The Property Directorate is responsible for ensuring our physical estate supports HMCTS operational delivery efficiently and sustainably. This role sits within the Facilities Management and Priority Projects Team, which works across the Directorate and considers options to renew, procure and enhance Facilities Management (FM) and Security Services contracts which are a critical support service enabling the physical Court estate to function.
This role plays a key part in project initiatives that improve the quality and performance of Court and Tribunal buildings, ensuring they are fit for purpose and support the delivery of justice. It provides strategic leadership and drives delivery through collaboration with internal and external senior stakeholders to ensure contracts are well understood by all parties, effectively mobilised, well managed, and champion technological innovation which delivers value for money.
The Security Services Senior Contract Manager leads on contract procurement, ongoing operational delivery and future contract extension/re-procurement activity, ensuring successful internal and external stakeholder engagement which is fundamental to successful delivery.
The role works closely with colleagues across Property Directorate, Change Directorate and regional operational teams to ensure investment aligns with long-term priorities and value for money.
The role provides strategic and delivery leadership in relation to support service contracts and priority projects, supported by robust analysis, sound business cases and in line with government procurement regulations.
Lead the transformation and modernisation of the HMCTS estate, ensuring that current or future support service contracts promote flexible, sustainable and fit-for-purpose buildings.
Oversee the delivery of major departmental procurement activity, aligning support service contracts with operational priorities and HMCTS objectives.
Managing supplier demobilisation and mobilisation activity in accordance with agreed milestones plans, and subsequent progress reporting to Project Board(s).
Provide support to the G6 ‘Head of FM & Security Services re-procurement and Priority Projects’ in the delivery of ad hoc project work and initiatives as required by the Directorate.
Provide strategic and operational leadership for procurement and renewal of contracted services investment business cases and project governance.
Use of robust data and analysis to inform investment decisions and track the impact of supplier performance on estate performance.
Build strong relationships with senior operational, Judicial and departmental stakeholders to ensure alignment with end user requirements, and effective delivery. Collaborate with other senior leaders, across government and within HMCTS to drive best practice.
Represent HMCTS with authority on security and support service contracts across government and external partners.
Work across multiple Property functions to ensure support service contracts continue to align with wider strategy and planning, PPMO, capital, asset management and sustainability objectives.
Model Civil Service values and promoting a culture of delivery and inclusion with stakeholders and suppliers.
Ensure FM & Security Team and Operational Team readiness ahead of new contract agreements, by presenting at awareness sessions and through preparation and circulation of training and information material.
Lead delivery of and monitor/improve customer service levels in conjunction with the Security contract and other Property related service contracts.
Create and maintain a culture of service excellence through management of the contractual relationships and performance, providing assurance to senior leaders regarding activities, risks and key metrics (e.g. service costs data) that may involve complex, high risk and sensitive issues with numerous possible solutions.
Essential skills & experience
Proven experience leading or delivering major estates, contract procurement or transformation projects across a complex property portfolio.
Strong understanding of asset management, investment planning and property performance, including sustainability and compliance considerations.
Demonstrable experience in programme and project delivery, including developing business cases and options appraisals.
Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage confidently and present at senior levels.
Skilled at analysing data and evidence to inform investment decisions and track performance.
Experienced people leader, able to motivate and collaborate across different Teams within the organisation.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving ability, with a focus on delivery and continuous improvement.
Desirable skills & experience
Understanding of how to write business cases and skilled in obtaining relevant approval.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and develop clear, evidence-based insights to inform decisions.
Ideally hold a technical contract management and/or facilities management qualification or hold full membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management/Security Institute).
Possess a working knowledge and understanding of the Private Security Industry Act, BS7499, BS7858 and effective Search on Entry Procedure.
Excellent communication skills at Grade 7 level (written and verbal) and proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Power Point etc.
A sound understanding of HMCTS’s business objectives would be beneficial.
Operates in a complex and fast-paced environment, making high-quality decisions that shape the performance and operation of the HMCTS estate.
Analyses a wide range of information — including operational requirements, supplier performance evidence, financial constraints and stakeholder input — to develop clear, evidence-based recommendations to senior leaders.
Balances competing priorities and limited resources to determine the optimal sequencing and scope of projects and initiatives.
Applies structured problem-solving approaches to assess issues, identify root causes and develop practical, proportionate and innovative solutions.
Demonstrates strong judgement in making decisions that carry significant operational, financial and reputational impact for HMCTS and the wider Ministry of Justice.
Supports the development and evaluation of business cases and investment options, ensuring decisions are robust, transparent and aligned with strategic objectives.
Uses data and analysis to test assumptions, quantify benefits, and monitor the impact of change decisions on estate performance and service outcomes.
Anticipates risks and opportunities early, developing mitigation plans and adapting approach in response to emerging challenges.
Works collaboratively across disciplines — including asset management, capital delivery, finance and operations — to ensure decisions are well-informed and owned collectively.
Models inclusive and ethical decision-making, ensuring that options are considered objectively, stakeholders are engaged appropriately, and advice to senior leaders is clear and evidence driven.
Creates a culture of openness and continuous improvement, encouraging teams to learn from experience, share insight, and refine decision-making processes over time.
Plans and prioritises work across multiple contract activities, ensuring effective use of resources to deliver projects within agreed timescales and governance requirements.
Provides leadership across tasks, projects and workstreams by setting direction and coordinating activity across Directorate teams. Line management responsibilities will be introduced as the role evolves.
Manages own workload effectively, balancing competing priorities and adapting plans in response to changing demands.
Identifies capacity and capability risks, escalating issues appropriately and proposing pragmatic solutions to maintain delivery momentum.
Role models Civil Service values and behaviours, promoting integrity, inclusivity and collaboration across teams.
Uses resources responsibly and in line with organisational policies on finance, risk management, health and safety and information security.
The role will report directly to the ‘Head of Facilities Management & Security contract re-procurement and Priority Projects’ (G6) with a proportionate level of oversight of work priorities and outputs. The role will work alongside the Facilities Management Contract Manager (G7). Operates with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of complex project work and making informed decisions within broad strategic parameters.
Exercises sound judgement, prioritises effectively, and delivers outcomes with minimal supervision while ensuring alignment with departmental objectives, governance standards, and wider organisational priorities.
Negotiate with and influence stakeholders to implement organisational change using evidence- based approaches to gain support for key strategic priorities.
Provide support to the Head of Facilities Management (G6) and the Head of Security Services Contract (G6) in ensuring that the facilities management and security services contracts continue to support the requirements of HMCTS, identifying issues which may have wide-ranging implications.
Provide clarity and clear explanations to internal and external stakeholders on security services contract issues, confidently engaging with colleagues at all levels to influence successful outcomes, prioritise key activities and set aims and objectives for future strategic direction.
Regular engagement with Facilities Management and Security Teams to agree approach to change/re-procurement options.
Works closely with Asset Management, Capital, Sustainability and FM to align transformation activity with strategic investment priorities and estate performance goals.
Partners with HMCTS Regional Delivery Directors, operational leads and court managers to ensure estates transformation supports frontline service delivery and user needs.
Collaborates with colleagues across Finance, Project Governance & Assurance, Change Portfolio Office, Commercial, Digital and Change teams to coordinate investment planning, governance approvals and delivery assurance.
Engages with HMCTS Executive Team and Property Directorate senior management, providing clear, evidence-based advice to inform strategic decisions and investment proposals.
Liaises with external suppliers, consultants and contractors to ensure projects are delivered to quality, cost and time standards, and that delivery partners understand HMCTS objectives.