Deputy Head Policy and Plans - Security Services Group

UK Ministry of Defence; Shrivenham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Defence is seeking a senior representative for the Security Services Group (SSG) to manage and deliver security solutions for sensitive assets. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, ensuring effective security strategies, and leading a team of project managers in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Experience managing public money and contract delivery.
• Familiarity with Defence protocols and security architecture.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate activities across SSG for continuous improvement.
• Support delivery of security technical standards through training.
• Monitor and influence business activities with key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Influencing

Education

Experience in Defence Environment

Job description

Shrivenham, South East England, SN6 8LA

Job Summary

The Security Services Group (SSG) is a specialist business unit delivering high-assurance security solutions across the MOD and wider Government Estate. With over 260 highly skilled experts based in the UK, Germany, Cyprus, and Gibraltar, SSG designs, installs, and maintains advanced security systems to protect Defence operations, national security assets, and critical government infrastructure. As the MOD’s strategic technical authority, we provide cutting-edge security solutions, from intruder detection and video surveillance to access control and physical security. To learn more about SSG, visit Security Services Group - GOV.UK

The role represents SSG across the top level of the MoD, with our National Technical Authority (NTA) colleagues, and across UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) as well as liaising with Front Line Command (FLC) Phsyical Security Advisor (PSyAs).

In Broad Terms, They Will

• Co-ordinate activities across SSG to drive continuous improvement and encourage the sharing of knowledge and best practice through developing effective relationships with all stakeholders, and in order to inform and influence security and resilience decisions.
• Maintain strategic oversight of all aspects of security and resilience across SSG to include, but not limited to; physical, information, cyber, communications, personnel, third-party assurance. Ensuring security and business continuity is delivered in alignment with organisational objectives of SSG.
• Support SSG in delivering an efficient, well-informed and coordinated service in a fast-paced environment, providing direct support to the Directorate Of Security & Resilience (DSR) in delivering the Technical Authority for Electronic and Physical security support that is accurate, expert and timely.
• Assist in delivering Security technical standards through SSG Training, Education and advice. You will play a vital role in ensuring SSG is able to attract and retain the right people, with the right skills, at the right time, and in doing so, contribute to maintaining our reputation as the UK Government’s subject matter experts on electronic and physical security requirements.
  
  

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

As the senior SSG representative, the post will work closely with Head SSG ensuring that SSG delivers advice, design, installation, and maintenance of SSG and associated security systems to UK’s most sensitive assets.

In addition, the DH Policy and Plans role will be key to setting the context within which the business operates by ensuring all policies are in lock step with capability delivery, business processes and services provided and by leading the understanding of the threat.

As well as linking SSG activity to both the user community and infrastructure delivery organisations, this post is responsible for the leadership and management of eight SEO Senior Project Managers delivering electronic and physical security advice; planning and management information services along with horizon scanning; and the threat picture to assets across the UK and overseas. The post also requires the incumbent to be prepared to support SSG activity overseas and in support of the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Internally within SSG, DH Policy and Plans is a key senior leader within SSG as a member of Higher Management Group (HMG) and SSG’s Executive Committee. The post is a key stakeholder in delivering a government wide, Defence owned electronic and physical security capability, configured to protect the appropriate Secret and Above Secret areas of national resilience. As with other members of the SSG HMG, this post is responsible for the safe and assured delivery of multi-million-pound SSG activity with direct levels of engagement reaching up to 3* levels of responsibility.

Stakeholder and Task Management

• Monitor and influence business activities by nurturing and developing first-rate customer relationship networks with key stakeholders across MOD, OGD and the wider security industry. Actively identify and seek opportunities to grow SSG’s future delivery.
• Actively engage within MOD and OGD partners to provide cohesive Technically assured oversight and influence for the delivery of complex Projects and Maintenance.
• Provide the SSG interface within Standing Joint Command (SJC) on all Technical Authority and plans matters.
• Provide the SSG interface with Other Government Departments (OGDs), MoD, DSR, NTAs, TLB/FLC on Technical Authority and plans matters.
• Actively engage, develop, and maintain relationships with MOD Governmental and industry policy and standards bodies including NPSA.
• Translate customer requirements to feed into and formulate SSG’s future requirements and strategy.
• Provide an Interface with Commercial Security Industry partners to assure Government delivery standards through a combined partnership approach.
• In conjunction with SSG/MOD Commercial ensure continual development of SSG’s Specialist Cleared supply chain to meet demand
• Be an exemplar for prompt proactive adaptability to changing requirements driven by fluid government security environment priorities.
  
  

Collaboration with Operational Directors and Technical Director

• Work collaboratively with the Operations Directors to deliver SSG’s operational structure and resources to balance existing client priorities. Identify opportunities, balanced against delivery capacity. Develop and deliver cross functional and regional skill sets available for regional and national business resilience.
• Be solution focused in resolving issues and potential delays that could consequently impact operational delivery.
• Work alongside the Technical Director on development of Protective Security Advisory Team (PSAT) and the Advisory & Assurance role.
• Assist the Technical Director with the development of future technologies and the relationship with the NTA / FLCs.
  
  

Collaborative Working as a Member of SSG Senior Leadership Team

• As a key member of Hd of SSG’s senior management team, participate fully in the Executive Committee to provide both strategic and functional direction, to ensure that SSG’s business objectives, plans, targets, and drivers are met.
• Review and offer support to develop: future structures and capabilities; future business development; and the SSG Vision30 key lines of activity - People, Technology and Relationships.
  
