DNO WHG-Assistant Head Safety Quality Assurance

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 post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The Assistant Head Safety & Quality Assurance (SQA) plays a key leadership role within the Warhead Group (WHG), providing independent assurance to senior leaders on the safety, quality and regulatory compliance of the UK's nuclear warhead programme and defence nuclear material transport operations. Working closely with the Deputy Head SQA, the post holder ensures that nuclear safety cases, operational activities, quality management systems and regulatory arrangements meet policy and regulatory requirements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate independent technical assurance activities for nuclear warhead systems and defence nuclear material transport operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory, legislative and safety requirements.
• Provide advice and assurance to the Nuclear Warhead Approving Authority (NWAA), Life Cycle Phase 2 Authoriser and Managing Director Warhead on nuclear safety and quality matters.
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary assurance team, including direct line management of senior assurance specialists and oversight of wider quality and regulatory assurance staff.
• Lead the assessment and review of nuclear safety cases, safety justifications and operational submissions, ensuring that risks are appropriately identified, managed and reduced to ALARP.
• Act as Deputy Chair of key nuclear safety committees, facilitating robust technical scrutiny and providing consolidated assurance and recommendations to senior duty holders.
• Maintain oversight of the Warhead Group Quality Management System, ensuring continued compliance with ISO 9001, Defence Nuclear Safety Regulations and MOD policy.
• Develop productive relationships with regulators, industry partners and stakeholders, supporting regulatory engagement and ensuring that emerging safety, quality and compliance issues are effectively managed.
• Champion a strong safety culture across the Warhead Group, promoting high standards of governance, assurance, quality management and continuous improvement.

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.

Essential Qualifications:

• Candidates are required to hold a Degree or equivalent in Engineering or a Applied Science discipline prior to making an application.

Desirable Qualifications: Chartered Professional (e.g. CEng, C-Phys, etc.) or ability to become chartered before 2 years in post.

• A demonstrable ability to apply a pragmatic and risk-based approach to complex, demanding and sensitive activities
• Proven ability to communicate complex issues to senior management and external stakeholders in an easy-to-understand manner
• Knowledge of DSA 02 Regulation of the Defence Nuclear Programme
• Knowledge of safety management arrangements in the MOD
• Experience of operating holistically in a highly regulated environment, in engaging with regulators, and in maintaining strong relationships
• 2 years' experience of working in the Defence nuclear programme with knowledge of Defence nuclear regulation and associated management arrangements.

Desirable Skills:

• A strength and depth of character required to allow robust and competent challenge, combined with leadership qualities of self-awareness and empathy when dealing with demanding and sensitive events.

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

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

• • Nuc 1.2 - Nuclear Safety Management Systems Level 2: Practitioner
• • Nuc 1.3 - Nuclear Safety Cases Level 2 Practitioner
• • Nuc 1.5 - Nuclear Safety Assurance and Regulation Level 2: Practitioner

• 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.

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Job contact :

• Name : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk
• Email : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

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