Defence Nuclear Organisation - Commercial Desk Officer

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security?
Established in April 2016, 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 (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); 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. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.
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 know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. 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.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week., The DNO Commercial Team has staff based in London, Bristol and Reading. These posts will be based in either MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), AWE Aldermaston (Reading) or MOD Main Building (London) with travel between the sites.
DNO Commercial is a dynamic and talented team working at the heart of maintaining the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) which deals with complex market forces and monitors the supply chain fragility of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). We operate with an annual budget of £6.9BN, working at the heart of government and protecting the UK’s most sensitive national security capabilities.
We work across the commercial lifecycle, procuring complex requirements and sensitive material and managing billion-pound contracts and programmes – the work we undertake is at a highly classified level. You will have the opportunity to work with a range of stakeholders across the DNE including the Submarine Delivery Agency, Royal Navy, Babcock, BAE, Atomic Weapons Establishment and Sheffield Forgemasters.
Whilst assessing the supply chain, we look to intervene in the market to protect CASD whether that be nationalising businesses (Atomic Weapons Establishment), acquiring businesses (Sheffield Forgemasters) or ringfencing sensitive capabilities (Ultra Electronics).
Responsibilities
+ Support commercial activities across the procurement lifecycle from pre-market engagement, developing and executing sourcing strategies, contract management and closure.
+ Ensuring procurement activities undertaken represent best value for money.
+ Collaborative working with project colleagues to achieve customer requirements.
+ Working with internal and external stakeholders providing commercial advice to achieve value for money and best practice across the defence nuclear enterprise.
+ Promoting continuous commercial improvement across the team.
+ Managing and providing commercial advice on systems which support procurement – in particular ‘CP&F’ (the MOD’s Contracting, Purchasing & Finance Tool), and our Defence Sourcing Portal
Ensuring all documentation is stored in the correct way, with correct classification.
Development Profile
This is an entry-level role and a great opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding team of committed procurement professionals working in a strategically important area of Defence. We can offer a varied and challenging role making a real difference. No previous commercial experience is necessary.
The role offers both structured and informal professional development on functional and behavioural skills, as well as leadership skills which would provide opportunities to build on and develop a career in government procurement.
The role will require occasional travel in the UK with potential overnight stays.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details)., As a commercial desk officer within DNO Commercial, you will be assisting in sourcing and managing the delivery of a range of contracts and providing commercial support and assurance of AWE, Sheffield Forgemasters and wider supply chain across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
The role will involve both sourcing and contract management and successful candidates can have a delegation of up to £250k once certain criteria are met.
Successful candidates will be motivated and enthusiastic individuals who have a desire to pursue a career within Defence and Commercial.
Relevant skills / experience needed
Essential
+ Experience of working part of a team and adding value to projects.
+ Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
+ Experience of how Government works; the relationship between the Civil service, Parliament and Ministers., + Evidence of working successfully with the customer as part of the commercial role.
+ Evidence of excellent communication skills
+ Overall suitability and interest in the role
At interview, you will be assessed against the following:
Success Profiles Behaviours:
+ Leadership
+ Delivering at Pace
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Changing and Improving
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 submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
Interviews will be conducted on MS Teams.
Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in one of the advertised posts may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.
The requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.
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: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
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.

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.

CIPS Level 4 or above (or working towards/willingness to work towards to achieve this level within 2 years of joining)., + Leadership
+ Delivering at Pace
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Changing and Improving

Alongside your salary of £28,300, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,198 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:
+ Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
+ 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
+ On-site Gym
+ Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
+ Thank You Scheme
+ Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
+ Defence Discount Service
+ On-site Nursery
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this 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.