DNO Security & Intelligence - Governance & Risk Manager

About this role

MOD Main Building: Whitehall, London SW1A 2HB

Job Summary

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).

The DNO Security & Intelligence Division works to ensure the Defence Nuclear Enterprise remains secure, resilient and assured, both now and in the future. This role sits at the heart of that mission, supporting effective security governance and helping senior leaders understand and respond to the most significant security risks facing the enterprise.

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.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

The core purpose of this role is to lead the delivery of effective security governance across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), ensuring senior leaders have the insight, information and forums required to address the most significant security risks facing the enterprise.

You will lead the coordination and delivery of two senior security governance boards, providing the structure and challenge needed to ensure discussions remain strategic, focused and purposeful. To support senior decision making, you will work closely with stakeholders across Defence, government and industry to contribute towards developing and maintaining an aggregated picture of security risk.

You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Lead the planning, delivery and development of senior security governance boards.
• Shape and improve how security risk is understood and reported, identifying gaps and driving improvements.
• Support the development and maintenance of an aggregated view of security risks across the DNE.
• Shape governance reporting and discussions by ensuring key risks, emerging issues and priorities are effectively represented.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders across Defence, government and industry.
• Support wider activities across the DNO Security and Intelligence Division as required.
• Act as a security professional and role model, championing best practice, embedding a positive security culture, and promoting Civil Service values across the DNO community.
• Line management of 1x HEO.

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.

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.

The core purpose of this role is to lead the delivery of effective security governance across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), ensuring senior leaders have the insight, information and forums required to address the most significant security risks facing the enterprise.

You will lead the coordination and delivery of two senior security governance boards, providing the structure and challenge needed to ensure discussions remain strategic, focused and purposeful. To support senior decision making, you will work closely with stakeholders across Defence, government and industry to contribute towards developing and maintaining an aggregated picture of security risk.

You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Lead the planning, delivery and development of senior security governance boards.
• Shape and improve how security risk is understood and reported, identifying gaps and driving improvements.
• Support the development and maintenance of an aggregated view of security risks across the DNE.
• Shape governance reporting and discussions by ensuring key risks, emerging issues and priorities are effectively represented.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders across Defence, government and industry.
• Support wider activities across the DNO Security and Intelligence Division as required.
• Act as a security professional and role model, championing best practice, embedding a positive security culture, and promoting Civil Service values across the DNO community.
• Line management of 1x HEO.

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.

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.

Person specification

Essential Skills

• Experience of coordinating, managing or supporting governance forums, boards or decision-making groups, ensuring effective outcomes and clear accountability.
• Experience of analysing complex information and presenting clear, concise recommendations to support decision-making.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leaders.
• Experience of identifying, assessing or managing risks within a complex organisational environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor information for different audiences.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines.
• Experience of improving processes, reporting or governance arrangements to enhance organisational effectiveness.

Desirable Qualifications

• A recognised qualification in risk management (e.g. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM))
• A recognised qualification in governance or project/programme/portfolio management (e.g. APM, MSP, PRINCE2 Practitioner).

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of risk management frameworks and principles.
• Experience of developing or maintaining risk registers and risk reporting products.
• Experience of working within a security, defence, intelligence, nuclear or other regulated environment.
• Experience of supporting governance at senior leadership level (1*, 2* or equivalent).
• Experience of collating and analysing information from multiple sources to develop an aggregated risk picture.
• Experience of leading, coaching or providing direction to junior colleagues.

Behaviours

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

• Changing and Improving
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Changing and Improving

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.