DNO - Warhead Deputy Head, Defence Nuclear Future Systems Delivery
Ministry of Defence
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 11th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
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 role in DNO offering the opportunity to initiate and deliver a future system programme. You will form and lead a multi-disciplinary team to establish a programme of record that translates existing research into solutions that deliver required outcomes and realises the strategic benefits that are aligned to them. Working across senior levels of UK and U.S. Government, you will grow the broad and diverse stakeholder group essential for successful programme approval and delivery.
This post can be based in any of the three main DNO locations: Main Building (London), AWE (Aldermaston) or Abbey Wood (Bristol). Whichever location you choose you will be expected to spend a proportion of time at AWE and / or MOD Main Building, especially during the initial phase of establishing the role. There will also be a requirement for international travel (primarily the U.S.) and other sites across the UK including those in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
Job description
As the Deputy Head of the Future Systems programme, you will be responsible for initiating a warhead-related technology development programme.
You will take it from pre-concept research into the portfolio of record through development of the Strategic Outline Case and building the programmatic framework and technical solutions.
You will build and recruit the core DNE team and lead it and the wider matrix team drawn from across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. As the programme evolves and is approved it will move from Warhead Capability to Warhead Delivery.
Success in this role will rely heavily on building a close working relationship with the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), a non-departmental public body, our principal partner in delivering the Warhead Portfolio, as well as building skills and capability in wider industry.
The postholder will deliver the role through the successful application of P3M leadership and technical nuclear expertise. The key areas of responsibility of this post are:
- Exploiting research and bridging the “valley of death” to turn successful technology demonstrator programmes into the programme of record and build a programmatic framework to do so.
- Leadership of the Future Systems Programme (FSP): Working across the DNE, AWE and industry to build the team and a special place to work, where people with all kinds of talent and social backgrounds can thrive and are rewarded for their performance and commitment.
- Development of Strategic Plans and schedules to shape the overall business case cycle to deliver system solutions within the required timescales.
- U.S. Collaboration leading on the identification of opportunities for alignment and collaboration with the US under the 1958 US-UK Mutual Defense Agreement and the 1963 Polaris Sales Agreement.
- Stakeholder Management and governance including with senior stakeholders across the DNE.
- Information Security: Ensure appropriate security processes are in place to assure confidentiality of programme information and strict need to know is maintained
- Finance and Approvals: With finance and commercial business partners ensure controls are in place and that benefits are delivered in line with funding.
- Programme Controls including realisation of strategic benefits, monitoring dependencies and risks to ensure to ensure benefits can be realised and risks mitigated.
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.
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 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
- Experience of working collaboratively across UK government and with international partners.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of exploiting research and bridging the “valley of death” to deliver successful technology demonstrator programmes.
- Portfolio, Programme and Project Management experience (although formal qualifications can be obtained whilst in post if not already held).
- Experience of developing and executing project security plans.
Qualifications
- Project Leadership Programme (and/or applying within 6 months of appointment)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Nuc 1.6 - Information Security in the Defence Nuclear Programme
- Nuc 2.2 - Management of the Programme
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, 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
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.
‘London locations may attract locational allowances. The ‘Inner London Weighting RRA Allowance’ is £3,250 per annum and the ‘Outer London Weighting RRA Allowance’ is £1,750 per annum.
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
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 the Behaviours and Experience sections 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*
The requirements for the role have been bench-marked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.
You will be required to supply us with an up-to date CV. This will be used to sift suitable candidates- and will ask for your Job History, Qualifications and Past Skills and Experience.
You also have 750 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 Technical competency.
At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
Interviews will be conducted face to face at MOD Main Building, London.
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.
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.
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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
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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
