DNO - Warhead Transport Operations Deputy Head Bristol, England
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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 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.
The Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future.
This post can be based at either Aldermaston (Reading) or MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol) with the requirement to travel between sites very regularly.
Due to security constraints, this post is exempt from hybrid working requests. Requests for flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered but may be limited. Candidates should consider this and must discuss with recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week
Job description
The Nuclear Transport Operations (NTO) programme is planned and delivered by the Nuclear Transport Operations Group (NTOG) which includes personnel from the DNO, MoD Police Special Escort Group (MDP SEG), Royal Marines 43 Commando (43 Cdo) and the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). In this joint endeavour the DNO team is the ‘NTOG HQ’ and is overall accountable for planning and delivering the programme and for coordinating inputs from the other NTOG organisations and for engaging with wider NTO stakeholders such as civilian emergency authorities, military sites and Regulators.
The purpose of the Transport Operations DH is to plan and deliver the Nuclear Transport Operations Programme with all appropriate safety, security and logistic planning elements. This includes Road, Rail and Air moves and includes both Operational moves and Transport Nuclear Emergency Operation (T-NEO) exercises.
Person specification
Responsibilities
The Transport Operations Deputy Head is responsible for the following main activities:
Key Responsibilites:
- lead in the change control of the NTO programme (Ops and NEO exercises), ensuring that change decisions are taken in an appropriate and timely manner at the right level of authority and managing the impact of programme changes on NTOG organisations such as MDP SEG and 43 Cdo
- ensure that appropriate safety and security measures are put into all aspects of the NTO programme to comply with policy, legislation and regulation.
- issue operation orders for each NTO operation and to ensure that the Joint Operation Centre (JOC) is appropriately resourced and run through the duration of all active operations.
- maintain regular and effective dialogue with the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR) and Defence Nuclear Security Regulator (DefNucSyR) in order to gain their understanding and support for the NTO programmes and decisions made, and to address any recommendations or notices that have been raised in a timely manner.
- build and maintain an appropriate team relationship with Stakeholders– including these in planning and decision making as appropriate.
The Transport Operations Deputy Head is expected to hold a delegation from DD WEP as the Delegated Duty Holder (DDH) for nuclear Lifecycle Phase 2 (LCP2) operations and must be demonstrably competent to do so. In that respect previous experience of working with the Military and in Military logistics would be an advantage.
Desirable Qualifications
APM or Prince 2 Certification in Project Management
Desirable Skills
Experience of working in a highly regulated environment would be an advantage, including experience of working with or previous experience within a military logistics environment.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
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.
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 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.
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*
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.
Candidates personal statement should focus on how their skills and experience meet the requirements of this role. You have around 1000 words for the Personal Statement.
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.
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.
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 - [email protected]
[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)
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Interviews will be conducted virtually with the use of video.
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.
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: [email protected]
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
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).
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