Senior Applications Operations Engineer M365

Job summary

At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Job description

Our Digital and Data technology team are at the forefront of digital innovation. They provide the best in-class solutions for our clients, helping to shape and support a data-driven future for the UK government. Whether it’s creating bespoke, secure software, offering programme and application support or moving an entire embassy’s servers to a Cloud platform. No matter the task, they are on hand to support. Now, you’ve got the opportunity to join them.

Providing innovation to government partners.

Delivering best-in-class solutions.

Working at the cutting-edge of technology

It all matters.

Configure systems that safeguard vital services

You’re a Senior Application Operations M365 Engineer specialising in Power Platform and SharePoint Online, with the expertise to keep our core collaboration, automation and wider Microsoft 365 services running at their best. One day you might be refining complex Power Automate workflows, optimising SharePoint architectures or resolving issues across Exchange Online, Teams or Entra ID, the next you could be shaping platform governance, guiding colleagues on best practice, or stepping in to lead the team. Whatever the task, you’ll take ownership, solve problems, and ensure our environments remain secure, reliable and resilient.

And you won’t do it alone. You’ll be working closely with project teams, developers and support functions, turning technical detail into solutions that deliver real value. You’ll help improve our processes, enhance how we design and deliver M365 services, and keep growing your own expertise along the way. Because here, your skills don’t just support the business – they help safeguard vital government operations.

Lead with knowledge and grow with purpose

You’re an experienced M365 professional with the skills and certifications to back it up. You’ve built a solid foundation through formal qualifications and hands‑on work across complex, secure environments. You know your way around enterprise‑level Microsoft 365 technologies, and you’re confident operating under pressure to deliver reliable, high‑quality results.

But you’re more than just technical expertise. You value teamwork, clear communication and doing things the right way. You share your knowledge, support colleagues, and step up as a leader when it’s needed. You’ll also bring proven experience providing 3rd‑line support across the full Microsoft 365 stack – from Exchange Online and Teams to SharePoint Online, the Power Platform, Entra ID and all other core M365 services. Confident with PowerShell automation and security capabilities like Defender and Purview, you’ll use your skills to resolve complex issues and keep critical services running smoothly. Analytical, adaptable and focused on quality, you bring a steady hand to fast‑paced challenges – because in this work, precision and reliability really matter.

Grow your career with excellent benefits and support

Working with us, you’ll help keep people, information, and assets safe around the world. It’s a role you can feel proud of, and we aim to make every part of your career just as rewarding. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do and all you need.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting at fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Person specification

We are looking for people with:

• Agile & ITIL Foundation level / relevant experience
• Microsoft role-based certification – Associate (examples are MS700, SC300 or AZ104) or studying towards Expert and relevant product certifications
• Level 3 Information Communication Technician or equivalent level 3 qualification in IT Computer Science or relevant experience
• Practitioner level knowledge of hardware, software and systems being supported
• Substantial experience in relevant roles, including technologies in an enterprise environment, and of working within a secure environment, e.g. MOD
• Experience in a high-pressured, fast-paced team

Qualifications

Microsoft role-based certification – Associate (examples are MS700, SC300 or AZ104) or studying towards Expert and relevant product certifications.
(Please give full details)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Agile & ITIL Foundation level / relevant experience
• Microsoft role-based certification – Associate (examples are MS700, SC300 or AZ104) or studying towards expert and relevant product certifications
• Level 3 Information Communication Technician or equivalent level 3 qualification in IT Computer Science or relevant experience (if experience, provide detail)
• Practitioner level knowledge of hardware, software and systems being supported
• Substantial experience in relevant roles, including technologies in an enterprise environment, and of working within a secure environment, e.g. MOD
• Experience in a high-pressured, fast-paced team

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,801, FCDO Services contributes £14,137 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service pension.
• Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
• 9 days per annum public and privilege days

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this role, you will be asked to provide your CV, a personal statement, and provide answers to some job specific questions.

Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.

Your CV should include:

• No personal identifying details
• Career history with key responsibilities
• Achievements
• Qualifications
• Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.
• Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the technical/ job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.
• Those that are successful will be invited to a MS Teams or Face to face interview.
• At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical skills and behaviours.
• You will be required to complete an Business scenario question, or presentation along with the interview questions.

Candidates who are judged to be close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions in FCDO Services which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk
• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk
• Telephone : Shaun Majithia

Recruitment team

• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Attachments

Candidate pack Senior Application Operations Engineer M365 Opens in new window (pdf, 1764kB)