DNO-WHG - Delivery Enablers - Fleet Assistant Head

Job description

About the job

Job summary

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation.We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

The Warhead Group Test, Trials and Evaluation (TT&E) portfolio is part of the Delivery Enablers Directorate and is the sponsor organisation for the TT&E portfolio of capabilities needed to deliver requisite TT&E capabilities at the right place and right time to ensure that in-service and replacement warhead programmes can be manufactured, certified and transported to the required standards and timescales.

The team owns the portfolio requirements and undertakes capability planning activities to build a balanced portfolio that meets warhead programme objectives, outcomes, and benefits. The team sponsors the development and procurement of TT&E capabilities including at Fleet site and oversees their management through life, ensuring the portfolio remains within approved business case, budget, and scope. The Assistant Head Fleet post is a leadership role and reports to the Deputy Head TT&E.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Head of Establishment responsibilities

• Appointed the Head of Establishment (HoE) for DNO Fleet Ranges at MoD Shoeburyness, the HoE will hold the accountability for the health and safety, security and, environmental protection for DNO Fleet and ensure site compliance which includes site development activities.
• The range licences for Fleet are in the process of transitioning to DNO, and HoE will have additional duties as part of that transfer e.g. Range Approving Officer (RAO) authorities to bring ranges into use, monitor safe operation and implement MOD safety policy
• Represent DNO at various safety, security and coordination boards, including chairing a range of DNO Fleet meetings and presenting at a range of technical, programme, regulator and safety meetings.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders including the Head of Site (HoS) for MOD Shoeburyness, T3E Head of Establishment, NADG Strategic Programmes Test & Evaluation, and others as required
• Understand regulatory requirements and liaise with a range of regulators to ensure compliance

Leadership

• Be a visible and inclusive leader, working as part of a multi-functional team (commercial, finance, technical, policy, project) within a collaborative and psychologically safe environment.
• Lead purposefully, ensuring outcomes and benefits are understood and communicated
• Lead a team of MOD staff on DNO Fleet site. Hold to account and ensure compliance of contractors who fulfil the range operator role and hold the explosives licence. Support and enable contractors to be successful through timely and effective opportunity and risk balanced decision making

Delivery

• Articulate and sponsor TT&E requirements for Fleet, and lead the development and implementation of a Fleet strategy and future roadmap.
• Lead on an approvals strategy to commission bespoke TT&E capability and facility projects to meet requirements
• Provide advice to business case development and intervene where required with engagement of senior stakeholders across the scrutiny, approvals and assurance bodies.
• Oversee delivery of estate maintenance and infrastructure contracts on Fleet site
• Conduct an annual capability audit to identify gaps in capability including maturity and availability against TT&E activity requirements.

Additional elements of the role will include:

• Direct line management of x1 SEO
• Regular reporting into Warhead Group governance forums.
• Represent and deputise for the DNO WHG DE TT&E Deputy Head where required.
• Active contribution to Warhead Group and wider DNO activities and initiatives, making DNO a great place to work

Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

This post attracts the NSQEP Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to 14,000 per annum. This allowance is discretionary and is dependent on a candidate's ability to successfully demonstrate and evidence their competence, qualifications, and experience to an independent panel of Subject Matter Experts.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Level 6 qualification in science or engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.

Skills:

• Experience working in Projects or Programmes or Portfolios in science or engineering or related discipline
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to present data and in-formation clearly to a variety of audiences;
• Excellent structured problem-solving and logical reasoning skills;
• The ability to use qualitative and quantitative evidence and knowledge to support senior decision-makers;
• The ability to deliver at pace, taking responsibility for timely and quality results with focus and drive;
• The ability to work across organisational boundaries;
• Experience managing complex networks of demanding stakeholders
• Be comfortable working in uncertainty, and changing programme priorities

Desirable Qualifications:

• PRINCE, PRINCE2; APM Project Management Qualification
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)
• Project Leadership Programme (PLP)
• Nuclear Weapon Foundation Course (NWFC)
• Nuclear Weapon Design and Hazards (Z6) course
• IOSH Safety for Seniors Executives course
• Overseas & Training Estate Safety Course (OSTESC) or the Cranfield Ordnance, Munitions & Explosives Safety: Awareness course
• Head of Establishment Health
• Safety & Environmental Protection course

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working with budgets and financial data
• Experience working with Risks and Issues management
• Experience and knowledge of techniques for planning
• Experience of test, trials & evaluation activity
• Experience and knowledge of test, trials and evaluation activities

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

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

• Nuclear Competence Framework - Nuc 5.3 Level 2: Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 61,630, Ministry of Defence contributes 17,854 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service
• On-site Gym
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• On-site Nursery(site dependent)

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of Ssitability which should be a maximum of 750 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential/desirable requirements for the role.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV, Statement of suitability and the following:

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Skill

• Nuclear Competence Framework - Nuc 5.3 Level 2: Practitioner

If a large number of applications are received, the sift will be based on Leadership, CV and Personal Statement only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

At interview, you will be assessed agianst your Experience and the following:

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Skill

• Nuclear Competence Framework - Nuc 5.3 Level 2: Practitioner

Presentation

• You will also be required to deliver a 5 minute presentation at interview, on a relevant leadership topic that will be communicated ahead of the interview to enable the candidate to prepare.

Interviews will be conducted over MS Teams.

Further information:

Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in one of the advertised posts may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.

The Defence Nuclear Organisation plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the UKs independent strategic nuclear deterrent. To help enhance security, staff working for the DNO are encouraged to always exercise a high level of discretion in sharing information or talking about their work. As part of the application process, we ask that you do not tell anyone other than your partner or close family member about your application to join the DNO. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage.

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.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

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.

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 the Civil 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 : External Recruitment
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [email protected].

Attachments 20230120-Nationality_Requirements-Candidates-O Opens in new window (pdf, 67kB) MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1563kB) Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 25kB) Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)