DNO-WHG Future Systems Programme Security Officer

Ministry Of Defence; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a Future Systems Programme Security Officer to manage security arrangements for a sensitive defense program. Responsibilities include ensuring security controls and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing security for above-SECRET programs and a deep understanding of deterrent capability. This role requires frequent travel across the UK, with some international travel, and is based in Bristol, Aldermaston, or London.

Benefits

£44,590 salary

£12,917 pension contribution

25 days annual leave

On-site gym

Qualifications

• Understanding of policy and operation of the deterrent capability.
• Knowledge of Technical Security within Defence.
• Experience in managing programme security arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Manage programme security arrangements within a newly established programme.
• Support project director to protect critical aspects of the programme.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Government and Industry.

Skills

Experience working across government on complex programmes

Experience managing security of above-SECRET programmes

Job description

Overview

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom's national security? The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation. The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise; and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. We are building four new nuclear armed submarines (the Dreadnought Class) and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes utilise world-leading technology and showcase British science and engineering. We value diversity and inclusion and believe diverse teams lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. Our purpose is to deliver nuclear capabilities, deter the threat and protect the nation.

Future Systems Programme

Future Systems will play a central role in all four elements of our mission statement, delivering a new government programme to generate and sustain capabilities to respond to policy requirements now and in the future.

Role: Future Systems Programme Security Officer

The Future Systems Programme Security Officer is an exciting opportunity to shape the secure delivery of the Future Systems programme. The programme is pre-Concept, highly sensitive and involves many organisations across government and industry. An astute and novel security approach is required for effective and secure delivery. This post will lead all aspects of programme security for the life of the programme.

Role purpose and responsibilities

The job purpose is to manage programme security arrangements within a newly established programme delivering new military capability. The role will support the project director in ensuring effective security functions are provided to protect critical aspects of the programme while balancing effective delivery. The programme involves multiple stakeholders from within MOD, Government and Industry. The role will require occasional international travel, primarily to the United States of America. The programme is delivered across multiple sites in the UK (primarily London, Aldermaston and Bristol) so frequent travel will be required with some overnight stays within the UK. The role can be based in either MoD Main Building, AWE Aldermaston or MOD Abbey Wood but London or AWE are preferred locations. This position does not have line management responsibilities. This post is advertised at 37 hours per week. Due to security constraints, this post is exempt from hybrid working requests. Requests for flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered but may be limited.

Context and transformation

DNO Warhead Group is undergoing a significant operating model transformation programme to improve how the Warhead Group conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. Posts within DNO Warhead Group may be reviewed or changed as the transformation progresses, with potential new opportunities arising. The transformation aligns with the MOD framework on managing and supporting people through change, with emphasis on early consultation and engagement with personnel and Trade Unions.

Key duties

• Technical Security Operations Management: ensure appropriate security controls are in place to safeguard Defence Nuclear Enterprise information, including confidentiality and the need-to-know principle.
• Typical Tasks: manage and update the Future Systems security management plan; run the security working group; collaborate with subject matter experts to produce a programme grading guide; induct and train new members; manage security incidents; liaise with relevant US agencies to ensure security equivalence and collaboration.

Desirable skills

• Experience working across government on complex programmes
• Experience and knowledge of policy and operation of the deterrent capability
• Experience managing security of above-SECRET programmes within government

Nationality requirements

This post is reserved under Civil Service Nationality Rules. Only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts. Additional restrictions and security checks apply, including potential limitations on travel to certain countries and the need for Developed Vetting. See the full post for details.

Behaviours and assessment

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

We will assess these behaviours, along with Experience and Technical Skills, via the Civil Service Success Profiles framework. Details are provided in the vacancy.

Application process

Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website. Ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience in the required format. If a large number of applications are received, the sift may focus on certain criteria. You will be assessed against the following at sift and interview:

• Behaviours: Managing a Quality Service; Working Together; Changing and Improving; Communicating and Influencing
• Technical Skills: Applied Technical Security; Security of Defence Nuclear Information

Eligibility, sponsorship and pre-employment checks

We conduct pre-employment checks. The role does not offer visa sponsorship for skilled workers under the points-based system. Candidates must declare outside interests; disclosures will be discussed after interview. The MOD applies a zero-tolerance policy to unacceptable behaviours and conducts criminal record checks and Developed Vetting as required. Baseline security checks apply for those working with government assets.

Benefits

Salary: £44,590 + £12,917 Civil Service pension contribution. Benefits include learning and development, flexible working options where possible, inclusive culture, Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contribution, 25 days annual leave (rising to 30), on-site gym, cycle loan, and more. The post does not include relocation expenses. A six-month probation may apply for external hires new to the Civil Service.

Other notices

Please note travel expenses for interviews are not reimbursed. Childcare vouchers access may change with MOD pay-related allowances. Smoking policy is enforced across Defence sites. This role may involve frequent travel and work across multiple UK sites.