DNO-WHG - Delivery Enablers - Fleet Assistant Head

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

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 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 Group Test, Trials and Evaluation (TT&E) portfolio is part of the Delivery Enablers Directorate and is the sponsor organisation for the TT&E portfolio of capabilities needed to deliver requisite TT&E capabilities at the right place and right time to ensure that in-service and replacement warhead programmes can be manufactured, certified and transported to the required standards and timescales.

The team owns the portfolio requirements and undertakes capability planning activities to build a balanced portfolio that meets warhead programme objectives, outcomes, and benefits. The team sponsors the development and procurement of TT&E capabilities including at Fleet site and oversees their management through life, ensuring the portfolio remains within approved business case, budget, and scope. The Assistant Head Fleet post is a leadership role and reports to the Deputy Head TT&E.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Head of Establishment responsibilities

• Appointed the Head of Establishment (HoE) for DNO Fleet Ranges at MoD Shoeburyness, the HoE will hold the accountability for the health and safety, security and, environmental protection for DNO Fleet and ensure site compliance which includes site development activities.
• The range licences for Fleet are in the process of transitioning to DNO, and HoE will have additional duties as part of that transfer e.g. Range Approving Officer (RAO) authorities to bring ranges into use, monitor safe operation and implement MOD safety policy
• Represent DNO at various safety, security and coordination boards, including chairing a range of DNO Fleet meetings and presenting at a range of technical, programme, regulator and safety meetings.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders including the Head of Site (HoS) for MOD Shoeburyness, T3E Head of Establishment, NADG Strategic Programmes Test & Evaluation, and others as required
• Understand regulatory requirements and liaise with a range of regulators to ensure compliance

Leadership

• Be a visible and inclusive leader, working as part of a multi-functional team (commercial, finance, technical, policy, project) within a collaborative and psychologically safe environment.
• Lead purposefully, ensuring outcomes and benefits are understood and communicated
• Lead a team of MOD staff on DNO Fleet site. Hold to account and ensure compliance of contractors who fulfil the range operator role and hold the explosives licence. Support and enable contractors to be successful through timely and effective opportunity and risk balanced decision making

Delivery

• Articulate and sponsor TT&E requirements for Fleet, and lead the development and implementation of a Fleet strategy and future roadmap.
• Lead on an approvals strategy to commission bespoke TT&E capability and facility projects to meet requirements
• Provide advice to business case development and intervene where required with engagement of senior stakeholders across the scrutiny, approvals and assurance bodies.
• Oversee delivery of estate maintenance and infrastructure contracts on Fleet site
• Conduct an annual capability audit to identify gaps in capability including maturity and availability against TT&E activity requirements.

Additional elements of the role will include:

• Direct line management of x1 SEO
• Regular reporting into Warhead Group governance forums.
• Represent and deputise for the DNO WHG DE TT&E Deputy Head where required.
• Active contribution to Warhead Group and wider DNO activities and initiatives, making DNO a great place to work

Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

This post attracts the NSQEP Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to £14,000 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.

Open to UK nationals only.

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

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of Ssitability which should be a maximum of 750 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential/desirable requirements for the role.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV, Statement of suitability and the following:

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Skill

• Nuclear Competence Framework - Nuc 5.3 – Level 2: Practitioner

If a large number of applications are received, the sift will be based on Leadership, CV and Personal Statement only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

At interview, you will be assessed agianst your Experience and the following:

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Skill

• Nuclear Competence Framework - Nuc 5.3 – Level 2: Practitioner

Presentation

• You will also be required to deliver a 5 minute presentation at interview, on a relevant leadership topic that will be communicated ahead of the interview to enable the candidate to prepare.

Interviews will be conducted over MS Teams.

Further information:

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 Defence Nuclear Organisation plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the UK’s independent strategic nuclear deterrent. To help enhance security, staff working for the DNO are encouraged to always exercise a high level of discretion in sharing information or talking about their work. As part of the application process, we ask that you do not tell anyone other than your partner or close family member about your application to join the DNO. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage.

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.

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. 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.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

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