  

Leadership and Management

• Provide and deliver visible and effective leadership across their operational area.
• Ensure a positive, collaborative, and proactive working environment across their operational area and wider SSG Team.
• Uphold and champion organisational values and ethics ensuring they are delivered and embedded in correct policy, practices, and procedures, and are in line with both MOD and commercial requirements.
• Motivate, lead, and empower their direct reports enabling them to deliver to the highest standard.
• Provide leadership for stakeholder management and analysis activities for the team / function.
• Engage, influence and lead output and discussion with SSG’s internal and external stakeholders, negotiating key outcomes in support of both SSG operational delivery and future development.
• Effectively manage own time and capacity to ensure all individual and team outputs are met.
  
  

As the senior SSG representative, the post will work closely with Head SSG ensuring that SSG delivers advice, design, installation, and maintenance of SSG and associated security systems to UK’s most sensitive assets.

In addition, the DH Policy and Plans role will be key to setting the context within which the business operates by ensuring all policies are in lock step with capability delivery, business processes and services provided and by leading the understanding of the threat.

As well as linking SSG activity to both the user community and infrastructure delivery organisations, this post is responsible for the leadership and management of eight SEO Senior Project Managers delivering electronic and physical security advice; planning and management information services along with horizon scanning; and the threat picture to assets across the UK and overseas. The post also requires the incumbent to be prepared to support SSG activity overseas and in support of the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Internally within SSG, DH Policy and Plans is a key senior leader within SSG as a member of Higher Management Group (HMG) and SSG’s Executive Committee. The post is a key stakeholder in delivering a government wide, Defence owned electronic and physical security capability, configured to protect the appropriate Secret and Above Secret areas of national resilience. As with other members of the SSG HMG, this post is responsible for the safe and assured delivery of multi-million-pound SSG activity with direct levels of engagement reaching up to 3* levels of responsibility.

Stakeholder and Task Management

• Monitor and influence business activities by nurturing and developing first-rate customer relationship networks with key stakeholders across MOD, OGD and the wider security industry. Actively identify and seek opportunities to grow SSG’s future delivery.
• Actively engage within MOD and OGD partners to provide cohesive Technically assured oversight and influence for the delivery of complex Projects and Maintenance.
• Provide the SSG interface within Standing Joint Command (SJC) on all Technical Authority and plans matters.
• Provide the SSG interface with Other Government Departments (OGDs), MoD, DSR, NTAs, TLB/FLC on Technical Authority and plans matters.
• Actively engage, develop, and maintain relationships with MOD Governmental and industry policy and standards bodies including NPSA.
• Translate customer requirements to feed into and formulate SSG’s future requirements and strategy.
• Provide an Interface with Commercial Security Industry partners to assure Government delivery standards through a combined partnership approach.
• In conjunction with SSG/MOD Commercial ensure continual development of SSG’s Specialist Cleared supply chain to meet demand
• Be an exemplar for prompt proactive adaptability to changing requirements driven by fluid government security environment priorities.
  
  

Collaboration with Operational Directors and Technical Director

• Work collaboratively with the Operations Directors to deliver SSG’s operational structure and resources to balance existing client priorities. Identify opportunities, balanced against delivery capacity. Develop and deliver cross functional and regional skill sets available for regional and national business resilience.
• Be solution focused in resolving issues and potential delays that could consequently impact operational delivery.
• Work alongside the Technical Director on development of Protective Security Advisory Team (PSAT) and the Advisory & Assurance role.
• Assist the Technical Director with the development of future technologies and the relationship with the NTA / FLCs.
  
  

Collaborative Working as a Member of SSG Senior Leadership Team

• As a key member of Hd of SSG’s senior management team, participate fully in the Executive Committee to provide both strategic and functional direction, to ensure that SSG’s business objectives, plans, targets, and drivers are met.
• Review and offer support to develop: future structures and capabilities; future business development; and the SSG Vision30 key lines of activity - People, Technology and Relationships.
  
  

Leadership and Management

• Provide and deliver visible and effective leadership across their operational area.
• Ensure a positive, collaborative, and proactive working environment across their operational area and wider SSG Team.
• Uphold and champion organisational values and ethics ensuring they are delivered and embedded in correct policy, practices, and procedures, and are in line with both MOD and commercial requirements.
• Motivate, lead, and empower their direct reports enabling them to deliver to the highest standard.
• Provide leadership for stakeholder management and analysis activities for the team / function.
• Engage, influence and lead output and discussion with SSG’s internal and external stakeholders, negotiating key outcomes in support of both SSG operational delivery and future development.
• Effectively manage own time and capacity to ensure all individual and team outputs are met.
  
  

Person specification

Essential Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences

• Experience of the Defence and Cross-Government protocols as they apply to the Secret, Above Secret and ACTO Environments.
• Experience of the Defence Environment as it applies to Security.
• Proven senior leader with experience of managing public money, contract delivery and leading complex teams in a dynamic and high-pressure environment.
• Suitable experience to be able to deliver/negotiate critical security contacts through both direct Government tasking and through Commercial Principal Contractors.
• Have contemporary experience of MoD Front Line Commands.
• Be familiar with the Defence environment at the senior management level.
• Have experience of Security across government areas at the senior management level.
  
  

Understanding of the MoD security architecture; notably:

• Directorate of Security & Resilience (DSR),
• Physical Security Advisors (PSyA)
• National Protective Security Authority (NPSA)
• National Authority for Counter Eavesdropping (NACE)
• Knowledge and experience within the MOD.
  
  

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
  
  

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
  
  

Alongside your salary of £70,540, Ministry of Defence contributes £20,435 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
  
  

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (1000 words)

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV and/or Statement of suitability and the following Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
  
  

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Behaviours/Experience:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Experience – discuss your background and its relevance to the role
  
  

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [e-mail] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Sean English
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [e-mail].