Army - Operational Vehicle Support Officer

Job summary

This role sits within the Support Directorate, Equipment Branch, Through Life Support (TLS) Team and offers an opportunity to start a Civil Service career supporting the Armed Forces. You will gain valuable experience in equipment management, engineering, support and safety, while working with personnel from a wide range of organisations across the UK and globally.

We are looking for someone who, once trained, can apply TLS processes, communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, prioritise workloads effectively, and respond to customer enquiries in a timely manner. You will also use Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, to support a range of tasks.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to support the modernisation of Army vehicle fleets as new, world-leading capabilities enter service. Our success depends on delivering the right equipment that is safe, supported and available to end users when needed.

The role is ideal for those looking to develop a career in logistics, engineering, fleet management or equipment management, or for those wishing to bring existing experience into a new organisation.

Based within Army Headquarters, the role supports the Operational Support Vehicle Fleet, which is used across all three Services and plays a vital role in delivering Defence operational outcomes.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

You will join the Through Life Support team responsible for managing the Operational Support Vehicle fleet and supporting all in-service equipment within the Operational Support portfolio, including:

• 6, 9 and 15 Tonne Trucks
• Wheeled Tankers
• Heavy Equipment Transporters

Key responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the management and control of equipment tooling, modifications and disposals, helping ensure the fleet remains effective, compliant and ready for use.
• Work with military and civilian stakeholders to help resolve equipment availability, serviceability and safety issues across the Operational Support Vehicle portfolio.
• Represent Defence at support and availability meetings, contributing to discussions that help improve fleet performance and operational readiness.

Person specification

Essential skills required:

• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of AI productivity tools, such as Microsoft Copilot.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work confidently with a range of customers and colleagues.

Desirable Criteria:

• Qualified engineer with an understanding of operating systems and software integration, and the ability to manage the technical aspects of platforms as the Army modernises.
• Working knowledge of asset management and supply chains.
• Understanding of how the Army operates.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture

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
- 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.

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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as you