DNO WHG NTOG Assistant Project Manager

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 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 Bristol or Reading with regular travel between sites.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The Future Transport team within DNO Transport, are responsible for the development of new, safe and secure transport options for the movement of nuclear material. The project team is small and tight knit, managing a complex and challenging project with stakeholders across DNO and in industry. We seek a disciplined and enthusiastic self-starter to join the team and develop this role, with opportunities to progress their career across the Project Delivery profession and the broader Defence Nuclear Organisation.

The successful candidate will require previous project management experience and ideally have already achieved an APM, Prince2 or similar qualification. We are looking for the post holder to be able to work independently within the team, have accuracy with detailed work and confidence to prioritise tasks in a dynamic, high security environment.

A full driving licence will be required to enable travel between sites and especially if applying to be based in AWE as there is no public transport. The team are supportive of hybrid working; however the role will require routine site access to attend meetings and access classified IT systems.

The Assistant Project Manager will work in direct support of the Project Manager to deliver the project to approved time, cost and performance. The individual will be responsible for stakeholder engagement, management of the governance and supporting the Project Manager in the development of necessary documentation for consideration and approval.

Training opportunities are available and development is highly encouraged.

The role would suit someone who enjoys working on their own initiative, is highly organised, able to manage a variety of tasks at pace in a busy environment. Ability to use MS Office with willingness to learn other software or specialist packages as required.

Key Skills

• Project Management Knowledge: Familiarity with recognised project management methodologies such as APM, PRINCE2, or 3PM, with the ability to apply best practices effectively.
• Planning and Organising: Strong skills in scheduling, coordinating resources, and managing multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Risk and Issue Management: Ability to identify, assess, and support mitigation of risks and issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Financial Awareness: Experience in budget monitoring, financial tracking, and reporting to ensure projects remain within financial controls.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder communications and build strong working relationships.
• Documentation and Reporting: Proficient in preparing clear, concise reports, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring robust document control.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Comfortable managing change requests and resolving issues proactively to keep projects on track.
• Technical Proficiency: Competent in using project management software and digital tools to enhance project delivery and data accuracy.
• Leadership and Initiative: Capable of deputising for the Project Manager, demonstrating sound judgement and decision-making skills when required.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to learning and contributing to process improvements and lessons learned.

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.

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 1000 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
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

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 face to face at Abbey Wood, Bristol.

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.

You will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.

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.