Senior Operations Manager in London

Prevail is a British intelligence and security company. We deliver intelligence, investigations, specialist operational support and strategic advice to governments, NGOs and commercial clients working in unstable and hostile environments. We are looking for an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead the delivery of our client work and strengthen the systems, processes and governance behind it. You will run several engagements at once, making sure each is properly resourced and delivered safely, on time, on budget and to standard. You will work closely with project leads, analysts, investigators and advisors, and report to the Head of Operations. Alongside delivery, you will support the wider business, working with the Commercial, Finance and People teams to keep operations effective as the company grows. Given the nature of our work, we are looking for someone who is comfortable operating in fast‑moving, complex environments, balancing competing priorities and making well‑reasoned decisions in the face of uncertainty.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day delivery across several concurrent engagements, making sure each is resourced, on time, on budget and to standard.
• Turn client requirements and contracts into clear delivery plans with named owners, milestones and deliverables.
• Allocate specialist staff (analysts, investigators, advisors, linguists) across competing priorities.
• Track progress, budgets and utilisation, spotting risks and delays early and stepping in to resolve them.
• Develop and improve the processes and governance that keep delivery consistent and efficient.
• Keep delivery compliant with legal, contractual, security, information assurance and data protection requirements, working with the relevant internal leads.
• Act as a senior point of contact for clients on delivery, status, risks and issue resolution.
• Run quality assurance so deliverables meet our standard before they go to clients.
• Capture lessons from completed work and feed them into future delivery.
• Report to senior leadership on delivery, utilisation, finances and project status.

Leadership & People Management

• Line manage and develop the Operations team, setting clear expectations and supporting their growth.
• Coach junior staff and build capability across the function.
• Work with the People team on recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning and succession for operational roles.
• Set the standard for accountability and steady improvement across the team.

Business Operations Support

• Give Commercial and Finance reliable forecasting, costing and resource‑planning input.
• Provide operational input into bids and proposals, covering delivery planning, resourcing, pricing support and risk.
• Keep operational records, documentation and management information in good order.
• Coordinate suppliers, contracts and office logistics.
• Help build systems and governance that can grow with the business.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience managing operations, project or programme delivery in intelligence, security, defence, risk, consulting or comparable professional services.
• A track record of running multiple concurrent projects with responsibility for delivery, budgets, timelines and resourcing.
• Strong planning, organisation and problem‑solving, with sound decisions made under pressure and in ambiguity.
• Commercial awareness, including project finances, forecasting and resource utilisation.
• Proven people management, including performance management and developing teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication, able to brief senior stakeholders and engage confidently with clients.
• High discretion and sound judgement with sensitive information, and a solid grasp of operational risk, security and confidentiality.
• Eligibility for UK Security Check (SC) clearance.

Desirable Experience

• Experience designing and improving operational processes and governance.
• Comfortable with project management and reporting tools.
• Background in government, defence, military, law enforcement or the intelligence community.
• Familiarity with intelligence production, investigations, due diligence or OSINT methods.
• Experience supporting operations in challenging, austere or high‑risk environments.
• Familiarity with UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) operations.
• Familiarity with protective security operations.
• Experience supporting business development and competitive bids.
• A recognised project or programme qualification (PRINCE2, APM, Agile or equivalent).
• A second language.

Eligibility and clearance

This role requires UK Security Check (SC) clearance. SC normally requires the right to work in the UK and five years’ continuous UK residency. We sponsor clearance, and any offer of employment is conditional on obtaining and maintaining it.

Additional Considerations

This role may involve occasional exposure to extremist material and graphic or distressing online content as part of operational delivery. Exposure will be minimised wherever possible, and managers actively monitor staff wellbeing and provide appropriate support. Candidates should be comfortable working in this environment and able to manage these responsibilities professionally. The role may also require occasional domestic and international travel, sometimes at short notice, depending on operational requirements.

About Prevail Partners

Prevail Partners delivers strategic advice, intelligence, specialist capabilities and managed services to governments, multinational corporations and non‑governmental organisations operating across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Everything we do is guided by our commitment to Unrelenting Excellence. We value integrity, curiosity, accountability and care, and we look for people who share those values. At Prevail, we believe in recognising and rewarding our people. Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, professional development, and life beyond work:

• AXA Private Medical Insurance: Fully funded private healthcare cover through AXA.
• Health Shield Cashback Plan: Claim cashback on everyday healthcare costs including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and more.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: A tax‑efficient way to save for your future through pension contributions.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential mental health, legal, financial, and wellbeing support through Health Hero.
• Free Gym Membership & Wellness Perks: Free gym access for London employees at Manor Gym, plus company‑sponsored fitness classes each week.
• Enhanced Leave Entitlements: Supporting you through important life moments with flexibility and care.
• Professional Development Days: Dedicated time off to focus on your personal and professional growth through training, courses, or self‑directed learning.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax‑efficient savings on bikes and accessories, available post‑probation.
• Season Ticket Loans: Interest‑free loans to support annual commuting costs.
• Socials & Team Culture: Company socials every other Thursday, regular run club meetups, plus summer and Christmas events that bring the team together.
• Culture & Development: A values‑led culture with collaborative initiatives and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development.