At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate estates operations for a dynamic workplace at DVLA.
- Company: Join the DVLA, a leader in customer-focused services and sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days of annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future workplace while driving service excellence and operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in facilities management and a passion for customer service.
- 💷 Salary: £69,501 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 🕒 Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
About the role
This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing estates operations across the DVLA, ensuring the delivery of safe, sustainable and customer-focused workplace services whilst also sitting within the DVLA’s wider Senior Leadership Team.
Leading teams, suppliers and key stakeholders, the postholder will drive service excellence, continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
The role spans Hard and Soft FM, Project Management, Travel and Security services, helping to shape the future workplace and deliver an exceptional environment for colleagues, visitors and partners.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to
- Lead a team of workplace specialists who are responsible for estates contract management (hard and soft services) and project delivery across the DVLA.
- Working with the Head of Health & Safety to ensure a fully compliant approach to all estates related activities and projects to maintain a fully compliant estate.
- Instigate and deliver an improved culture of customer service throughout the Estates Management team, ensuring a continuous improvement, culture development and a positive approach to change across all Department’s operations and activities.
- Ensuring all Estates strategic contracts deliver to the standards set, and provide innovation and added value, enabling quality services across the estate.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About you
- Demonstrate significant experience of leading and developing high-performing teams, managing operational activities across a complex estate or facilities management environment, and delivering results through others while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
- Provide evidence of successfully managing complex Hard and Soft Facilities Management contracts, supplier relationships and service providers, using performance data and stakeholder feedback to drive operational improvements, whilst leading large-scale service transitions, mobilisation programmes or organisational change initiatives.
- Demonstrate experience of developing and implementing estates or workplace strategies, building effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and influencing senior leaders, contractors and partner organisations to achieve business objectives.
- Provide examples of ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, security, data protection and statutory requirements within a complex operational environment, while leading organisational change, developing capability within teams and supporting the delivery of long-term strategic objectives.
- 📅 Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 13th September 2026
Senior Head of Estates Operations in Swansea employer: Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment in Swansea with flexible hybrid working options. Employees benefit from a generous pension contribution, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, all while being part of a diverse and inclusive workforce that values collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on work-life balance and employee well-being, DVLA stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
Contact Details:
Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head of Estates Operations in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Head of Estates Operations at Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency or be willing to refer you for that Senior Head of Estates Operations position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Head of Estates Operations star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Head of Estates Operations role at Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head of Estates Operations in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
