Apply Now
Details
Reference number
Salary
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Project Delivery
Sponsorship
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdoms (UK) national security?
Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.
The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UKs nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.
The UKs independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines known as the Dreadnought Class and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.
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 know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. 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.
Within DNO, the Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe, and effective nuclear warheads to support the UKs strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future.
These roles will sponsor and enable the delivery of infrastructure and strategic materials outcomes through our delivery agents and/or industry. These outcomes will be required in the right place, in the right condition, at the right time to meet the needs of UK warhead programme to ensure the UKs deterrent is effective and safe, now and in the future. These Assistant Head roles will be expected to own their specified outputs and be accountable for the outputs of their teams.
These posts are on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.
Posts based in London will attract the relevant London weighting.
These posts are advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
The nuclear weapon production system is both complicated and complex. Many of the capabilities required have not been delivered for two generations and consequently there is a need to deliver modern fit for purpose infrastructure capabilities to support the target production system.
Equally, these weapons require numerous hazardous material feedstocks that are in limited supply and carry a high regulatory constraint. There is a need to manage and control our existing stockpile and develop new procurement, manufacturing, and machining capability, which ties into the infrastructure above.
There are 4 Assistant Head roles available across the Infrastructure and Materials (I&M) team focused across different projects/elements of the portfolio.
They will be responsible for supporting sponsors, developing, and managing relationships with wider stakeholders, supporting in the development of understanding of the benefits and capabilities being delivered by the infrastructure and materials projects or programme.
Post holders will develop as SMEs and will support the wider portfolio by acting as a point of contact for non-I&M led projects and programmes with a view to managing interdependencies and shaping the portfolio to meet demand.
Act as an intelligent customer and support development of the DNO material strategy and its Infrastructure Capability Plans (ICP). This includes assessing and accepting recommendations proposed. Materials roles will also translate and define requirements for the procurement, reprocessing and disposal of nuclear material. They will act as an integrator into wider programme planning and develop and implement a MOD strategic materials plan.
The posts will also support across the infrastructure and materials team as part of a wider cohort of Assistant Heads with similar skills and competencies in order to develop resilience in the I&M team. This includes representing the Defence Nuclear Programme in nuclear weapon programme fora on strategic material or infrastructure issues and briefing seniors across MOD and wider government.
Post holders will be supported to become a subject matter expert on their area of responsibility and sponsor the delivery of capability in support of the nuclear weapon production system.
They will manage the full project/programme lifecycle within their area of responsibility. From requirement capture, options analysis, approvals, sponsorship of delivery and ultimately, acceptance into operations for the realisation of capability benefits.
DNO fully supports flexible/hybrid working where possible. However, the classification of some of the work demands regular office attendance. Flexibility will be required by postholders to meet the demands of the programme and they should expect to attend the office 2/3 times a week to access classified systems and engage face to face. Equally, there will be regular travel to other sites.
Terms of Reference (TORs) for individual roles are available subject to classification constraints and discussion with line managers.
Person specification
Responsibilities
Infrastructure
- Sponsorship of infrastructure projects and programmes.
- Assessing, planning, enabling, and initiating investments, infrastructure projects and programmes.
- Infrastructure requirements, benefits, and acceptance management.
- Provide infrastructure insight and expertise across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
Materials
- Determine and maintain the strategy for strategic materials.
- Provide SME advice to relevant Warhead Group projects and programmes.
- Management (procurement, disposal, loans, and transfers) of Accountable Nuclear Material (ANM) to achieve material availability for current programmes.
- Management of ANM recycling to ensure continuity of supply for future programmes.
- Material Disposal.
Qualifications
- Qualification or Membership of a professional science, engineering or project or programme institution, with route to Fellowship or Chartership.
Skills
- At least 5 years experience of working in regulated sectors, projects or programmes with knowledge life cycle phases or related experience.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Degree in a scientific or engineering discipline.
- Membership of a Professional Engineering Institution, with route to Incorporation or Chartership.
- A recognised Project Management Certification (e.g. APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
- Nuclear Weapon Foundation Course (NSQEP – Accredited Course)
- Nuclear Weapon Z6 Course (NSQEP – Accredited Course)
- Nuclear Submarine Quality Assurance Course (NSQEP – Accredited Course)
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle Course
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Science
- Audit and Evaluation Skills Course
- System Engineering (Awareness) Course
- Weapons Ordnance Munitions & Explosives Safety (Awareness) Course
Desirable Skills
- Business Case Approvals experience.
- Infrastructure Project Delivery.
- Infrastructure or Estate Management.
- Awareness level knowledge of the Nuclear Weapon Programme.
- Awareness level knowledge of the MODs Capability Management approach.
- Awareness Level knowledge of MOD Commercial Policy, Procedures and Process
- Practitioner level understanding of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement.
- Practitioner Level knowledge of Management of the Nuclear Weapon Programme (JSP538 & JSP372)
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
£14,698 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:
- Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- 25 days annual leave, raising to 30 days following 5 years service (+ 8 days bank and public holidays), with family friendly benefits including improved maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
- Thank You Scheme
- Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
- Defence Discount Service
- Some of our sites have on-site gyms, restaurants, cafes, nurseries and more
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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.
*Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview*
You will be required to supply us with an up-to date CV and a Personal Statement. These will be used to sift suitable candidates.
You have around 1000 words for a Personal Statement where you have the opportunity to show how you meet the requirements of the role. This will be considered prior to selection for interview.
Candidates will be required to complete an online CV template to include job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.
At interview we will ask you to cover a short 10-minute presentation on how you have worked with another party (delivery agent, industry, or another) to realise a better outcome. We are particularly interested in how you managed relationships, influenced stakeholders and balanced conflicting priorities.
We will also assess you against these behaviours:
These behaviours do not need to be evidenced within your application, only at interview.
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 requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.
Please note that due to the sensitivity of the role we can only accept UK Nationals and you will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MOD.
No application can be accepted after the closing date.
Nationality Requirements – Further Information for Candidates
- This post is classed as Reserved as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service[1] (Paragraph. 3.1).
UK National Definition
2. The definition of a UK National can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Dual Nationals
3. As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a) Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.
Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts
4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a) departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.
5, If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons.
DNO External Recruitment DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk
[1] Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
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.
The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and 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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : DNO External Recruitment
- Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
