Spies seek new 'Q' for high-tech gadgets

The government agency that provides high-tech help for UK spies is looking for a new chief.

Her Majesty's Government Communications Centre (HMGCC), based near Milton Keynes, is looking for a new chief executive – the real-life version of James Bond's gadget-obsessed 'Q'.

The HMGCC provides "special operational and technical services" in support of national security, it said.

"Its work is demanding, often at the cutting edge of technology, and of critical national importance," says the job advert.

The organisation has a staff of 425 and a turnover of £27m, and is seeking a new chief executive to "ensure the delivery of technical capabilities critical to national security".

Skills of HMGCC staff include radio frequency engineering, signal processing, embedded systems, study of power sources, and design and development of small precision mechanisms – all of which will be used to assist spooks in the field.

The advert says that experience in any field which involves "exploiting high technology to deliver operational outcomes would be an advantage" for any candidates for chief executive, along with a good knowledge of programme and project management disciplines.

But any wannabe Qs should get moving quickly – the closing date for applications is today.