DNO - Replacement Warhead Materials Requirements Manager
Ministry of Defence
Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 30th October 2024
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This post attracts the Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to £12000 per annum. This allowance is discretionary and is dependent on a candidate's ability to successfully demonstrate and evidence their competence, qualifications, and experience to an independent panel of Subject Matter Experts.
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Project Delivery
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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 has staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HMNB Clyde (Scotland).
This post can be based in Reading or London with occasional travel between the sites.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
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. You would be joining a dynamic team and be working closely with partners across the UK and internationally.
The Strategic Materials Requirements Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the RWP’s material needs, particularly for strategic materials such as fissile and Other Special Materials (OSM), are being appropriately met.
The postholder will ensure that the set of strategic materials requirements are coherent and traceable, for which success can be measured against. They will attend relevant working groups and forums; work closely with the wider enterprise’s infrastructure and materials teams to ensure that requirements are understood and accepted, while providing insight to risks and strategic material supply issues.
Strategic materials are important dependencies across the whole of the Warhead Group. The postholder will therefore ensure dependencies are managed within the programme, interfacing with commercial, engineering, infrastructure, finance and other areas.
They will be responsible for ensuring that the supply of strategic materials meets the demand signal for the Replacement Warhead in alignment with Schedule.
The job holder is also be responsible for some interface with U.S. stakeholders, championing dependencies and materials considerations with our international partners. The post holder will work closely with the Risk Manager to capture both risks and assumptions of the programme relating to strategic materials, ensuring they are properly captured and reported.
You will also be responsible for line managing a C2 supporting on materials requirements.
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.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Person specification
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for the development and delivery of aspects of the Replacement Warhead Programme of work relating to the management of a RW Bill of Materials (BoMs). These requirements will feed into internal engineering, technical and programmatic work across the Replacement Warhead programme, and influence the wider Warhead Group.
- Engagement with the Replacement Warhead Engineering team, overseeing assumptions that critically affect the BoMs, and ability to deliver the programme. Feeding into supply chains and managing risk accordingly.
- Leading on the development of relevant sections within RW business cases.
- Support on development of a communications plan to highlight RW materials requirements to the wider Warhead Group and key stakeholders.
- Maintenance of a RW Bill of Materials and demand signal, informed by key stakeholders, to record the material requirements and associated demand stemming from RW.
- Work closely with the Infrastructure and Materials team to deliver an aligned understanding of material requirements at the portfolio level. Work closely with this team to capture changes in assumptions.
- Develop a detailed understanding of the current and forecast materials stockpile to inform availability for the RWP, recording this in the BoMs. Ensure decision-making is taking place in alignment with the realisation of RW programme benefits.
- Working with the wider DNO and AWE, make recommendations to the relevant fora on materials supply and materials-based issues and opportunities.
- Utilise knowledge of nuclear physics package and how it interfaces with the overall design of the nuclear weapon, to make informed recommendations to RWP decision-makers.
- Work closely with Risk and Assumptions Manager to ensure that insight into emerging risks and materials supply issues are properly accounted for, ensuring effective mitigation plans are enacted where required.
- Leading balance of investment cases where a capability choice must be made, coordinating with the materials, policy and capability teams prior to escalating to the appropriate body.
- Act as the Intelligent Customer for the Replacement Warhead Programme on Materials, ensuring that Subject Matter Expertise across DNO and AWE is leveraged to deliver the programme requirements, utilising this and own knowledge to advise senior decision-makers on issues relating to the material supply for the Replacement Warhead.
- Deputise for the NSS Assistant Head in Replacement Warhead Programme in strategic governance fora with stakeholders from industry and international governments on matters relating to the RW Programme’s material requirements.
Qualifications
- Level 5 or above qualification in a technical discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a technical field.
- Post-joining: Nuclear Weapons Foundation Course; Z6; Advanced Weapons Tech Course (AWTC)
Skills
- Excellent communications skills
- Experience working on the Nuclear Weapons Programme
- Knowledge of fissile and other special material; their use and management
- Knowledge of energetic materials; their use and management
- Knowledge of Nuclear Physics Package and how it functions
- Experience with requirements management
Desirable Qualifications
- Formal project/programme management qualification
- Nuclear Fuel Life-Cycle Course
- Relevant Warhead Safety Modules
Desirable Skills
- Experience working in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise
- Knowledge of the design and manufacture of nuclear weapons
- Awareness of 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) and Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Nuc 4.2 – Nuclear Weapon Concept, Assessment and Design
- Nuc 5.3 – Nuclear Weapon Acquisition and Acceptance
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 employer contribution of 28.97%
- 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
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.
You have around 500 words for a Personal Statement, where you have the opportunity to show how you meet the requirements of the role.
You have 250 words to answer each Behaviour (competency style).
At sift and interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours/Technical Skills:
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
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.
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.
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.
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)
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 Recruitment
- Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
