DNO - WHG - Deputy Head System A21/Mk7
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. This is a new post in DNO offering the opportunity to take a leading role in the ASTRAEA programme which will deliver the A21/Mk7 replacement warhead. Working across senior levels of UK and U.S. Government, you will manage the broad and diverse stakeholder group essential to succeed in this role. |
Job description
This post is the lead for the delivery against UK RW system requirements and leads the system level trades through formal DNO governance. Working closely with the Deputy Programme Director, this post will ensure that system design is balanced against the programme performance, cost and time envelope. This post is the DNO lead on RW system level interactions with the U.S. W93/Mk7 programme ensuring the RW system can be qualified as compatible with the Trident II D5 missile. This post will deliver the DNO support and artefacts required for key AWE design gates, initially the System Design Review (SDR). It is also responsible for artefacts and development of RW processes for assessing the system against requirements and accepting a weapon into service
Principle tasks include:
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Person specification
Person Specification
- A highly motivated self-starter and team player with leadership skills developed through a range of roles. This should include evidence of leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to lead sensitive cross-cutting projects involving multiple stakeholders, demonstrating an ability to deliver through others.
- A strong background in engineering, nuclear science and technology with experience of the UK defence nuclear programme developed through a range of roles.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to present sometimes complex technical information effectively to audiences who do not always have the same level of technical knowledge.
Experience
Qualifications
- Science or Engineering qualification or at least 5 years working in an engineering discipline including management of requirements
- Project Leadership Programme (and/or applying within 1 year of appointment)
Desirable Experience
The post holder should have programme management experience in the science & engineering or nuclear professions and, ideally, in international collaboration including delivery of joint programmes.
- The integration of a re-entry body into the trident weapons system
- Warhead sus system engineering design, development
- Experience of acceptance of a product into service
Skills
Knowledge of systems integration in a safety regulated environment
This post can be based in any of the three main DNO locations: MOD Main Building (London), AWE (Aldermaston) or MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol). You will be expected to be in AWE Aldermaston office regularly (at least 2 days per week) and due to security constraints, regular office attendance is expected with remote working only supported where the schedule/IT permits. 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.
There will also be a requirement for international travel (primarily the U.S.) and to other sites across the UK including those in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
The role has responsibility for the Line management of 1 x Grade 7.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- 2.2 Management of the Nuclear Weapon Programme
- 5.3 Nuclear Weapon Acquisition and Acceptance
- 4.2 Nuclear Weapons Systems and components concept assessment, design for modifications and life extensions
Benefits
- 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 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.
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.
*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. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.
Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (750 Words)
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.
You have 250 words to answer each Behaviour (competency style).
- Interviews will be conducted face to face at MOD Main Building, London.
At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours/Technical Skills:
- Leadership
- Seeing The Big Picture
- Managing A Quality Service
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.
Dual Nationals
3. As per Paragraph. 1.43 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a) ‘Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.’
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. As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process or, in some cases, result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.
[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.
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.
Security
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : DNO-External Recruiting
- Email : DNO-externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
