Defence Nuclear Organisation - Cost Management Heo

About the job
Job summary

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security?

Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.

The DNO oversees all Defence Nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.

The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

Within DNO, the Finance Directorate supports the spectrum of DNO via a functional operating model. The advertised roles support the Warhead Directorate that leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe, and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future.

Our vision for the finance function is: Protecting Value, Driving Value, Adding Value and putting finance at the heart of decision making to support and enable delivery of Defence outputs.

There may be occasional travel to other MOD sites across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

This Cost Management role sits in the Financial Analysis and Costing team and is responsible for Cost Estimating and Modelling, along with Cost and Schedule Risk Analysis activities across the Warhead Programme in support of Business Cases and Programme delivery.

Principal tasks will include:

• Identify and manipulate data using a range of sources, normalisation requirements and techniques.
• Assist in the creation of robust Basis of Estimate.
• Support the generation of confidence level outputs using a range of techniques, including Monte Carlo.
• Support the generation of cost estimating outputs using the JAMES, CRBS and Defence Nuclear cost models, as well as other generic models.
• Providing single estimating tasks across a range of projects.
• Monitor key stakeholder outputs to ensure that estimates are provided to the required standard and completed prior to submission timelines.
• Assist in the creation, maintenance and operation of Simple Models.
• To communicate key estimate information and uncertainties to key member of the project, programme and wider DNO Leadership.
• To influence Leadership within project, supply chain and wider DNO within the Cost Management technical field.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.  This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following desirable criteria:

Experience of:

1. providing intelligent analysis of complex cost models, drawing out common themes and understanding linkages and dependencies
2. defining underlying cost assumptions and providing challenge throughout the costing process
3. applying data analytic techniques to provide cost drivers, sensitivity and scenario analyses
4. working with project teams to define Cost Modelling requirements, agree scope, timescales and resources to deliver
5. applying cost and schedule risk analysis techniques to produce realistic risk-based cost and time forecasts for project delivery

Essential Qualifications: 

• CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Essential Skills:

• Building and populating complex cost models to Category A investment standard
• CAAS Verification & Validation Course

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Finance Competence Framework – Competence 9 – Cost Modelling Activities
• Finance Competence Framework – Competence 10 – Analysis Support and Assurance of Programme Risk

Benefits
Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:

• Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• On-site Gym (Dependent on site)
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• On-site Nursery (Dependent on site)

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.