Deputy Head of Operations

Job summary

The role available is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, hardworking and self-starting leader to join ORCA, as NPCC lead for Operational MACHINIZE, targeting the illicit finance threat from cash-intensive businesses on the high street. We are looking for someone with significant policing experience who can build strong working relationships across agencies, and build the policing capability to deliver against this threat.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success. We welcome applications from all people and backgrounds with the experience/skills needed to perform our roles. We look forward to receiving your application.

Job description

Operational Response and Co-ordination Allocation (ORCA) Team is a multi-agency team within the National Economic Crime Centre NECC, comprising of staff from the National Crime Agency, City of London Police, Financial Conduct Authority and other national agencies. the operational coordination arm of the NECC, leading the UK law enforcement response to economic threats. The team leads on national projects and intensifications, driving the whole system PURSUE response to fraud and illicit finance, aligned to NCA Threat Lead priorities. We leverage capabilities and capacity across the system to ensure high priority opportunities to reduce harm and protect the public are maximised, through exceptional working relationships with key policing and operational partners across the economic crime system. We manage the NECC referrals process, placing economic crime cases with the appropriate agencies and coordinating a whole system / multi-agency approach.

We are looking for an experienced law enforcement professional, with a strong policing background, to act as the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) MACHINIZE taskforce lead embedded in the NECC ORCA Operational Coordination Cell. You will be the primary point of contact for the NPCC taskforces, assisting them to meet the strategic delivery objectives by assisting with design and delivery. You will oversee NPCC taskforce reporting and act as the conduit between NPCC, NCA and Home Office. You will be responsible for governance and upwards reporting into Illicit Finance governance and the Economic Crime Policing Board. You will also play a central role in the design and implementation of the MACHINIZE intelligence cell.

The job holder will be expected to undertake frequent travel to London in order to fulfil year-round engagement with the Coordination Cell dependent on business and service needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the response and drive operational outcomes - Co-ordinate an effective system response to the threat, working across key stakeholders in NPCC, NCA, HMG and wider Law Enforcement to deliver sustained impact to the threat. Co-ordination of multi-disciplinary taskforces to deliver a whole-system response, ensuring good practice and lessons learned are communicated to relevant law enforcement agencies.
• Subject Matter Expertise - Deploying subject matter expertise and representing the NECC at multi-agency meetings and strategic forums, understanding the strategic intelligence picture; the political context; being up to date on on-going 4P work across the team.
• Co-ordinating strategic alignment - Ownership and delivery of specific Economic Crime strategies and projects, and ensuring the operational direction across law enforcement aligns with the strategy
• Leading the whole team - Lead the team supporting the business through policy and strategic development business planning, performance, service delivery or governance. Promoting high performance and adherence to corporate values. To manage issues relating to the performance and conduct of officers. Provides visible leadership in the MACHINIZE Operational Co-ordination Cell
• Lead Intensifications (ORCA) - Lead intensifications delivering coordinated national operational activity against the illicit finance threat, working with a range of local, regional and national partners to degrade the threat
• Lead on building effective internal and partner relations - Lead on building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to transform the performance reporting framework so it measures the effort and impact of the new strategic approach. Lead on high level senior engagements and develop relationships, both internally and externally, deliver the NECC priorities and commitments within these strategies.
• Briefing - Briefing NCA seniors for engagement with Ministers, senior officials, international and domestic partners, and media on both the threat and our response.
• Manage and oversee financial & budget control- Manage resources effectively and oversee control of MACHINIZE taskforce budget and financial reporting into appropriate governance mechanisms
• Oversight of quality written outputs - Managing and clearing written outputs including internal and external briefings, strategic and tactical papers, and handling media enquiries
• Support Senior Management - Contribute to the delivery of an effective and efficient departmental service deputising for the Heads of departments where appropriate. Proactively identifying areas for improvement in the system and driving forward change.
• Manage Organisational Change - By leading projects, programmes, departmental campaigns and ensuring performance levels are monitored and reported against target and plan. Whilst also, managing organisational change and effectively plan, implement and communicate changes with stakeholders.
• Information Management - Oversee the quality, secure handling and dissemination of data/information, in line with Agency policy.
• Recruitment Management - Lead recruitment on required posts working within host forces to create three operational teams across the UK

