DNO – Replacement Warhead Systems Integration 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 (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. 

There are Warhead Group staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading), HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post will be based in HM Naval Base Clyde.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

This post is placed within the Replacement Warhead Programme (RWP), which is responsible for enabling the UK’s replacement nuclear warhead to be successfully designed, manufactured, and fielded.

The Systems Integration Manager role will be part of the Coulport RW Readiness team. Its main purpose will be to capture and integrate all technical requirements of the Coulport RW programme, ensuring they are fundamentally correct and can be integrated into the wider programmatic planning for the Replacement Warhead system. It will work directly to the RW Readiness Assistant head.

The postholder may also be responsible for the line management of one C2/HEO post.

Responsibilities.

Ensure that the enterprise has access to the right programmatic assumptions and dependencies in relation to Coulport RW capability requirements and overarching nuclear weapon and submarine programme policy:

• Map Coulport RW programme dependencies and identify owners, build dependency management into the nuclear weapon programme Governance cycle.
• Use knowledge of the nuclear weapon programme to identify critical information, technical support, explosives and hardware requirements at Coulport to support and de-risk the programme.
• Work with the Materials and Programmes team to ensure that the forward programme of activity for delivery of hardware and materials to Coulport is understood, is supportable and suitably resourced.
• Support the RW programme in the development of evidence-based strategies, policies and plans.
• Support development of Coulport programme artefacts including the Schedule and Risk Management processes.

Identify, define and review dependencies across the programme, engaging confidently and persuasively as a nuclear SME with the engineering team to understand the technical requirements of Replacement Warhead and ensuring that programme constraints are captured in assumptions:

• Interface across the nuclear weapon enterprise and wider submarine portfolio; understand the programmatic interfaces and factor these into RW Coulport programme plans.
• Integrate Replacement Warhead Life Cycle Phase 3 (LCP3) with the other life cycle phases, ensuring that Replacement Warhead requirements and programme dependencies are captured and defining them where they are not.
• Ensure that strategies and constraints are reflected in Replacement Warhead programme artefacts and that dependencies are proactively managed and that future costs arising from the Coulport programme are accounted for in the core costings.
• Ensure that the wider submarine portfolio is engaged with Coulport Operations and Trident Systems Project Team (TSPT) to ensure that portfolio dependencies with Replacement Warhead are understood.
• Lead on Coulport RW technical master assumptions: Ensure that assumptions capture aspects relating to the nuclear weapon supply chain and wider life cycle phases nuclear weapon programme inter-dependencies.
• Support the RW team with its approval committee engagement, such as demonstrating how the programme has put in place and maintained suitable structures to manage programme dependencies, risks, assumptions, etc.
• Ensure that programme deliverables have a strong definition and linkage to policy and that costs are taught and realistic, while making suitable provision for risk and uncertainty.

Qualifications:

• Nuclear Weapons Foundation Course (can be obtained after joining)
• Z6 (can be obtained after joining)

Skills: 

• Experience with Requirements Management in a technical environment
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, including of policies and procedures across all life cycle phases, or related experience
• Knowledge of MOD Policy, Procedures and Processes
• Understanding of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA), Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA) and technical arrangement under the PSA 

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

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Nuc 2.2 – Management of the Nuclear Weapon Programme
• Nuc 4.2 – Nuclear Weapons System, and Components Concept, Assessment, Design for Modification and Life Extension

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, rising 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.  

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Job contact :

• Name : DNO External Recruiting
• Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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