Communications Data Unit (CDU) Operations Manager


Company:	National Crime Agency
Salary:	from £57,687 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Warrington
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	4 Nov 2026
Closing date:	17 Nov 2026

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Summary

NCA Intelligence Collection (IC) coordinate collection capabilities against the agencies’ highest priorities. Exploiting all collection in order to maximise operational effect, ensuring that when deployed the capabilities achieve greatest impact adding value to operations.

The Communications Data Unit (CDU) operate within the Integrated Communications Intelligence command of IC, supporting the NCA in delivering its mission to cut serious and organised crime and is responsible for the acquisition of Data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. You will be responsible for managing a team operating in a dynamic environment, with competing demands and ensuring the NCA's operational activity is supported. You will be responsible for ensuring resourcing and budgetary demands are met and the Departments reputation is maintained with internal and external partners.

Essential requirements

The Communications Data Units are located in Birmingham, London and Warrington. CDU Single point of Contacts (SPOCs) work with investigation teams to assist in achieving operational objectives using communications data. They manage and facilitate applications for data, within the legislative framework. Communications Data (CD) underpins virtually every element of modern life. It is about who we communicate with, how those communications takes place, when they happened and where we were at the time. The need for criminals to communicate means that the requirement for Comms Data and its subsequent analysis underpins all the NCA’s operational activity, and as technology advances and digital opportunities grow, the demand for data acquisition is growing exponentially. You will lead a team of officers who are accredited CD SPOCs; ensuring processes are carried out thoroughly, professionally and expeditiously in accordance with Agency policy and legislative requirements. You will manage the security and accuracy of intelligence, maintaining confidentiality, sensitivity and duty of care. You will establish, develop and maintain strong working relationships with Intelligence collection partners, operational teams, NPCC and Home Office partners and represent the CDU at strategy meetings. You will support senior management in proactively identifying areas for improvement and driving forward change. You will be managing resources and develop an agile and flexible workforce, ensuring officers are well-led and highly motivated with access to the tools required. You will be accountable for CDU operational decisions and resourcing of the unit to support the Agency's demands. You will support ICI Senior Leadership Team in ongoing work to integrate CD into the wider Integrated Collection programme to better exploit data held by the Agency.

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