DNO-WHG - Delivery Enablers - Fleet Assistant Head

Job summary

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.

Job description

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.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Level 6 qualification in science or engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.

Skills:

• Experience working in Projects or Programmes or Portfolios in science or engineering or related discipline
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to present data and in-formation clearly to a variety of audiences;
• Excellent structured problem-solving and logical reasoning skills;
• The ability to use qualitative and quantitative evidence and knowledge to support senior decision-makers;
• The ability to deliver at pace, taking responsibility for timely and quality results with focus and drive;
• The ability to work across organisational boundaries;
• Experience managing complex networks of demanding stakeholders
• Be comfortable working in uncertainty, and changing programme priorities

Desirable Qualifications:

• PRINCE, PRINCE2; APM Project Management Qualification
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)
• Project Leadership Programme (PLP)
• Nuclear Weapon Foundation Course (NWFC)
• Nuclear Weapon Design and Hazards (Z6) course
• IOSH Safety for Seniors Executives course
• Overseas & Training Estate Safety Course (OSTESC) or the Cranfield ‘Ordnance, Munitions & Explosives Safety: Awareness’ course
• Head of Establishment Health
• Safety & Environmental Protection course

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working with budgets and financial data
• Experience working with Risks and Issues management
• Experience and knowledge of techniques for planning
• Experience of test, trials & evaluation activity
• Experience and knowledge of test, trials and evaluation activities

Behaviours

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

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

Technical skills

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

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

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £61,630, Ministry of Defence contributes £17,854 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.