Operations Specialist Coordinator

Location: Defence Academy, Shrivenham (Swindon)

Salary: £28,331.00 prorated plus benefits

Schedule: Perm/PT/30 hours per week

Ready to impact a better future?

Join us at the Defence Academy and play a key role in supporting the smooth operation of Station Headquarters activities. As Operations Specialist Coordinator, you'll provide vital coordination, administration and governance support across a broad range of operational processes.

This is a role where your organisation, attention to detail and relationship-building skills will make a genuine difference. From coordinating honours and awards processes to supporting risk management, governance activities and senior stakeholder engagement, your work will have purpose and create a positive impact across the organisation. You'll be part of a team that values trust, innovation and continuous growth, with headroom for people to grow and develop their careers.

What you’ll do as a Operations Specialist Coordinator

• Build effective working relationships with Colleges, Groups, Station Headquarters, the Programme Management Office and senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate honours, awards, citations and recognition schemes, ensuring submissions and records are managed accurately.
• Organise and support awards programmes and ceremonies.
• Coordinate and administer Ministry of Defence (MOD) trawl activities.
• Support sensitive processes professionally while maintaining confidentiality and stakeholder confidence.
• Coordinate risk management activities, including administration of the Active Risk Management (ARM) system and risk review meetings.
• Prepare reports, presentations, statistics and management information to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Maintain and monitor the Defence Academy Headquarters Task Tracker and support timely completion of actions.
• Provide administrative and secretariat support to senior leadership meetings and governance forums.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and help create impactful solutions across the business.

Does this sound like you?

• Good general education, including GCSEs or equivalent in English and Mathematics.
• Previous administration experience and knowledge of office practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Confident building positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Adaptable, professional and comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Motivated to identify improvements and contribute ideas that add value.

What we offer

• Competitive holiday package
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Vetting and checks:

Applicants must be willing and able to undergo the necessary security vetting. This role requires Security Clearance (SC), which includes checks on identity, employment history, criminal record and financial background to confirm suitability for working in a secure environment. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

A little bit about us:At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.

Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.