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. 

Within DNO, the Finance Directorate supports the spectrum of DNO via a functional operating model. The advertised roles support the Warhead Directorate that 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.

Our vision for the finance function is: Protecting Value, Driving Value, Adding Value and putting finance at the heart of decision making to support and enable delivery of Defence outputs.

There may be occasional travel to other MOD sites across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

Job description

This Cost Management role sits in the Financial Analysis and Costing team and is responsible for Cost Estimating and Modelling, along with Cost and Schedule Risk Analysis activities across the Warhead Programme in support of Business Cases and Programme delivery.

Principal tasks will include:

• Identify and manipulate data using a range of sources, normalisation requirements and techniques.
• Assist in the creation of robust Basis of Estimate.
• Support the generation of confidence level outputs using a range of techniques, including Monte Carlo.
• Support the generation of cost estimating outputs using the JAMES, CRBS and Defence Nuclear cost models, as well as other generic models.
• Providing single estimating tasks across a range of projects.
• Monitor key stakeholder outputs to ensure that estimates are provided to the required standard and completed prior to submission timelines.
• Assist in the creation, maintenance and operation of Simple Models.
• To communicate key estimate information and uncertainties to key member of the project, programme and wider DNO Leadership.
• To influence Leadership within project, supply chain and wider DNO within the cost management technical field.

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 employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity. 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).

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following desirable criteria:

Experience of: 

(1) providing intelligent analysis of complex cost models, drawing out common themes and understanding linkages and dependencies

(2) defining underlying cost assumptions and providing challenge throughout the costing process

(3) applying data analytic techniques to provide cost drivers, sensitivity and scenario analyses

(4) working with project teams to define Cost Modelling requirements, agree scope, timescales and resources to deliver

(5) applying cost and schedule risk analysis techniques to produce realistic risk-based cost and time forecasts for project delivery

Essential Qualifications: CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Essential Skills:

Building and populating complex cost models to Category A investment standard

CAAS Verification & Validation Course

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached documents.

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. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

At Application

Please submit a CV and Personal Statement of no more than 750 words covering:

• Evidence of current and/or recent previous cost management experience. 
• Evidence of excellent communication skills with the ability to relate cost management information to a non-specialist audience. 
• Overall suitability and interest in the role 

A sift will be conducted on your CV and Personal Statement.

At Interview: Candidates will be assessed on;

Behaviours:

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical: Finance Competence Framework

• Competence 9 – Cost Modelling Activities
• Competence 10 – Analysis Support and Assurance of Programme Risk

Interviews will be conducted over Microsoft Teams

Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in the advertised post 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.   

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 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. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.