Principal Consultant

Job summary

Are you able to apply strong engineering judgement when faced with complex, high-stakes technical challenges?

Do you find energy in solving problems that require both depth of analysis and creativity in approach?

Can you thrive in a role where engaging diverse stakeholders is just as important as technical work itself?

Will you enjoy being the person others rely on for confident, well‑reasoned technical guidance?

If so, we would love to hear from you as you could be the perfect candidate to step into the role of Principal Consultant in the Vehicle Certification Agency’s Dangerous Goods Team as a trusted technical voice in one of the most safety-critical areas of transport. You’ll shape how tanks and transportable pressure equipment are designed, inspected, and approved, guiding industry and inspection bodies through complex regulatory landscapes while ensuring the safe movement of dangerous goods across the UK and beyond. It’s a role where your engineering judgement, clarity of thought, and ability to build strong, credible relationships directly influence public safety and regulatory integrity, and where your expertise genuinely makes a national impact.

About Us

Our work focuses on improving vehicle safety and environmental protection through robust testing and certification to nationally and internationally recognised standards. As part of the Department for Transport, we are the UK’s designated Vehicle Type Approval Authority. With over 40 years’ experience, we are one of the largest and most respected approval bodies, known for our technical expertise and commitment to quality.

The VCA’s Dangerous Goods Office (DGO) certifies containment systems for the transport of dangerous goods, from small packaging and gas cylinders to road tankers and tank containers for international use. The DGO also issues regulatory approvals, delivered directly or through appointed inspection bodies (AIBs), supports DfT policy development, provides expert guidance, and contributes to international standards.

Here is Ziyad Akhlaq, Head of Dangerous Goods, to tell you more:

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Job description

Imagine stepping into a role where your judgement shapes national safety standards, your expertise guides industry, and your signature carries the authority of both the Vehicle Certification Agency and the Department for Transport. As our next Principal Consultant, you become the trusted specialist who ensures dangerous goods tanks and pressure equipment across the UK meet the highest regulatory expectations.

In this role, you will lead from the centre. You’ll oversee and support Appointed Inspection Bodies as they apply for and maintain their approvals, acting as the key figure who helps them navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence. You’ll also line manage a dedicated Tank Engineer, giving you the chance to mentor, influence, and build capability within the team.

Your voice matters here. You’ll provide authoritative regulatory interpretations, issue guidance that shapes industry practice, and sign official and legal documents that uphold national safety standards. It’s a role where technical depth meets real-world impact.

To thrive, you’ll develop a deep understanding of dangerous goods transport regulations and the standards governing tank and pressure equipment construction and inspection. You’ll spend time with customers on‑site, seeing first‑hand how your decisions and expertise support safe operations across the sector.

At the VCA, you’re supported to grow. We champion ongoing professional and personal development, ensuring you have the space and resources to deepen your expertise and advance your career. We also foster a culture built on inclusivity, diversity, and genuine work–life balance; because we believe people do their best work when they feel valued, supported, and able to thrive both inside and outside the workplace.

This is a role for someone who wants to be more than a specialist; someone who wants to be a leader, an advisor, and a guardian of safety.

Your main duties will include but will not be limited to:

• Assess applications for Appointment of Tank and Transportable Pressure Equipment (TPE) bodies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Responsibility for the VCA/DfT tank certification scheme including associated systems and processes
• Provide expert technical support to the Department for Transport (DfT) on matters relating to tanks and TPE, including interpretation of regulations and guidance.
• Represent the agency at industry meetings, including with:
  • Industry groups
  • Government departments and agencies
  • Other national bodies (e.g., UKAS)
  • Competent authorities from other countries

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile attached. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

The team is seeking a candidate who can confidently make well‑judged decisions, even where information is complex or circumstances are ambiguous. They will bring a strong depth of knowledge in quality management systems and a clear understanding of how these are applied within regulatory or testing environments. The ideal candidate will be comfortable challenging established practices and decisions when necessary, doing so with credible, evidence‑based reasoning and a constructive approach.

They will also demonstrate strong customer‑facing capability, with experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders in technical and regulatory discussions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the role involves representing the agency at external meetings and building effective professional relationships. A collaborative mindset is key, with the ability to work productively across departments as well as with external organisations and partners.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following experience:

• Working with regulations and interpreting their application to real-world scenarios.
• Demonstrable experience in auditing, with the ability to critically assess compliance and recommend improvements.
• Experience in a testing-related environment (e.g., testing laboratory), with an understanding of technical standards and procedures.
• Delivering outcomes on time and to a high standard.

Ideally, the successful candidate will be a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) or be willing to undertake the required training and examination once in post.

Additional Information

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

Travel to other offices and locations to attend meetings/conferences may be required, which may also involve overnight stays.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying.

Qualifications

Qualification in an engineering or technical discipline equivalent to Bachelor's degree, including Honours and Foundation degree and Diplomas of Higher Education. NQF level 5 and 6, or equivalent experience.

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Government Science and Engineering Career Framework

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,241, Vehicle Certification Agency contributes £12,816 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies (opens in a new window).

You can also read more in our candidate pack

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.

Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.

The selection process for this role will be:

Stage 1: Sift of CV and personal statement

Stage 2: Interview

You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.

Stage 1: Sift

At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile element:

Experience – you will be asked to provide a CV (unlimited wordcount) and personal statement (1000-word count). Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:

• Working with regulations and interpreting their application to real-world scenarios.
• Demonstrable experience in auditing, with the ability to critically assess compliance and recommend improvements.
• Experience in a testing-related environment (e.g., testing laboratory), with an understanding of technical standards and procedures.
• Delivering outcomes on time and to a high standard.

The sift will take place from Tuesday 12th May 2026.

Stage 2: Interview

At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

• Behaviours – Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating and Influencing & Delivering at Pace
• Technical – Building and applying knowledge (Developing / maintaining expertise) & Building and applying knowledge (Complying with requirements / standards)

The interviews will take place between Monday 1st June & Wednesday 3rd June 2026.

This interview will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.

You can find out more about our hiring process, how to apply, and application and interview guidance on our careers site (opens in a new window).

Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change

Further information on the selection process

We will also hold a 12-month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for. You can read more about our reserve lists here.

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you cannot access the information on our website for any reason, please email DRGComms@dft.gov.uk for assistance.

Further Information

For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit theHow We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

Pre-employment Checking

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

All External applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:

Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour

Threats or acts of violence

Illegal activity or substance misuse

Sexually explicit material

Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public.

Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle—it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture.

If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.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.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).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 : Ziyad Akhlaq
• Email : ziyad.akhlaq@vca.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here

Attachments

Principal Consultant (Tanks) Role Profile Opens in new window (pdf, 185kB)VCA_Candidate_Pack_Dangerous_Goods_Rev0 Opens in new window (pdf, 6040kB)