Sovereign AI is a UK-based AI infrastructure and software solutions provider building the next generation of sovereign-grade AI data centres across EMEA. Designed for resilience, security, and scale, we enable commercial and government customers to deploy advanced AI with confidence in environments where performance, reliability, and compliance are non-negotiable. Focused on regulated and mission-critical sectors including Government, Defence, Healthcare, and Financial Services, we are creating the trusted foundations for AI adoption at scale, combining robust infrastructure with disciplined governance to support long-term innovation and national-level capability.
As Workplace Operations Manager, you'll own the day-to-day running of our physical workplace and executive support function, leading the Office Manager and Executive Assistant team to deliver a working environment that matches the seriousness of our mission.
You'll bring consistency, discretion, and operational rigour to workplace services and executive support, working closely with People, IT, and Security to ensure our office supports the way a defence and government-facing organisation needs to operate. This is a hands-on leadership role with real autonomy over budget, suppliers, and how the team runs day to day.
Lead and manage the Office Manager and Executive Assistant team, setting priorities, standards, and workload
Own end-to-end office operations, including facilities, health and safety, supplier relationships, and budget
Define and maintain executive support standards across the business
Own the workplace operations budget, tracking spend and identifying efficiencies
Partner with People, IT, and Security to ensure the workplace supports secure working practices
Manage relationships with landlords, building management, and facilities contractors
Develop and maintain office policies covering health and safety, incident response, and access
Own space planning and office moves as the team grows
Act as escalation point for workplace and executive support issues
Drive continuous improvement in workplace experience
5+ years' experience in workplace operations, office management, or facilities management, including at least 2 years managing a team
Experience managing or working closely with Executive Assistants supporting senior leadership
Experience managing supplier and vendor relationships, including contract negotiation and performance
Track record of managing office budgets and delivering cost efficiencies
Experience operating in a security-conscious, regulated, or government/defence-adjacent environment (desirable)
Experience supporting office moves, space planning, or workplace change projects (desirable)
Strong people management skills, with the ability to set standards and develop a small team
High discretion and sound judgement when handling sensitive or confidential information
Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple competing priorities
Clear, confident communicator able to engage senior leadership and external suppliers
Practical problem-solver, comfortable making decisions independently
Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety qualification, or willingness to obtain within first 6 months (desirable)
Relevant facilities management or workplace operations certification (desirable)