Person specification

• Leading and Managing a Team - Has led people and managed resources, while overseeing and supporting large operational teams to maximise service delivery.
• Communication - Conveys information clearly and effectively through the written and verbal communication.
• Risk Management - Balances priorities across managing operations, finances, risks, experimentation and resources. Has the ability to support the business in identifying, managing and reporting on risk
• Relationship Management - Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and/or external stakeholders in order to achieve stakeholder needs and business objectives.
• Collaboration - Works effectively with others and is inclusive of their ideas - sharing knowledge, expertise and experience to meet shared objectives.
• Stakeholder Analysis - Identifies the individuals or groups with an interest or role in the outcome, ensuring variety and diversity of opinion.
• Manages Resources - Effectively manages demand on a service or team planning and allocating the resource to deliver a high level of service and value for money and meet changing business and environmental needs.
• Strategic Thinking - Aligns initiatives and practices with the overall strategic goals and objectives of an organisation. Anticipates future needs, identifies opportunities, and develops innovative and forward-thinking strategies that contribute to organisational success.
• Report Writing & drafting skills - Ability to write professional reports at an appropriate level, for a variety of audiences up to Director General, as well as other Government departments.
• Corporate Governance - Understanding of departmental policy and legislation guidance, and how principles of good governance can be applied.
• Business Awareness Maintains expertise of the business environment, industry practices and specific customer organisation factors.
• Presentation Skills - Ability to represent the department or agency at internal and external forums as well as government/partner working groups/meetings
• Decision Making - Effective decision making with accountability for decisions made
• Project Management - Oversee the delivery of specific projects designed to impact the threat, holding stakeholders to account, and delivering value for money.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £73,767, National Crime Agency contributes £21,370 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £21,370. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
• Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
• Housing schemes - Key Worker status
• Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway , Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
• Staff support groups/networks
• Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)

Further information is available on the NCA Website.

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

Essential Criteria

You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.Entry Requirements

The essential criteria will be assessing: Significant demonstrable experience in operational and/or strategic policing environments

You are required to evidence this criteria on your CV. Please note, the pass score for the CV is a 4 to meet the essential criteria. Should candidates not achieve this score, the rest of their application will not be assessed.

Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.

Desirable Criteria

Desirable criteria are only used for assessment in the event of a tie break.

Experience in Project Management is desirable.

How we will assess you

Your application will be assessed against the following:Technical - this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:

• Experience of leading teams to deliver projects building law enforcement capability to tackle priority threats (Lead Criteria)

• Knowledge of the unique powers and capabilities of law enforcement and government agencies and how these can be used to deliver against the economic crime threat

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement and wider governmental stakeholders and use these to impact against priority threats

Experience - This will be assessed:

CV

Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.

Details of what is expected within your CV are as follows: Please evidence your work experience to demonstrate significant experience in operational and/or strategic policing environments; as listed under the essential criteria section of the advert.

A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.

Longlist

In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.

- Experience of leading teams to deliver projects building law enforcement capability to tackle priority threats (Lead Criteria) .

Candidates who do not meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria will not progress to having their other criteria assessed. Applications must meet the minimum criteria to be progressed to the assessment stage.

You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.

We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.

Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.

For guidance on the application process, visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding

Assessment 1

The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.

Success Profiles at Assessment

Behaviours

• Leadership

• Working Together

• Making Effective Decisions

Technical

• Experience of leading teams to deliver projects building law enforcement capability to tackle priority threats (Lead Criteria)

• Knowledge of the unique powers and capabilities of law enforcement and government agencies and how these can be used to deliver against the economic crime threat

Assessment OutcomeOutcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.

In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:

1. Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
2. If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
3. If still tied, application sift scores will be used

Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records. We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.

Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced

Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance. The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying VettingIndividuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.

Occupational Health

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in-person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.

Things you need to know

Multi Location

Where multiple locations are advertised, appointments will be made in merit order for each location.

Please indicate up to three location preferences clearly. Only your first three preferences will be considered. You may be allocated to any of the locations you select. If you decline an offer for a location you have selected as a preference, a further offer may not be made.

If you choose to reject an offer and no alternative preferred location can be offered, you will not be able to return to the process or be placed on a reserve list.

Only the advertised locations are available; any additional notes added to the application will not be taken into account.

Near Miss

If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.

Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.

All offers are made based on merit.

Hybrid Working

The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.

Reasonable Adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.

If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk before the advert closing date.

Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.

For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme , Civil Service Careers.

Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details.

Inclusion

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

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency's Diversity & Inclusion strategy, we require certain personal details about you on submission of your application for statistical and monitoring purposes only. Please note that this will be treated in confidence and will not impact your application.

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit on merit through fair and open competition, in line with the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

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.

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.

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

Security

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 : The Central Recruitment Team
• Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk

Further information

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.