Defence Nuclear Organisation – People and Skills -Delivery Partner Manager

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 (DNE) (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. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

Delivering the Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) is Defence’s top priority. We need a capable and credible nuclear deterrent to successfully deter the most acute threats to our national security and way of life. The DNE consists of all the organisations that support the nuclear deterrent including civilian (Civil Service), military (Navy), and supplier areas, and covers people, equipment, and infrastructure.

Given the size and complexity of the task, compounded by timelines and skills challenges, establishing an ambitious and enterprising vision to generate a step change in organisational competence and capability is pivotal. Critical to this is being able to attract the brightest and best possible people to the DNE– and to encourage them to stay and develop their career within the Enterprise. That is where the DNE People and Skills Transformation Team comes in; we are an ambitious team working on modern solutions to set the conditions for an agile, motivated, well-resourced, and most importantly an attractive proposition for our future workforce.

The DNE People and Skills Transformation Programme leads a suite of projects which includes, Inspiring and Attracting the future workforce though outreach, employee value proposition, early careers entry routes and strategic workforce planning.

We are based at Abbey Wood in Bristol with a strong hybrid working policy. There is an expectation that you will attend Abbey Wood approximately at least once per month for pre-arranged team meetings as a minimum or as required.

We are looking for someone who is an experienced individual to join the team at Senior Executive Officer level. The post holder will be working with delivery partner organisations who will deliver a range of activities on our behalf to education establishments across England and the devolved administrations. Collaborating with our partners preparing Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics (STEM) engagement events, learning activities and content for our website. The Delivery Partner Manager will be the lead for our regional outreach engagement.

Approximately 70% of the role will see the post holder facilitating the smooth running of the Inspire & Attract project by supporting the Project Lead with several initiatives that underpins the delivery and success of the project. This will include collaborating with partners, providing the Programme Director with regional engagement activity reports and developing and leading content to our target audience which includes students, teachers, parents/careers, and careers advisers with content on our website.

The remaining 30% of the role will see the post holder undertaking quality assurance visits with our delivery partners, assessing risk, leading contract deliverables, and developing best practice to ensure the project remains current with new development opportunities to scale up the project.

The post holder will support the team in delivering an efficient, well-informed, and coordinated service to inspire and attract our future workforce. You will be operating in a fast-paced environment where you must have an adaptable and flexible approach to working across the UK. You will play a vital role in ensuring the DNE is represented in all our outreach engagement which will include attendance at national careers events. You will have, or will develop, a good grasp of STEM engagement with education establishments and develop your knowledge of early career opportunities in the DNE together with a sound appreciation of the sector.

Responsibilities include experience and knowledge with leading delivery partners by:

• Implementing a successful approach and tools to lead regional and national engagement with educational establishments
• Working with the Project Lead to maintain developed continuous improvement with the project
• Preparing reports, communicating data on engagement activity by regions
• Coordinating and leading on events within a designated region
• Point of contact for STEM Ambassadors with information on events and ensuring they have appropriate resources for school engagement
• Managing professional relationships with a wide range of internal and external partners, and acting as the lead for collaborating with engagement activities
• Preparing or lead on business cases and reports to expand the project
• Supporting the Assistant Head of Skills & Attraction with the project management life cycle
• Assisting with the development of Key Performance Indicators for Delivery Partner contracts
• Preparation of articles, blogs, and case studies
• Identify risks with Delivery Partners and raising as appropriate.
• Lead on development or acquisition of engaging learning resources and materials as for the website
• Ability to develop continuous improvement to ensure the project can scale up annually.

The role would suit an applicant who has the following:

Essential:

• A track record of outreach engagement with educational establishments.
• Evidence of working on regional or national projects with an educational focus
• Experience of leading projects including planning, risk management, and reporting
• Experience of taking ownership of, and making decisions on, day to day issues relating to own work area
• Experience of stakeholder management

Desirable:

• Experience of working on early careers related projects
• Experience of working on the design and development of learning activities for young people
• Experience of working in a STEM environment to inspire young people
• Experience of writing accurately and concisely e.g., for a report or other business need

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

• Changing and Improving
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership

• 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%

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

This post does not offer any assistance with relocation allowances.

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 www.childcarechoices.gov.uk  

Please note: Interview travel expenses will not be reimbursed.

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.

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Job contact :

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

Recruitment team

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