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 HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post will be based in either Abbey Wood (Bristol) or Aldermaston (Reading).

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 The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

Job description

This post sits within the Stockpile Management division of the DNO Warhead Group. Deputy Director Warhead Stockpile Management (WSM) has responsibility for maintaining safe, effective (performing) and available in-service nuclear warheads now and in the future. 

The Supply Chain and Logistics team has responsibility for the procurement, storage, accounting and disposal of Government Furnished equipment (GFx)

This includes management of the procurement interface with the US Department Of Energy (DOE) and US Department of Defense (DoD), and management of overall Re-entry Body Assembly (RBA) deployment programme, to ensure sufficient assets are available in the correct location to satisfy the requirements of Strategic Systems Trident Plan (SSTP) and Statement of Stockpile Requirement (SSR). 

This post is one of two that will support the Supply Chain and Logistics team in a diverse range of tasks to fulfil the responsibilities outlined above. The successful candidate will focus on the through-life management of GFx and logistical requirements to support production activities at Life Cycle Phases 1 and 3.

Responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

• Development and maintenance of the DNO WSM Procurement Rationale to ensure Nuclear Warhead materiel requirements are captured and supported to meet the policy set out in the SSR.
• Conducting audits and assessments to ensure that DNO owned Nuclear Warhead assets, components and material are being adequately controlled in accordance with MOD policy and requirements set out by the US under the Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA) and 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement.
• Facilitating the safe disposal of US-furnished Nuclear Warhead components in accordance with Nuclear Weapon Approving Authority (NWAA) Procurement Plans and the requirements set out in the US/UK Configuration Management Document (CMD-01).
• Reviewing and maintaining US/UK Production Subcommittee (PSC) CMD-01 Annexes in line with programme priorities. Ensure the requirements for the management of US-furnished Trident Re-entry System (TRES) items for storage, production and logistics are consistent with US compatibility requirements.
• MOD Lead for the US/UK Request for Disposition Reporting System (RDRS), used to report non-conformance and discrepancies (RDs) against Nuclear Weapon components design and procedures identified during assembly and disassembly and logistical operations at LCP1
• Provide technical support to the US/UK Trident Warhead Project Group (TWPG), Programme & Finance Working Group (P&FWG) and Joint Re-entry System Working Group (JRSWG) PSC on a bi-annual basis.

The candidate will be required to work collaboratively with Subject Matter Experts in all Life Cycle Phases within the Nuclear Warhead programme as well as with the US DOE and DoD under the PSA and 1958 MDA.

Previous knowledge of the Nuclear Warhead Programme is not expected; training and development will be offered to any successful candidates

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.

(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.)

Person specification

Qualifications (Highly Desirable)

• Minimum of HNC / HND in a STEM discipline or equivalent relevant experience.

 Qualifications (Desirable)

• Degree or equivalent in a STEM discipline

Skills

• Proficiency with MS applications.

Desirable Skills

• Engineering experience, preferably within a nuclear or high hazard related environment.
• Experience working on defence related projects and with large external organisations.
• Previous experience in supply chain and logistics

Candidates are not expected to meet all of the desirable criteria. The available role will provide opportunities to develop specialist nuclear skills and an understanding of the UK and Defence Nuclear Enterprise. As such, candidates are expected to be proactive towards their own personal development and capable of demonstrating initiative

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 and Experience.

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* 

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. 

Candidates have 1000 words for a personal statement, where they should focus on how  their skills and experience meet the requirements of this role. 

At Interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions

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.

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 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.