Head of Quality Assurance

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced intelligence analyst to lead a Quality Assurance department within the Maritime Data Assessment Centre (MDAC), which is part of the Defence Intelligence organisation, supporting key MOD operational outputs within the Southwest. This role is highly suited for an individual with in-depth knowledge of intelligence and acoustics analysis, able to provide site leadership assistance with the interpretation and assurance of system and national intelligence products within this specialist field.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
In Defence Intelligence (DI) our people solve problems, create understanding and give perspective to the diverse and complex Defence threats and challenges in a rapidly changing world. Together our civilians and military personnel inform decision making in Defence, manage complex finance programmes and develop new technology.
In DI we believe your unique experiences, view and understanding of the world could provide a vital perspective and contribution to our work. We recognise that great minds do not think alike and are striving to increase our diversity representation at all levels. As an equal opportunities employer we hire, train and promote people based on merit and inspire to create an inclusive workplace free of discrimination. We also offer flexible working arrangements such as flexitime, job share and compressed hours.
All job adverts in DI are subject to fair and open competition., You will be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on all aspects of data analysis and assessment, leading a small Quality Assurance (QA) team to provide assurance that MDAC outputs are aligned with business policy.
Responsibilities
Under your direction, the QA team will assess processes, procedures, and data in a timely manner, providing expert opinion and recommendations to the chain of Command. You will be responsible to the Commanding Officer (CO) for the performance of the QA department, and the generation of a monthly status report.
You will collaborate with the unit Execs/Heads of Departments to provide SME expertise on all aspects of operations, procedure, and data collection.
You and your team will review and handle data sets that include raw and intelligence data, performance metrics and source metadata, in accordance with established Key Performance Indicators.
The QA department will be responsible for sharing this information with the unit training department, to support development of training and qualifications.
You will provide assurance that governance directives for the business unit are being adhered to. Assurance includes but is not limited to, reconstruction and analysis of data and data products, liaison with the training department including external departments and customers.
You will produce detailed reports highlighting all elements of vital importance to the CO.
To maintain overall proficiency, you will be required to work within the shift teams, filling a role at your highest qualified position, at the CO’s discretion., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Leadership
+ Managing a Quality Service
+ Changing and Improving
+ Communicating and Influencing
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
+ Leadership
+ Managing a Quality Service
+ Changing and Improving, Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.
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.
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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights., You will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:
+ Leadership
+ Managing a Quality Service
+ Changing and Improving
You will be required to provide CV details to include job history, qualification details and previous skills and experience.
You will also be required to provide a statement of suitability (1000 words).
If we receive a high number of applications the sift will take place using your CV, Personal Statement and prior working experience within an intelligence or acoustics environment.
Interview
You will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:
+ Leadership
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Managing a Quality Service
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Things you need to know
Candidates should be aware that their workplace will only have stair access and is underground with no windows. The use of Personal Electronic Devices within these workplaces, will align with MOD policy.
Successful Candidates will be subject to a 12 Month probation period.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. This post is a Reserved position therefore this vacancy is open to UK nationals only and cannot be offered to someone with dual nationality. The level of security needed is Developed Vetting (DV). Successful candidates who do not hold the necessary clearances will be made provisional job offers and asked to undergo our vetting procedures. Once the relevant clearances have been acquired a formal job offer will be made and start dates can be discussed. Should candidates fail to acquire the relevant clearances the provisional job offer will be rescinded. Candidates should note this process can take several months.
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.
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.

+ Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
+ Experienced Team Leader.
+ Strong Organisation skills with the ability to prioritise and work tenaciously to meet tight deadlines.
+ The ability to work independently, showing judgement on when to progress opportunities and when to consult.

Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,223 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
There are a wide variety of employee benefits for civil service staff in DI, including (this list is not exhaustive):
+ Salary Payroll Giving
+ Financial Education Resources
+ Bicycle Purchase Advance & Cycle to Work Scheme
+ Holiday, Season Ticket, Tenancy Deposit & Work Space Salary Advance Loans
+ Free Parking (not available at Main Building)
+ Generous Pension Scheme with employer contribution between 26.6% & 30.3%
+ Death in Service Benefit
+ Up to 30 days’ Annual Leave, and one Privilege Day
+ Special Leave (including Study Leave and Volunteering Leave)
+ Adoption, Maternity, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave
+ Childcare Vouchers
+ On-Site Nursery & Childcare at some MOD sites
+ Flexible Working Hours
+ Discounted Healthcare Packages
+ Eyesight Tests and Spectacles
+ Free On-Site Gyms at many sites
+ Employee Assistance Programme
+ In-Year Reward and Thank You Schemes
+ Talent Schemes
+ Defence Discounts
+ Microsoft & Vodafone Employee Discount Schemes
+ Boundless and Civil Service Sports Council Memberships available
+ On-site shops, restaurants & cafes at most sites