DNO - WHD - Assistant Project Manager

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

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 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.

The Warhead Directorate has staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post will be based in either Bristol or Reading with regular travel between sites.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The Future Transport team within DNO Transport, are responsible for the development of new, safe and secure transport options for the movement of nuclear material. The project team is small and tight knit, managing a complex and challenging project with stakeholders across DNO and in industry. We seek a disciplined and enthusiastic self-starter to join the team and develop this role, with opportunities to progress their career across the Project Delivery profession and the broader Defence Nuclear Organisation.

The successful candidate will require previous project management experience and ideally have already achieved an APM, Prince2 or similar qualification. We are looking for the post holder to be able to work independently within the team, have accuracy with detailed work and confidence to prioritise tasks in a dynamic, high security environment.

A full driving licence will be required to enable travel between sites and especially if applying to be based in AWE as there is no public transport. The team are supportive of hybrid working; however the role will require routine site access to attend meetings and access classified IT systems.

The Assistant Project Manager will work in direct support of the Project Manager to deliver the project to approved time, cost and performance. The individual will be responsible for stakeholder engagement, management of the governance and supporting the Project Manager in the development of necessary documentation for consideration and approval.

Training opportunities are available and development is highly encouraged.

The role would suit someone who enjoys working on their own initiative, is highly organised, able to manage a variety of tasks at pace in a busy environment. Ability to use MS Office with willingness to learn other software or specialist packages as required.

Key Skills

• Project Management Knowledge: Familiarity with recognised project management methodologies such as APM, PRINCE2, or 3PM, with the ability to apply best practices effectively.
• Planning and Organising: Strong skills in scheduling, coordinating resources, and managing multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Risk and Issue Management: Ability to identify, assess, and support mitigation of risks and issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Financial Awareness: Experience in budget monitoring, financial tracking, and reporting to ensure projects remain within financial controls.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder communications and build strong working relationships.
• Documentation and Reporting: Proficient in preparing clear, concise reports, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring robust document control.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Comfortable managing change requests and resolving issues proactively to keep projects on track.
• Technical Proficiency: Competent in using project management software and digital tools to enhance project delivery and data accuracy.
• Leadership and Initiative: Capable of deputising for the Project Manager, demonstrating sound judgement and decision-making skills when required.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to learning and contributing to process improvements and lessons learned.

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.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of working in a project management environment
• Experience working within nuclear, engineering or classified environment

Desirable Qualifications:

• Qualified in APM, Prince2 or equivalent

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

• Delivering at Pace
• 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 employer contribution of 28.97%

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements 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 .

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
• Email : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam5@mod.gov.uk

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