Defence Nuclear Organisation – Commercial Manager Opportunities

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (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 UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters. 

The UK’s 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.  

DNO Commercial is a dynamic and talented team working at the heart of maintaining the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) which deals with complex market forces and monitors the supply chain fragility of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).  

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The DNO Commercial Team has staff based in London, Bristol and Reading. These posts will be based in either MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), AWE Aldermaston (Reading) or MOD Main Building (London) and will require routine travel between the sites. 

We conduct every part of the commercial life cycle from identifying complex requirements to procuring sensitive material to managing billion-pound contracts and Category A programmes – the work we undertake is at a highly classified level.   

Whilst assessing the supply chain, we look to intervene in the market to protect CASD whether that be nationalising businesses (Atomic Weapons Establishment), acquiring businesses (Sheffield Forgemasters) or ring-fencing sensitive capabilities (Ultra Electronics). 

Throughout our work we manage a wide range of stakeholders with partners across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise ranging from the Submarine Delivery Agency to the Royal Navy, Babcock, BAE, Atomic Weapons Establishment and Sheffield Forgemasters.  

We operate with an annual budget of £6.9BN, working at the heart of government and protecting the UK’s most sensitive national security capabilities.  

As a commercial manager within DNO Commercial, you will be responsible for sourcing and managing the delivery of a range of contracts and providing commercial support and assurance of AWE, Sheffield Forgemasters and wider supply chain across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. 

The role will involve both sourcing and contract management and successful candidates can have a delegation of up to £2.5M once certain criteria are met.

Successful candidates will already be working in a commercial environment and will be able to demonstrate a blend of strong professional functional skills, including a deep understanding of procurement principles and practices, supply chain and category management principles, strong leadership skills, a drive to deliver great customer service and a proven ability to develop and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.   

Responsibilities

• Undertake commercial activities across the Procurement lifecycle from pre-market engagement, developing and executing sourcing strategies, contract management and closure 
• Execution and post award management of contracts through high quality contract management, ensuring key contract artefacts are in place, managing supplier performance and contract change effectively, to ensure ongoing value and service quality standards are delivered
• Collaborative working with project colleagues to achieve customer requirements 
• Deliver effective stakeholder engagement and management within the MOD, other government departments and industry partners 
• Using strong financial and commercial analysis to inform evidence-based decision making 
• Supporting, mentoring and developing staff, you will be a visible role model for the people you lead and manage 
• Providing commercial advice and guidance through business partnering 
• Promoting continuous commercial improvement across the team.  
• Potential line management of up to two commercial officers

Qualifications

CIPS Level 4 or above (or working towards/willingness to work towards to achieve this level within 2 years of joining). [Support will be provided in completing the Level 4 CIPS qualification with MOD funding and time allocation]. 

Development Profile:  

This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding team of committed procurement professionals working in a strategically important area of Defence. We can offer a varied and challenging role making a real difference. 

The role offers both structured and informal professional development on functional and behavioural skills, as well as leadership skills which would provide opportunities to build on and develop a career in government procurement.  

The role will require occasional travel in the UK with potential overnight stays.

Relevant skills / experience needed

Essential

• Experience of high value and/or complex contract management and/or
• Experience of sourcing, from pre-market engagement through to contract award.
• Team leadership & development experience
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable

• Experience of category and supply chain management 
• Experience of working with major capital infrastructure projects 

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Commercial Competency 2 Sourcing
• Commercial Competency 3 Contract Management

• 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 average employer contribution of 27%
• 25 days annual leave, raising to 30 days following 5 years’ service 

The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

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.

Posts based in London will attract the relevant London weighting.

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 by 31st December 2022. 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.

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.

Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

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/.

Job contact :

• Name : DNO Recruitment Team
• Email : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk