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About the job
Job summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) brings together business expertise and world-class trade negotiators under the vision of making the UK the best place to start and grow a business – driving growth, increasing jobs, and raising wages and living standards. This is a high profile, influential role to lead analysis into the Advanced Manufacturing sector.
Advanced manufacturing is central to economic growth and productivity in the UK. It is one of the Chancellor’s five priority sectors and is at the heart of DBT’s role as the department for economic growth.
In this policy-facing role, you will actively shape interventions and support for the sector, including by leading analysis to support the delivery of the recent Advanced Manufacturing Plan. You will work very closely with policy colleagues, as well as with other analysts, academics and industry partners.
The UK is a global hub for Advanced Manufacturing, with the fastest manufacturing productivity growth in the G7 between 2010-2021. Advanced manufacturing is the production processes that integrate advanced science and technology, including digital and automation, to manufacturing. The sector helps UK manufacturers create products that are meeting future technological demands and enable the UK to lead on the twin transitions of net zero and digitalisation.
The Sectors Analysis team is a busy and lively team of analysts. The team works int Advanced Manufacturing Directorate in the Business Group and we work flexibly across a wide range of exciting projects.
The team’s work includes:
- Work on the Advanced Manufacturing Plan that was published in November including support £4.5bn of investment into the sector.
- Work on high profile UK investment decisions in the manufacturing sector
- Detailed strategic analysis for the Battery Taskforce and to support the publication of the recent Battery Strategy
- Work on assessing the manufacturing sectors contribution to growth and productivity.
- Multiple evaluations of large funds to support the sector, including Made Smarter which supports the uptake of digital technologies among manufacturing SMEs.
- The team are at the forefront of thinking about what current economic shocks and geo-political factors mean for our major companies and sectors including work assessing the impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act and the Russia Ukraine war.
Job description
This post will be in the Advanced manufacturing and Evaluation team; a multi-disciplinary and supportive team of fourteen analysts. The team provides evidence and analysis (economic appraisal, strategic analysis, evaluation, modelling, statistics and briefing) on the Advanced Manufacturing sector. The post holder will work closely with the Advanced Manufacturing policy team.
This role supports the Advanced Manufacturing policy team and will be responsible for a leading, shaping and delivering wide range of projects to boost manufacturing competitiveness and productivity.
Initially we expect that you will be working on projects relating to the battery sector and exploring how support for R&D and innovation can best drive economic growth. Future projects are likely to include:
- Analysis of the battery supply chain. We published the Battery Strategy last year and will continue to work closely with the Battery taskforce (a high-level board of academics, industry professional and civil servants). You will develop a programme of analysis to identify opportunities and weaknesses in the UK’s Battery industry.
- Assessment of the R&D and innovation landscape for manufacturing to help ensure that the process from innovation to market is functioning. This work will both feed into the delivery of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan, as well as supporting wider work in the department to identify the best levers for economic growth.
- Cross cutting work with the wider analytical community to assess manufacturing’s contribution to productivity and how interventions can be effectively targeted.
- Development of business case and value for money assessments of key interventions in the manufacturing sector.
- You will work with the other Grade 7s to matrix manage fast streamers and other analysts in the team. There may be opportunities to directly manage staff.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
Candidates must be a current member of the Government Economics Service (GES), Government Operational Researcher Service (GORS), Government Statistical Group (GSG) or Government Social Research (GSR) or meet the criteria for membership (listed below). Please indicate on your personal statement which profession you are applying for.
Candidates must have experience of leading analytical projects and communicating complex analysis to a wide range of stakeholders.
GES
To hold full or associate GES membership, you must: have a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
Have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
GSG
The accepted qualifications for GSG posts are:
A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:1 minimum for Assistant Statistician; 2:2 minimum for Statistical Officer) containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5
Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least two years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD logbook signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession)
For statistical data scientist posts, the accepted qualifications are:
A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or Information Technology (IT) equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills
A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list)
Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or HND Level 5
Please note candidates may apply in their final year of study while they are still awaiting their qualification result. But formal contracts can only be offered upon confirmation of the achievement of the relevant qualification. In the case of an apprenticeship, this includes completing two years’ work experience in a statistical or data analysis field in government as part of attaining the qualification.
GSR
To be eligible to apply you will need to hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. OR hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
GORS
All candidates must meet the external recruitment requirements for GORS in terms of academic qualifications (outlined on the GORS website):
High numeracy: You must possess a 2:1 or higher numerate degree, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or postgraduate qualification.
Highly numerate degrees include Astrophysics, Data Science, Decision Science, Econometrics, Engineering, Mathematics, Operational Research, Physics and Statistics.
Other numerate degrees, such as Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, Geography, IT, Management, Management Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences and Systems Science, may be accepted if 50% or more of the modules are considered highly numerate.
Desirable Criteria
- The ideal candidate will enjoy working closely with other analysts and the policy team in the delivery of their core work.
- They will enjoy the leadership opportunity that comes with leading the analysis independently taking an active role in effective project management.
- They will enjoy being creative in the analysis they deploy to best serve the policy team’s need.
- They will be keen to challenge the status quo and provide alternative solutions and using economics to help solve problems in the sector.
- They will also defending their own analysis and championing it across the directorate and department.
- Some experience of working on sector analysis or of the manufacturing sectors or of supply chain work specifically is desirable, but not essential. We will support you with formal and informal training and site visits to fully understand the sector.
- The role holder will be supported to develop their own skills and knowledge related to their role and wider personal development through training and CPD.
Personal Attributes & Skills
You will have excellent leadership and communication skills and enjoy using your analytical expertise to help shape policy development, within a rapidly changing environment. Essential experience includes:
- Be a strong analytical leader, comfortable delivering at pace, and with an understanding of the wider political, strategic and industrial context.
- Provide quality assurance and analytical scrutiny of outputs to ensure robust and defensible analysis.
- Have knowledge of/sensitive to commercial aspects of dealing with large multi-national corporations and the political economy dynamics.
- Experience of and enjoys working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Be a dynamic person with strong inter-personal and leadership skills and is motivated in developing capability in the team and wider Sector Analysis.
- Respond flexibly to changing policy demands, prioritising and planning across a diverse programme of work to make the best use of limited analytical resource.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT: We wish to attract individuals from all backgrounds. If you are unsure about how the role might work with your needs or personal commitments, please email the line manager. We support flexible working patterns and reasonable adjustments.
Memberships
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- We'll assess you against technical relevant to your profession during the selection process. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted.
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities
Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.
Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
- A Personal Statement of 500 words explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.
It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change.
In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the Personal Statement.Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation, details will be provided prior to your interview.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Candidate Support
You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.
Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.
Further Information:
- A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
- Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
- The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
- New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
- 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. Any applicant who has 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.
- Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
- Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland/Access NI on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.uk
Vetting
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
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
Working for the Civil Service
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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
