Defence Nuclear Organisation Finance Business Partner – Aukus Programme

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.

We are looking for talented and motivated finance professionals to fulfil a Finance Business Partner role to supporting the international collaborative AUKUS programme. This is a tripartite programme between the UK, US and Australia to provide nuclear powered submarines to the Australian armed forces. the growing Defence Nuclear Finance Team. In order to be successful in the roles, you will have extensive experience in providing a Finance Business Partnering service to senior officials and budget holder and working in a complex commercial or international environment. You should be able to proactively create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The post holder will work with stakeholders in DNO and Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) to deliver accurate, timely and considered advice to the SSNA and AUKUS submarine teams. This is one of the most complex issues in Government as our nuclear capability is limited and scaled towards our sovereign requirement. Any options will need to be rigorously costed to ensure they are deliverable and acceptable to the public and have fully costed implications on other programmes (both positive and negative).

The financial arrangements for building, operating, and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines are uniquely complex, with the involvement of a variety of commercial, military, central Government, and other public sector organisations, which each contribute vital components. Working through the options and their dependencies will be technically and intellectually challenging, particularly with the timelines involved. This will include complexities around foreign military sales, international taxation and international law on the sale of nuclear components and technologies.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Steering and influencing senior leadership to make informed decisions that balance short term priorities (e.g. in year efficiencies) with longer-term sustainability;
• Working collaboratively with the PMO, Commercial and other stakeholders to enable the delivery of business plans and objectives;
• Supporting business cases by providing input into affordability statements, investment appraisals and proposals identifying and highlighting any potential issues across the areas of responsibility;
• Proactively identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in the service finance provide;
• Driving financial performance against agreed targets set across the team’s areas of responsibility;
• Using financial, operational performance and economic data to deliver insight that both drives and facilitates effective decision making and continuous improvement.

You will be motivated by identifying connections and reaching out to bring people together. Forming part of the Defence Nuclear senior finance team, you will support the leadership of the DNO finance function responsible for finance staff across our three locations (London, Bristol and Aldermaston). This role requires frequent international travel and meetings and calls at unusual times due to the international nature of the post.

Please refer to the candidate information pack for more details.

• Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Responsibilities: Please refer to Candidate Information Pack.

Essential Skills: Commercial acumen

Desirable Skills: Finance Business Partnering experience, Australian and US International Government Experience.

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

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

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

• 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%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service

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 office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. 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). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

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.

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Job contact :

Name :
DNO External Recruitment Team
Email :
DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email :
DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk