DBS-Estates North Regional Manager and Health, Safety & Environmental Protection Lead

Job summary

Are you a dedicated person who is passionate about making a difference?

Would you like to work for the Ministry of Defence?

Defence Business Services (DBS) is one of the largest shared service organisations in Europe that provides a wide range of corporate services, to over 1.2 million end users, including serving and past military and families, as well as MoD civil servants and industry.

DBS delivers large scale administration and smaller specialist services to enable the wider MOD to focus on its core aims, maintaining the UK’s Defence and Security. Services include Human Resources, Pay, Veterans, Finance and Procurement.

The 2025 – 2030 Corporate Plan came up with a new mission and vision which are now:

Vision

To be the best shared service centre in Government

Mission

Proudly delivering excellence in shared services, through customer centric solutions to enable Defence outcomes

DBS is committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues. We are building an inclusive culture and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society.

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us through opportunities to develop your skills and experience. We also offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career accessible to you and offer a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%. Where your role permits, we support a blended working approach alternatively known as hybrid working.

DBS is part of The National Armaments Directorate (NAD) Group which is at the heart of delivering and sustaining the UK’s defence capability. Bringing together organisations responsible for developing, procuring, supporting and modernising Defence equipment, infrastructure and services, the Directorate works closely with industry, international partners and academia to ensure the Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to deter threats, protect the nation and succeed on operations. NAD drives innovation, operational readiness and value for money while supporting economic growth and strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base.

Between April & September 2027 the role you are applying for will move from Tomlinson House Norcross to the new MOD building at Station View, Talbot Gateway, Blackpool. For successful external/new candidates to DBS please note this post does not qualify for relocation allowances.

Come and join the DBS community today!

https://youtu.be/gUw0ToaRGgk

Job description

Exciting Leadership Opportunity – Estates, Infrastructure, Physical Security and Health, Safety & Environmental Protection

We are seeking a dynamic, proactive, and self-motivated individual with strong leadership and collaboration skills, who is passionate about driving continuous improvement and delivering exceptional service and customer experience.

Reporting directly to the DBS Estates Assistant Head, the successful candidate will take full accountability for the effective management and delivery of DBS Estates, Infrastructure, Physical Security, and Safety, Health & Environmental Protection (HS&EP) functions across the North region. This includes leading the corporate DBS HS&EP team and overseeing policy-driven management systems, assurance processes, and comprehensive reporting activities.

You will lead and inspire a dedicated team of seven personnel located across two key DBS sites: Norcross and the Glasgow workspace at Kentigern House. Your role will be pivotal in fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within Estates and HS&EP operations.

The ideal candidate will bring relevant knowledge and experience in one or more of these areas, coupled with the confidence and communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.

While the primary duty station is DBS Norcross, Blackpool, this role requires flexibility to travel as needed. The expectation is to spend at least 60% of your working time at Norcross, with a higher presence during the initial induction and learning phase. Further details regarding working arrangements can be discussed during the interview.

Please note: DBS Estates team is currently within an organisational restructure as we transition into the new National Armaments Directorate (NAD). This presents an excellent opportunity for the team, working with the same professions across other enabling organisations, whilst maintaining essential services to DBS. Additionally, the Norcross site will be closing, with a planned move to Station View in Blackpool town centre scheduled for May 2027.

A key initial responsibility for this role during the first 12 months will be to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to Station View. This includes establishing all listed Estates services at the new location and managing the orderly closure of the Norcross site.

If you are a driven self-starter eager to lead, innovate, and make a tangible impact during this exciting period of change, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Tactical and operational planning for DBS Estates in the North region, encompassing both business-as-usual activities and organisational change initiatives.
• Lead and collaborate with Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and industry partners to deliver efficient, effective hard and soft facilities management services across the DBS estate.
• Support operational requirements by scrutinising all Estates-related needs to ensure value for money and adherence to control totals; act as the focal point with delegated authority for Estates procurements via the Contracting, Purchasing and Finance (CP&F) system.
• Own and maintain the Site Business Continuity Plan, actively participating as a key stakeholder in incidents and exercises.
• Serve as the senior Estates lead and provide support to the DBS Head of Establishment at the Norcross site (Station View from May 27'), ensuring managed Estates and facilities management services underpin operational capability.
• Line manage the DBS Estates Projects role, overseeing delivery of function-focused projects related to operational change, continuous improvement, and the transition to new facilities.
• Lead the planning and execution of the transition from Norcross to Station View, including the establishment of all Estates services at the new location and the orderly closure of the Norcross site.
• Drive continuous improvement of all DBS Estates processes, including flexible resourcing across sites to maintain service excellence and support operational needs.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, mandatory, and assurance reporting requirements related to Estates functions in the North region, including Health, Safety & Environmental Protection (HS&EP) and Physical Security.
• Oversee Physical Security to ensure the estate and supporting contracts operate within Defence policy frameworks.
• Collaborate closely with the DBS FCS Estates Regional Manager (South) and the Estates senior leadership team to promote coherence and best practice across national operations.

Corporate HS&EP Responsibilities:

• Hold delegated HS&EP management responsibility, ensuring DBS HS&EP planning, management systems, and governance comply with the Secretary of State’s HS&EP Policy Statement, DBS CEO Lines of Delegation, NAD Safety and Environment policy and systems, relevant JSPs, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and other applicable legislation and guidance.
• Manage the DBS Climate Change and Sustainability (CC&S) Plan, aligning DBS activities with the MOD Climate Change & Sustainability Strategic Approach and NAD.
• Oversee 1st Line of Defence (1LOD) assurance activities related to HS&EP.
• Lead governance activities including regular reporting and chairing or participating in organisational HS&EP meetings.
• Represent DBS interests as a member of relevant internal and external HS&EP committees, steering groups, and forums.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and role as directed by the Line Manager

Person specification

Leadership and Management

• Demonstrable excellent leadership skills with the ability to set clear direction, motivate, and empower personnel to work collaboratively towards shared objectives.
• Proven experience in making effective, evidence-based decisions and providing accurate, expert advice to a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Experience in managing and developing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high performance.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Strong stakeholder management skills with a track record of building credible, trusted relationships at multiple organisational levels, both internally and externally.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging effectively with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience operating in environments with significant stakeholder interest and high customer focus, demonstrating the ability to collaborate successfully across teams and organisations.
• Proven ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-structured briefings, reports, and presentations for senior leadership and other key audiences.

Technical Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in estates management, facilities management, or related functions, including operational planning, contract management, and service delivery.
• Thorough understanding of Health, Safety & Environmental Protection (HS&EP) principles, statutory requirements, and governance frameworks relevant to estates and infrastructure.
• Experience in managing or supporting organisational change, including site transitions, closures, and establishment of new facilities, is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Desirable (but not essential) HS&EP qualifications:
• The successful candidate will be expected to achieve the NEBOSH and IOSH qualifications within 12 months of appointment if not already held.

Additional Attributes

• A dynamic, self-starter with a proactive approach and the drive to lead projects and initiatives to successful completion.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving

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).

• An environment with flexible working options Monday-Friday
• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service (pro rata). In addition to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for His Majesty The King’s birthday
• Hybrid working where role permits
• An opportunity to be considered for Reward and Recognition
• Family-friendly policies including - parental leave and adoption leave
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Professional and personal development of skills
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Minimum of 15 days special leave in a rolling 12 month period for volunteer reserve commitments
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days per year
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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 and Experience.

Please ensure that at the application and interview stages of the campaign you review the Success Profiles Framework to assist you in the demonstration of your skills and experience.

Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign. Each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Personal Statement:

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability (750 Word Max).

At sift, candidates will be assessed against their CV and Statement of suitability and the following

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving

At interview, candidates will be assessed against the following:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, but in the event of a high number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted on the following success profile elements:

Primary: Career - CV

Secondary: Career - Personal Statement

In the rare case where individuals have exact matching scores, the order of merit will be determined based on the behaviour scores at interview in the following order:

1 - Behaviour - Leadership
2 - Behaviour - Changing and Improving
3 - Behaviour - Managing a Quality Service
4 - Behaviour - Communicating and Influencing

If candidate scores are still exact, the merit order will then be determined on the sift score in the following order:

1 - Career - Previous Skills
2 - Career - Personal Statement
3 - Behaviour - Leadership
4 - Behaviour - Changing and Improving
5 - Career - Job History
6 - Career - Qualification Details

Sift start date: 05/11/2026
Interviews are currently taking place via the following method: Face to face
Interview start date: 12/11/2026

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 discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (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.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).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.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Andy Worrall
• Email : Andy.worrall938@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBS-EnhancedRecruitmentTeam@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact DBS-EnhancedRecruitmentTeam@MOD.gov.uk in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitm…

Attachments

Candidate Information 2025 Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 43kB)MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1563kB)