Infrastructure and Soft Facilities Management Officer - Army

Job summary

The Ministry of Defence, Civil Service workforce is diverse, with many different functions and professions ranging from cyber and digital transformation, police officers, security guards, trainers, human resources, teachers, psychologists, storekeepers, and policy secretariat staff to support the British Army.

Headquarters Regional Command (HQ RC) is a dynamic Army 2* headquarters based in Montgomery House in Aldershot. It delivers 'Real Life Support to the Army' and controls the UK Stations and Garrisons as well as Garrisons in Nepal, Brunei and Germany. It is also the lead organisation for engaging with the civil community and acts as the proponent for UK Operations.

HQ RC's Infrastructure Branch is responsible for the entirety of the Army's built estate which is diverse and distributed across the UK and overseas. The Soft Facilities Management (SFM) team positively collaborates with users of the estate, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and our contracted service providers, to support the day-to-day operations focusing on creating a comfortable, safe and efficient environment addressing the needs of our people.

It is an exciting time to join the team due to the recent launch of the Defence Catering Strategy and the upcoming contract re-lets of the current FM provisions. You will be able take a pivotal role in enhancing this crucial element of Service personnel lived experience and improving upon it.

Please note: The role will require travel across the UK, working closely with regional infrastructure teams, industry partners and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) staff. There may also be occasional opportunities to travel overseas in support of the Army's estate.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Key responsibilities:

• To use your knowledge and expertise to exploit SFM data for the benefit of the wider team.
• Support in the delivery of specialist SFM support, advice and guidance to Regional Infrastructure Cells (RICs) and the Overseas and Training Infrastructure Cell (OTIC) staff to enable swift and effective resolution of emergent SFM issues.
• As a focal point for dialogue with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (RFCA), Industry Partners and wider defence community for SFM matters.
• Work collaboratively with Decision Support team to review and analyse service performance information.
• Communicate SFM operational contractual and delivery Risk to Decision Support team for inclusion with the HQ Regional Command Infrastructure Branch Quarterly Performance and Risk Reporting (QPRR) architecture.
• Provide support if required to Requests for Contract Amendment requirements.
• Influence and communicate policy and procedures guidance across Infra & Basing Branch.
• Support the development of the intelligent customer role to shape future requirements.
• Support Continuous Professional Development within Infra & Basing Branch.
• Deputise as and when required.

Person specification

Essential skills:

• Working knowledge of Facilities Management activities, with experience of supporting, delivering or managing facilities management services. Further knowledge and expertise will be developed through training and experience in post.
• Be able to efficiently analyse and interpret data from various information management systems to aid senior managers in their decision making.
• Experience of working within a headquarters.
• A confident and able communicator who can establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with multi-disciplinary customers and service providers.
• Able to identify and articulate risk, measure and analyse key performance indicators, and plan at pace.
• Able to analyse issues and deliver appropriate solutions.
• An understanding of project management.

Desirable skills:

• Due to the broad geographical remit of the Army estate, which is not all effectively served by public transport, a driving licence would be advantageous but is not crucial.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Army civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme Pension contribution: 28.97%
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
• Learning and Development

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements 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.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at