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. 

There are Warhead Group staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading), HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post will be based in HM Naval Base Clyde.

The mission of the Defence Nuclear Organisation is to keep safe and capable submarines at sea today and in the future. We need a capable and credible nuclear deterrent to successfully deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life. Defence Nuclear consists of the people, equipment and infrastructure required to make that happen. 

The Replacement Warhead Programme sits within the DNO’s Warhead Directorate and is critical to ensuring the sustainment of the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent into the latter half of the 21st century. The Replacement Warhead Programme is responsible for managing the design, development, manufacture, and maintenance of a stockpile of safe, credible, and effective nuclear warheads to protect the UK and NATO against the most extreme threats to our way of life.    

The Replacement Warhead Requirements Manager role sits within the Replacement Warhead readiness team at Coulport and will help to ensure that the “Golden Thread” of requirements is effectively managed within the Replacement Warhead programme. 

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.

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.

Job description

The function of the post is to lead the development of the new Replacement Warhead (RW) safety case at Coulport as part of the DNO Coulport RW team. The post will take the lead role in clearly identifying the requirements of the RW safety case for Life Cycle Phase 3 (LCP3) and ensuring all necessary warhead information is provided to the depot ensuring the safety of warhead operations. 

Key deliverables: 

Developing the future RW nuclear weapons Safety Management arrangements at Coulport

Ensuring RNAD(C) is compliant with all relevant design requirements, nuclear weapons legislation, and regulations for RW. To do this will require developing the future RW nuclear weapons Safety Management arrangements at RNAD(C), developing the nuclear safety requirements and the warhead safety case for RW operations, documenting Hazard Identification and Hazard Analysis studies for RW LCP 3 operations.

Actively promoting Nuclear Safety and Security Culture, in particular the requirement to both comply with the ALARP principle whilst undertaking Authorised Activities and be demonstrably ALARP in the development of design substantiation and the selection of solutions through option studies.

Provide the lead interface and management of DNO and Navy Command at Clyde with regards all regulatory requirements for RW. 

Manage and implement RW nuclear weapons safety case arrangements at Coulport

Ensuring that nuclear weapons safety case arrangements at RNAD(C) are formulated, implemented, and maintained for the Replacement Warhead Programme.

The post holder must foster a culture of safety at RNAD(C) and encourage joined-up working with other teams on the site, leveraging lessons from experience where required.

They must have a strong working knowledge of the nuclear weapon programme and safety and security processes to effectively engage with audits, inspections, peer reviews and DNO processes.

Ultimately, they are responsible for ensuring that the Replacement Warhead can safely enter service from an LCP 3 perspective, and that safety related issues within the RW Design are dealt with appropriately. 

Person specification

Qualifications: 

• HNC / HND in an Engineering discipline or equivalent relevant experience. 

Can be gained in post: 

• Nuclear Warhead Foundation Course (NWFC)
• Nuclear site safety justification course

Desirable Qualifications:

Can be gained in post: 

• Z6
• AWE Intermediate Warhead Safety Course (IWSC).
• TEST 10 Course
• Trident D5 Familiarisation Course

Skills:

• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems and Safety Cases

Desirable Skills: 

• Knowledge of the design, development, and manufacture of nuclear weapons
• Knowledge of facilities at AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield
• Knowledge of Coulport Site and Operations

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,632 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.

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* 

Your application should contain the following: 

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements.
• A Personal Statement (no longer than 750 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the responsibilities covered in the job advert. 

It is imperative that you use the CV and Personal Statement to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the person specification outlined above. Both will form a key part of the sift.

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). 

At interview you will be assessed against the following behaviour: 

• leadership
• seeing the big picture
• changing and improving

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

1. 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. 1.41 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, If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons. 

DNO External Recruitment DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

[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 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.