Geospatial Data Governance - Team Lead

Job summary

The Defence Geographic Centre (DGC) is a unit within the Foundation function of National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI) within Defence Intelligence (DI).

Within the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI) sits DGC, the Defence Geographic Centre (DGC) who deliver Geospatial information, services, and liaison to Defence, including partners across government, international partners, and the wider Intelligence Community.

The Geospatial Data Governance (GDG) team is part of DGC Collection Division. The GDG team are responsible for delivery of geospatial data management policies and their implementation pertinent to management of foundation geospatial information and metadata stored in file plans and databases on the OFFICIAL security tier of Defence infrastructure. The role includes liaison with teams across DGC providing data management advice and training, including implementation of the MoD Geospatial Metadata Profile (MGMP), as well as leading on technical aspects of geospatial metadata records quality assurance and their remediation.

This role is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

We are seeking a skilled professional to support the development, implementation, and maintenance of geospatial metadata policies, advice, and training for DGC teams. The role involves ensuring the effective use of the MOD Geospatial Metadata Profile (MGMP) to tag, ingest, and manage Foundation GEOINT data within the Foundation Gold repositories and associated enterprise databases.

The post holder will be primarily responsible for line managing 1 member of staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, review, and communicate data management policies, including file plans, naming conventions, and data lifecycle management (e.g., archiving, supersession, retirement).
• Prepare and maintain training materials, SOPs, and guidance documents to support MGMP metadata use for search, discovery, and information lifecycle management.
• Coordinate and prioritise bulk update queries to address metadata records errors in the primary geospatial metadata database.
• Conduct regular quality control checks on metadata inputs to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Develop and implement process improvements to automate MGMP metadata creation, population, and validation.
• Provide subject matter expertise for data management and search/discovery capability upgrades, including participation in workshops and proof-of-concept testing.

This role is ideal for someone with expertise in geospatial metadata, data management, and process optimisation, who is passionate about supporting enterprise-level geospatial data systems.

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 flexi-time, job share and compressed hours.

Please note: DGC, MOD Feltham is permanently closing and relocating to RAF Wyton, in line with the scheduled site closure, 31st October 2026. Existing DGC MOD Feltham candidates that currently have a permanent duty station at MOD Feltham applying on level transfer or promotion will be entitled to relocation allowances. If the successful candidate is non-mobile, a request must be submitted to the PRIDE2 Change Panel before accepting any provisional offer made.

This position does not come with relocation allowances / support for any non-DGC, MOD Feltham based candidates, or Cross Government candidates or External candidates.

The permanent duty station of this role is RAF Wyton. MOD Feltham relocating to RAF Wyton under PRIDE 2, with relocation ongoing until 31st October 2026. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to travel to MOD Feltham working a minimum of 4 days in the office until 31st October 2026, and will be allowed to claim Travel and Subsistence.

All jobs advertised in DI are subject to fair and open competition.

Person specification

The postholder will play a key role within the Geospatial Data Governance team, supporting the development, implementation and assurance of geospatial data management policies across DGC and NCGI. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical understanding, excellent organisational and communication skills, and the ability to lead and prioritise work effectively. The skills, knowledge and experience below define what is required to perform successfully in this role.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must demonstrate the following:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and effectively coordinate work within a small team.
• Proven ability to prioritise personal workload and support team prioritisation, balancing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency in IT, including confident use of Microsoft Office applications, with intermediate MS Excel skills to populate, manipulate, and quality-check spreadsheet content.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to research, investigate, and present findings clearly, highlighting key issues to support decision-making.
• Ability to produce clear and concise written documentation, such as SOPs, guidance materials, and procedural notes.
• Experience handling large volumes of information or metadata records, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Desirable Criteria
The following would enhance an application but are not essential:

• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately and efficiently.
• Knowledge of the Defence Geographic Centre (DGC) business area, its customer base, and stakeholder landscape.
• Experience working with XML formats, particularly for metadata structures.
• Familiarity with GIS tools, such as ArcGIS, for inspecting and validating geospatial data.
• Understanding of Defence Foundation GEOINT data/products and geospatial formats to inform decisions on data storage, management, and discovery.

Behaviours

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

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• DG3.2 and DG3.3 of Managing Foundation GEOINT (Practitioner).
• DG1 – Understanding Foundation GEOINT (Practitioner Level)

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

• DG3.2 and DG3.3 of Managing Foundation GEOINT (Practitioner).

