DNO - Warhead Nuclear Weapon Modifications Manager
Ministry of Defence
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 11th November 2024
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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 Group has staff based in MoD Main Building, MoD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HM Naval Base Clyde (HMNB(C)) (Scotland). The post in this advert will based in either the Aldermaston or Abbey Wood sites, however regular travel across locations will be required.
This post is 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.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
The Warhead Stockpile Management (WSM) team has the responsibility to maintain safe, effective and available in-service Nuclear Warheads in the support of the UK Strategic Deterrent and the maintenance of Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD).
Across the team, we rely on Engineers to ensure that the MoD remains an intelligent Customer in all that we do, that equipment delivered is effectively integrated across the Nuclear Enterprise, and that support is provided to critical equipment capabilities to ensure that the Mission is delivered.
You could be delivering outputs that range from the acquisition of new operational equipment, managing the baseline of approved equipment and activities, support the DNO in sustaining our US interfaces, assessing Nuclear Weapon design changes or anything in between.
Irrespective of the work undertaken, we need people who recognise the importance of their work in the bigger picture, can use their engineering knowledge to set clear requirements and expectations, and will work collaboratively with their colleagues to ensure we meet those requirements.
Many technical disciplines are represented in the deterrent programme, so it is likely that your background is relevant, from mechanical engineering and applied science to systems engineering and configuration management.
No Nuclear knowledge is necessary, but we are looking for Engineers with experience of delivery who are comfortable leading small team projects.
As one of the highest Defence priorities, we work alongside Civil Service, military, industry, and academic stakeholders at all levels of seniority, providing potential for excellent exposure and experience.
The Modifications Team requires a modification manager to:
- Manage the baseline of approved equipment and activities;
- Capture and manage potential changes to equipment and processes through the product lifecycle;
- Understand and manage interfaces to other equipment, processes, and organisations;
- Managing authorised changes through the approval process; and
- Ensuring that operations continue to be conducted in line with the approved conditions.
As a C2/Higher Executive Officer (HEO) you will be take responsibility to deliver specific technical tasks or project elements as assigned by your Senior Executive Officer (SEO). As a technical representative, you will be expected to make robust and evidence-based recommendations on the suitability and quality of deliverables to the SEO team lead. You will need to reach balanced judgements that account for both important technical details, and the wider programme context.
The Modifications Team have interactions across the DNO, Industry, with RNAD Coulport and with the United States
Person specification
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake activities including:
- Working with others to define and agree technical requirements and verification plans,
- Evaluating evidence from suppliers to ensure those requirements have been met,
- Making recommendations on the acceptability of suppliers’ outputs,
- Quantifying and communicating levels of risk to safety and product performance,
- Providing advice to Duty Holders and decision-makers across the organisation,
- Resolving science and engineering problems as part of diverse, multi-organisation teams,
- Ensuring compliance with Defence directives, regulations, and engineering standards,
- Consulting stakeholders to ensure that all technical aspects have been adequately addressed,
- Conducting reviews or audits of compliance with key processes and managing necessary corrective actions,
- Aiding effective project management by identifying risks and supporting planning/scheduling,
- Providing technical reporting and briefing to various customers.
Qualifications:
- The minimum qualification in this range of vacancies is an engineering or science ONC (or equivalent Level 3 qualification) with at least 2 years’ experience in engineering support / delivery.
We’re keen to see applications from candidates that have:
- Worked in an engineering delivery environment, ideally in a regulated or standards-driven industry.
- Been key contributors to decision-making processes, irrespective of the industry.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
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
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
- On-site Gym depending on site
- Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
- Thank You Scheme
- Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
- Defence Discount Service
- On-site Nursery depending on site
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
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.
At sift, you will be assessed against the following:
Success Profiles Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
Experience:
- 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.
Your Past Skills and Experience should be aligned to the following guidance:
- Outline your skills and recent experience relevant to this role referring to the role description and responsibilities. Please keep succinct and write in prose rather than bullet points.
- Include relevant training that you have undertaken (even if it is in-house training and not recognised by an awarding body).
- Include professional memberships or qualifications (even if they have lapsed).
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.
When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions.
The interview is expected to last no more than 1 hour.
Demonstration of specific Nuclear knowledge and experience not essential but candidates should be able to demonstrate similar safety and lifecycle management skills in a complex engineering environment.
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.
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 in to 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. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It 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.
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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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : DNO External Recruting
- Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
info@csc.gov.uk.
