DNO WHG-Safety Quality Assurance Manager at Ministry of Defence in United Kingdom

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.

Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) is responsible for the development, delivery and support of both the current in-service Re-Entry System (RES), Future Technologies and the replacement RES. These programmes are owned by Director Warhead Integrated Stockpile Management who maintains the responsibility for delivery of these programmes, provides direction on prioritisation and ensures joint ways of working. The WISM has two parts, the ISM A21/Mk7 and the ISM Mk4A team which share the responsibility for the MOD intelligent customer role across the entire CADMID cycle for the RES (inc. applicable support equipment) and future RES technologies. 

Deputy Head Safety & Quality Assurance supports Director WISM in their roles as the Authoriser with Design Authority Responsibilities for Nuclear Weapons, and Nuclear Weapons Transport by providing independent safety advice, management of the audit programme and maintenance of the Warhead Group Quality Management System.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Quality Manager is responsible for providing independent quality assurance across the Warhead Group (WHG), supporting the Nuclear Warhead Approving Authority (NWAA), Life Cycle Phase 2 Authoriser and Safety & Quality Assurance (SQA) leadership.

As the lead quality professional within the WHG, the post holder manages the Quality Management System (QMS), oversees the internal audit programme, and leads a team of quality specialists to maintain the highest standards of safety, governance and continual improvement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and maintain the WHG QMS in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, JSP 940 and Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator requirements.
• Plan, manage and deliver the WHG internal audit programme, ensuring effective assessment of compliance across nuclear authorised activities.
• Conduct and lead audits as a qualified Lead Auditor, producing audit reports and corrective action recommendations.
• Provide assurance to senior leaders that nuclear warhead operations, transportation of defence nuclear material and associated activities are compliant with regulatory and management arrangements.
• Manage the identification, tracking and reporting of corrective and preventative actions arising from audits and assurance activities.
• Oversee the application of quality requirements within MOD contracts and act as an authorised quality signatory where required.
• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, AWE, Defence Quality Assurance Field Force (DQAFF), commercial teams and wider MOD organisations.
• Lead and develop a team of Quality Officers and the QMS Coordinator, ensuring effective delivery of quality assurance activities and professional development across the team.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Person specification

Essential Qualifications:

• ISO9001 Lead Auditor certification

Essential Skills:

• Two years experience in Quality Assurance / Quality Management and knowledge of ISO9001.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Nuc 1.2 – Nuclear Safety Management Systems Level 2: Practitioner
• Nuc 1.5 - Nuclear Safety Assurance and Regulation Level 2: Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes

£13,337 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).

• 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%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

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 your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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

Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.

Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview

Candidates will be required to complete an online CV template to include job history/qualification details/previous skills and experience. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

Candidates will be required to provide a Personal Statement of Suitability which should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential/desirable requirements for the role.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV, Personal Statement and the following:

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical Skills

• Nuclear Safety Management Systems
• Nuclear Safety Assurance and Regulation.

At interview, you will be assessed against your Experience and the following:

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical Skills

• Nuclear Safety Management Systems
• Nuclear Safety Assurance and Regulation.

An information guide on the Nuclear Competence Framework is attached to this advert. Please provide evidence of your understanding, experience and skills under the requested nuclear elements of the Framework.

Interviews will be conducted face to face at Abbey Wood Bristol.

Further information:

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.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into 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.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discus