Nuclear Programme Management Specialist

Job Overview

Are you interested in contributing to critical Defence initiatives and playing a vital role in the national security of the United Kingdom?

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO), established in 2016, is dedicated to delivering nuclear capabilities that deter threats and safeguard our nation.

The DNO manages all aspects of defence nuclear operations (excluding direct operations) and is tasked with ensuring nuclear deterrence; overseeing the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, which encompasses all organizations, programs, and personnel involved in maintaining the UK's nuclear deterrent; and providing guidance on UK nuclear policy, planning, and international collaboration on nuclear issues.

At DNO, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, recognizing that it is essential for a successful organization. We believe that diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, leading to enhanced decision-making, creativity, and innovation. Our culture celebrates differences, ensuring that our personnel feel supported, included, and empowered. Join us in an organization that genuinely values diversity and inclusion while making a positive impact on the world.

We are looking for a motivated project and program management professional to join the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) to assist in delivering key capabilities within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. This position will be part of the Infrastructure and Materials team, which is responsible for managing significant capital investments in this domain.

The production of nuclear weapons is intricate and multifaceted. Many required capabilities have not been delivered for two generations, necessitating the development of modern, suitable infrastructure to support nuclear warhead development and production. This role will oversee projects and programs related to the Assembly and Disassembly of nuclear warheads and their components. Collaborating with various Delivery Agents, such as the Atomic Weapons Establishment, this position will utilize best practices in project and program management to effectively oversee and sponsor capability delivery. The successful candidate will receive support to become a subject matter expert in their area of responsibility.

Due to the nature of the role, regular travel to DNO's primary locations will be necessary, with travel expenses reimbursed according to MOD's travel policy. Occasional travel to other locations across the UK and internationally may also be required.

This position is advertised for 37 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the formulation, execution, and compliance with the programmatic strategy for the Assembly & Disassembly sector, ensuring integration with the broader portfolio and applying best-practice project/program management principles.
• Sponsor the initiation, planning, and execution of projects and programs, ensuring they meet performance, cost, and timeline objectives within the Assembly & Disassembly sector. This includes identifying capability gaps, supporting the development of mitigation options, initiating and managing projects with Delivery Agents, and leading the creation of necessary approval documentation.
• Assist the Senior Responsible Officer for project MENSA in governance, reporting, stakeholder management, and risk management, including supporting reporting related to the Government Major Projects Portfolio and other external audit engagements.
• Lead and manage a small team within the Assembly & Disassembly sector, as part of the broader Infrastructure & Materials team.

The successful candidate will also collaborate across the Infrastructure & Materials team, contributing to resilience and shaping the leadership and culture of the team. This may involve leading process improvements, representing projects at broader capability forums, and briefing senior officials.

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements may be considered for this role, but regular workplace attendance will be necessary due to security requirements and to facilitate face-to-face collaboration. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager prior to application.

Candidate Profile

Experience, Skills, and Personal Attributes:

• Strong project, program, and portfolio management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management abilities.
• Effective management and prioritization of a demanding workload.
• Proven capability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve critical milestones while recognizing and monitoring key dependencies.
• Ability to communicate technical issues effectively to non-technical audiences.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in large or complex projects/programs, particularly within the Government's Major Projects Portfolio.
• Qualifications in project or program management (e.g., APMP, PRINCE2, MSP) or equivalent experience.
• Experience with Business Case approvals.
• Infrastructure procurement and/or delivery experience.
• Experience in capability management within a Defence context.
• Experience in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
• Experience in the Defence and Security sector.
• Experience in a heavily regulated sector (e.g., Civil Nuclear).
• A degree in a scientific or engineering discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Membership in a Professional Institution with a pathway to Incorporation or Chartership.
• Familiarity with procurement and contract management skills.

Behaviours

We will assess candidates against the following behaviours during the selection process:

• Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the Ministry of Defence contributes towards your membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

We believe that the MOD is an excellent workplace, offering a unique employee experience. We strive to ensure that every employee feels valued and fairly compensated, providing the following additional benefits:

• Tailored learning and development opportunities to support your career growth.
• Flexible working options.
• A culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years of service, plus 8 bank and public holidays, along with family-friendly benefits.
• Cycle Loan scheme.
• Thank You Scheme.
• Access to Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA).
• Defence Discount Service.
• On-site amenities at some locations, including gyms, restaurants, and nurseries.

This position is part of the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List and may qualify for the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance, which is discretionary. Being listed on the PCL does not guarantee entitlement to the RRA, which is not a contractual allowance and may be amended or withdrawn as per MOD policy.

Where feasible, some roles may allow for a combination of office and home-based working. This arrangement is non-contractual, with all office-based employees expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office, subject to capacity and any necessary workplace adjustments.

Relocation expenses are not offered for this position.

External recruits new to the Civil Service will undergo a six-month probation period.

Please note that travel expenses for interviews will not be reimbursed.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment, including initiatives to support staff in quitting smoking and protecting them from second-hand smoke.

We may contact candidates regarding their experience through a voluntary and anonymous MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey to enhance our services.