Defence Support Operative

Babcock International; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A major defence services provider in Dorset is looking for a Defence Support Operative to support British Army training and readiness. You will operate and maintain advanced armoured vehicles, ensuring compliance with safety standards. A full UK driving licence is required, and you must be 21 or older. This full-time position offers generous holidays and various benefits including a matched pension scheme and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Volunteer day off

Professional fees covered

Responsibilities

• Operate armoured fighting vehicles in support of British Army training exercises once trained.
• Conduct routine maintenance and safety checks on vehicles and equipment once trained.
• Support instructors and training staff during live and simulated operations.
• Ensure all vehicle operations comply with safety and operational standards.
• Collaborate with military personnel and Babcock teams to deliver seamless support.

Skills

Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and procedures

Excellent communication

Problem-solving skills

Education

Full UK driving licence

Aged 21 and above due to licensing restrictions

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Defence Support Operative

Location: Wareham, Dorset

Compensation: £26,171.04 + Overtime + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF67404

Drive the Mission Forward – Become a Key Player in Defence Engineering

At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as an Defence Support Operative at Bovington, near Wareham, Dorset.

Role

As an Defence Support Operative, you’ll be at the heart of our defence operations, supporting the British Army’s training and readiness by working within the team who operate and maintain advanced armoured fighting vehicles. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you’ll contribute directly to national security and gain unparalleled experience in defence engineering. Whether you’re navigating terrain or supporting live training exercises, you’ll be part of a team that values precision, resilience, and technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Operate armoured fighting vehicles in support of British Army training exercises once trained
• Conduct routine maintenance and safety checks on vehicles and equipment once trained
• Support instructors and training staff during live and simulated operations
• Ensure all vehicle operations comply with safety and operational standards
• Collaborate with military personnel and Babcock teams to deliver seamless support

Please note that this position involves manual work. This could include lifting, bending, using tools or standing for extended periods of time. You will be trained inhouse to ensure you have the necessary skills and licences required to conduct your role.

This is a full-time role, working 39 hours per week based at Bovington. Set working times are Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend support required.

Essential experience

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and procedures
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence
• Aged 21 and above due to licencing restrictions

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
• Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 28/10/2025