Head of Operations - Cambridge - CB21

About us

Dardan have 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.

Our mission

Be ethical, be authentic, be agile and be smart. We do our best and then do a little bit more, every time.

Our Vision

To be a trusted partner for Security solutions through intelligence, innovation, and influence.

Reward and Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 (market aligned for Cambridge)
• Company car allowance or car provision where required
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays
• Unlimited training and clear progression pathways
• Access to a 24/7 employee wellbeing support line and virtual GP service
• Recognition rewards and refer-a-friend bonus scheme

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead and evolve our operational delivery across client sites in and around Cambridge. This senior role will shape operational strategy, ensure excellence in service delivery, and lead a diverse team of managers and supervisors to deliver safe, professional, and commercially effective security solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for multi-site security operations, ensuring consistent delivery against contractual KPIs and client expectations.
• Lead, coach and develop site managers and operational supervisors to build high performing, customer-focused teams.
• Own operational planning including workforce scheduling, resource allocation and rostering to meet client requirements and budget targets.
• Drive continuous improvement through audits, performance reviews and the implementation of best practice operational processes and technology solutions.
• Manage client relationships at senior levels, conducting regular reviews, presenting performance data and acting on feedback to strengthen partnerships.
• Oversee incident management and investigation processes, ensuring accurate reporting, root-cause analysis and effective corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative, regulatory and contractual requirements including SIA standards, health & safety and data protection.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts and cost-control initiatives to support commercial objectives.
• Champion a people-first culture that embraces diversity, inclusion and wellbeing across the operational teams.

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in a senior operational role within the security or related services sector.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience of managing multi-site teams and frontline managers.
• Commercial acumen with experience of budget management, KPI delivery and contract compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, able to represent the business at client and industry forums.
• Sound knowledge of SIA regulation, health & safety legislation and incident management best practice.
• Proficient with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and comfortable using operational management systems.
• Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK with a five-year checkable history.
• Resilient, proactive and solutions-focused with a strong attention to detail.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Head of Operations or Regional Operations Manager role.
• Experience of managing service contracts.
• Relevant professional qualifications in security management, risk or business leadership.

We are Dardan

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.