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We offer a range of excellent benefits including but not limited to the following:

• All successful candidates will be eligible to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme
• Leave entitlement - 25-day annual leave allowance per year increasing by 1 day per year (maximum 30 days per year). In addition, 8 statutory Bank Holidays and 1 privilege day per year.
• Complementing our generous annual leave allowance, we also have a flexible working scheme.
• Additional working pattern options – we have a strong culture of flexible working and encourage all employees to have a healthy work/life balance. We offer a wide range of potential working patterns, including part time, job share and compressed hours. These need to be balanced with business needs so they will vary from job to job. If you would like to know more, please speak to the Recruiting Line Manager.
• Professional Development - We are committed to your continued professional and personal development with learning as one of our core values.
• Health and Wellbeing – for a small fee we offer the staff the use of the exceptional site gymnasium facilities.
• We also offer an excellent range of family-friendly benefits, for example, enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Special Paid Leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
• RAF Wyton has free car parking; and other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and onsite shop.

This position does not come with relocation allowances / support for any non-DGC, MOD Feltham based candidates, or Cross Government candidates or External candidates.

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, Experience and Technical skills.

Applicants should apply for this role online, via the website.

Assessment at sift and interview will be based on meeting any defined skill/qualification requirements along with a Success Profile element assessment, as detailed in the job advert. The Success Profile elements to be assessed will be outlined within the job advert. The Civil Service Success Profile Framework is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles

At sift, applicants will be sifted against the following Technical skills and Personal Statement:

Technical Skill:

• DG3.2 and DG3.3 of Managing Foundation GEOINT (Practitioner).

Experience:

All applicants will need to provide a personal statement, of no more than (750) words, including evidence of the essential and desirable criteria requested within the job advert.

When completing your personal statement, please read and understand the requirements described in the Person Specification section thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against.

Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. You may choose to address each criteria separately or have examples that cover and evidence several criteria. Please ensure you evidence the requirements and what you have done that relates to the requirements. You don’t have to explain the whole process, focus on what you have done and the skills and experience you have used. Share with us what makes you suited to this role and why, what you can do and the technical and behavioural skills you have that correspond to the requirements, and life experience or passion you have that are linked to this role.

At interview, applicants will be sifted against the following:

Behaviours:

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Leadership
• Communicating & Influencing

Technical Skills:

• DG1 – Understanding Foundation GEOINT (Practitioner Level)
• DG3.2 and DG3.3 of Managing Foundation GEOINT (Practitioner).

We would generally expect Behaviour examples to follow the STAR structure and encourage candidates to use this throughout their application.

Application/Interview Scoring System

NCGI adopts a scoring system of 1-7 for Behaviours, Technical skills, and Experience.

7- The evidence provided wholly exceeds expectation at this level

6 - Substantial positive evidence; includes some evidence of exceeding expectations at this level

5 - Substantial positive evidence of the competency or behaviour

4 - Adequate positive evidence and any negative evidence would not cause concern

3 - Moderate positive evidence but some negative evidence demonstrated

2 - Limited positive evidence and/or mainly negative evidence demonstrated

1 - No positive evidence and/or substantial negative evidence demonstrated

The sift should take place within two weeks of the job closing and candidates will be informed of the results, at all stages, via the website. Interview dates are to be confirmed.

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

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.

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.

Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) generates and operates specialist capabilities, ready to fight across all domains to make the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Always on, we are across every UK operation, delivering the capabilities you don’t usually see - or those you can’t.

From cyber warriors and medics to intelligence analysts, special forces, educators, and Defence attachés, our collective expertise delivers the warfighting edge Defence needs to deter threats and secure the nation today and prepare for tomorrow.

CSOC unites Defence’s cyber and specialist capabilities under a single, military command alongside the Royal Navy, British Army, and the Royal Air Force - acting as the UK’s fourth Military Command. For more information, please see here.’

Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to design the way in which the new Military Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, posts within CSOC are/or may become 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.

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.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

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 : NCGI Recruitment Team
• Email : ukstratcom-di-ncgi-recruitment@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

NCGI Candidate Information Pack - NCGI STN Opens in new window (pdf, 437kB)Defence Geography Competency Framework 2019v1 Opens in new window (pdf, 2531kB)CSOC Candidate Pack 2025 Opens in new window (pdf, 1777kB)EXTERNAL PACK Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)