi-agency events.
• Strong inter-personal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships; and to influence and operate with diplomacy and personal credibility among a wide range of internal and external stakeholders ideally within a political environment.
• Experience of representing an organisation both internally and externally to senior stakeholders and at public events.

What You’ll Get In Return

• 30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one year’s service)
• Generous civil service pension schemes
• Parliamentary health and wellbeing service
• An opportunity to witness history in the making

Please complete your online application by 23:55 on Sunday the 15th of June 2025. Interviews are expected to be w/c 14th of July. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact us.

The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. The House of Lords is an inclusive employer and is committed to becoming an even more welcoming, inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether or not they have a disability.