Security Services Group (SSG) - DNO Senior Technical Officer

Job summary

Security Services Group (SSG) is the MOD’s Technical Authority for electronic and physical security providing in-house expert advice, design, installation and maintenance of electronic and physical security systems across Government, prioritised towards Secret and Above Secret, and items Attractive to Criminal and Terrorist Organisations (ACTO). SSG is part of GUARDIAN and is positioned within Standing Joint Command to support UK homeland security and resilience.

With an FTE of 325, SSG provides technical specialist ‘consultancy’ advice to projects to support the creation of design specifications through to commissioning; project management and delivery with through life maintenance; strategic and tactical compliance assurance reviews and audits across the business; an assured government use only Intruder Detection System built in-house; and security furniture services. Head of SSG is also the MOD’s Head of Specialism for Physical Security across the MOD (part of the Government Security Profession).

SSG’s Operational Delivery teams are the MOD’s specialist in-house security providers, delivering project management, design, installation and 24/7, 365 days a year maintenance of all aspects of electronic and physical security, with a global reach. SSG’s work is independently audited to ensure, ISO 9001:2015 and NSI compliance and accreditation as well as MOD’s own internal compliance regime. To learn more about SSG, visit Security Services Group - GOV.UK

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and passionate professional to join as the Senior Technical Officer in the SSG’s Defence Nuclear Organisation support team which has its main offices at Shrivenham, Swindon and the regional office at AWE Aldermaston, Reading.

This is an exciting, interesting, and challenging role as part of the SSG’s DNO Delivery Team, responsible for managing the delivery of multiple projects across the DNO estate.

Working to the DNO Team Leader the SSG DNO Senior Technical Officer will be responsible for managing the design and ongoing maintenance of the full suite of SSG electronic security, including IDS, AACS, VSS, PIDs and integrated security management systems ensuring a professional, efficient, and cost-effective service to the customers.

This complex role will require you to engage with a wide range of stakeholders from MOD, DNO, Principle Contractors and Sub-Contractors both in the UK and Overseas. You will monitor progress and foster a safe, positive and productive work environment.

This post also provides an opportunity to develop a variety of skills to support future career progression.

The position can be based at AWE Aldermaston or Shrivenham Defence Academy and will predominantly work on UK Government sites within the Reading region. This role involves working on Nuclear Licensed sites.

The applicant must be a UK national and hold a full UK driving licence.

Person specification

The Senior Technical Officer for Defence Nuclear Organisation will provide a key customer interface and represent SSG at high level external meetings.

Other requirements include:

• Manage and deliver multiple key Major Security Projects for DNO and the AWE Regional Team.
• Manage and plan projects and resources, including sub-contractors.
• Undertake the role of Document Writer / Technical Author with the ability to write and produce Project (H&S) documents, MS Project & P6 Primavera Schedules, Technical Specifications and Drawings, as fitted documentation including the use of AutoCAD (ACAD).
• Undertake complex discussions and negotiations with SSG Project Managers and Client Security Officers for Key Project and Maintenance accounts.
• Manage, including Line Management of, the dedicated “in-house” SSG Project Managers, Skill Zones, Admin Officers and sub-contractors to deliver projects and maintenance contracts to time, quality and cost.
• Provide full financial management, estimating, job costing, invoicing, and budget management, preparing clear and detailed financial breakdown reports to the SSG DNO Regional Team Leader.
• Be able to interpret and develop SSG Operations and external client requirements, working to support the team to deliver functional solutions.
• Manage and support the delivery of projects and maintenance both in the UK and overseas which will involve regular periods of detached duty for meeting’s, progress updates and support for installation and commissioning activities.
• Have a working knowledge of British, European and Government Standards relating to security, together with knowledge of QA and H&S policies.
• Participate in SSG’s (DNO team) on-call rota.
• Undertake all job-related administration in an accurate and timely way.

Bespoke system training will be provided. Work is spread predominantly between SSG Customer sites in the Reading geographic region and overseas, travel accordingly across the region to multiple Governmental and Military sites. You will be offered the provision of a non-liveried company vehicle to work in your region including personal use (eligible for taxable benefit). In addition, due to operational requirements, there will be a necessity for detached duty to other SSG regions (in the UK or possibly overseas) or be required to stay overnight at sites that are unsuitable distances from home address.The applicant will also be required to undertake occasional work within Radiological and Explosive Storage areas.

