DNO-WHG-ISM Mk4A Risk, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies Lead

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.

This is a genuinely exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence and work at the heart of the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent. Within the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO), the Warhead Directorate is responsible for delivering and sustaining the UK's nuclear warhead capability, ensuring a safe, secure and effective stockpile now and into the future.

The Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) Directorate is responsible for the development, delivery and support of the current in-service Trident Mk4A Re-Entry System, future technologies, and the replacement Mk7 Re-Entry System. Working across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise with the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), Royal Navy and other key stakeholders, ISM acts as the MOD intelligent customer throughout the capability lifecycle, from concept and development through to in-service support and disposal.

This role sits within the Integrated Stockpile Organisation (ISO) and plays a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of the Mk4A programme. As the Mk4A RAID (Risk, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies) Lead, you will be the focal point for programme-wide risk and opportunity management, ensuring that senior leaders have the information needed to make informed decisions and maintain delivery confidence. You will lead the development of risk management and oversee programme assumptions and dependencies for the Mk4A Programme. Working closely with programme, technical and industry partners, you will help identify, assess and mitigate risks to a nationally critical capability that underpins the UK's Continuous At-Sea Deterrent, while ensuring opportunities to improve programme outcomes are fully realised.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The successful candidate will join the Integrated Stockpile Organisation (ISO) within the Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) Directorate, supporting the delivery and sustainment of the UK's Trident Mk4A Re-Entry System and associated stockpile capabilities. The role provides programme-level leadership for Risk, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies (RAID), supporting effective governance, programme planning and operational delivery across a complex portfolio. The post holder will help ensure delivery risks and opportunities are understood, managed and communicated effectively, contributing to a nationally critical capability that underpins the UK's Continuous At-Sea Deterrent.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the management and maintenance of programme / strategic RAID registers, ensuring information remains accurate, current and supports effective decision-making.
• Supporting programme planning and operational delivery through the identification, assessment and management of risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies.
• Conducting regular RAID reviews with project teams and stakeholders, providing challenge where appropriate and ensuring effective management actions are implemented.
• Providing analysis and assurance to support informed decision-making by senior leaders and governance forums.
• Identifying emerging risks, dependencies and delivery challenges, escalating issues where required and tracking actions through to closure.
• Producing high-quality reports, dashboards and briefing materials to support governance, assurance activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting business case development, approvals activity and key programme decisions through robust risk and opportunity assessment.
• Building effective relationships across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, including engagement with US partners where required. Also lead the integration of programme RAID, across the portfolio and wider industry partners.
• Promoting best practice in risk management, programme controls and continuous improvement to strengthen delivery confidence across the Mk4A portfolio.

This post attracts the NSQEP Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to £6,000 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.

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.

Open to UK nationals only.

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

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

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/qualification details/previous skills and experience. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.
• Candidates will be required to provide a Personal Statement of Suitability which should be a maximum of 500 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, Personal Statement and the following Behaviours:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions

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

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

• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

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.

Interviews will be conducted over MS Teams.

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.

Further information:

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.