Essential Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• A Recognised, relevant Engineering background, Engineering Apprenticeship and/or Engineering qualifications, i.e. Intruder Detection Systems, Perimeter Intruder Detection Systems, Video Surveillance Systems and Access Control Systems or a recognised project management certification.
• Proven experience in the successful delivery of complex integrated projects.
• Management of operational delivery teams specifically industrial, Technical and Project personnel.
• Experience of dealing with Commercial Project and Facilities Management companies, and defence end users, supporting decision making up to 2* level.
• Experience of Project Management processes, including scheduling, resourcing, risk management, commercial frameworks, and operating under CDM2015 requirements.

Desirable Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences

• Membership: Engineering Council
• Membership: Security Institute
• Qualification: HNC in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or equivalent
• Qualification: NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Electronic Security Systems (IDS, VSS, etc) or equivalent
• Qualification: ONC/OND in Electronic Security Systems (IDS, VSS, etc) or equivalent
• Qualification: A recognised qualification in Project Management

Clearance

Once onboarded, the successful candidate will be put through the application process to achieve the higher Developed Vetting security clearance level.

Location

Location can be flexible within reason; for example, working or being based at other Defence sites within the UK (subject to line manager agreement and site availability/capacity).

Allowances

Where applicable, the following allowances are payable in addition to basic salary:

• Travel time (where travel is external to core hours)
• On-call allowance
• Recall-to-duty allowance
• Environmental (Radiation) allowance
• Travel and subsistence package when working out of your region and overtime

Licences

Full UK Driving Licence

Qualifications

A Recognised, relevant Engineering background, Engineering Apprenticeship and/or Engineering qualifications, i.e. Intruder Detection Systems, Perimeter Intruder Detection Systems, Video Surveillance Systems and Access Control Systems or a recognised project management certification.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

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

• Electronic Security Installation - Practitioner
• Physical Security Installation - Awareness

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.

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave increasing by one day per year to a maximum of 30 days after five years of service.
• Career Development: Benefit from continuous professional development opportunities within the security field, helping you grow and advance your career.
• Equipment: Laptop and mobile phone.
• Company Vehicle: You will be provided with a non-liveried company vehicle, eligible for personal use (taxable as a benefit).
• Family Support: Access enhanced parental leave policies to support work-life balance during important life events.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy savings through the Defence Discount Service (fees apply), offerings deals on a range of products and services.
• Health and Wellbeing: Receive Specsavers eye test vouchers and access on-site gym facilities (where available).
• Community and Social Perks: Join the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) or the Civil Service Club in London, providing access to a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities (membership fees apply).
• On-Site Amenities: Many of our locations offer free parking, subsidised canteens, sports and social clubs, and on-site shops for your convenience.
• Inclusive Workplace: Join one of our Diversity and Inclusion Networks. We value diversity and are committed to creating an equal and supportive environment for all.

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, Experience and Technical skills.

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles framework to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of candidates. Your suitability for the role will be evaluated based on your experience, skills and demonstration of core behaviours throughout the process.

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

A personal statement of (500 word count).

At application, you will be assessed against your CV, personal Statement and the following Behaviours and Technical Skills:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• SSG Functional Competence Area 1: Electronic Security Installation – Practitioner
• SSG Functional Competence Area 2: Physical Security Installation - Awareness

At interview, you will be assessed against your experience and the following Behaviours and Technical Skill:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating & Influencing
• SSG Functional Competence Area 1: Electronic Security Installation – Practitioner

What to Expect:

• The interview will explore both your professional experience and how your Behaviours and Technical Skills align with the role's requirements, we recommend using the STAR format when answering Behaviour questions.
• Interviews are planned to take place to Face to Face in Shrivenham.

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.

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 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

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 : Steve Gore, Operations Manager
• Email : stephen.gore100@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

20241001_Single Skills Framework SSG v1.0-O (1) (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 141kB)Candidate Information 2025 Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)