Operational Technician (Banknotes) Scale H Permanent, full-time Location: Debden, Essex (5-days per week on-site) Department Overview The Notes Directorate fulfils the Bank's obligations as the sole issuer of banknotes in England and Wales. With staff across Head Office, Debden and Leeds, we rely on expertise in fields as diverse as economic and quantitative modelling, risk analysis, operations, sustainability, and science. In fulfilling this important and highly visible public role, in maintaining confidence in the currency, it is important that we ensure: The right note - the public has access to genuine, high-quality banknotes of a range of denominations The right place - a well-run cash industry exists to supply banknotes cost effectively across the country The right time - the Note Circulation Scheme ensures peaks in public banknote demand e.g. Christmas are met consistently In addition to our role in relation to Bank of England notes, Notes Directorate fulfils the Bank's statutory responsibility to ensure public confidence in banknotes issued by Scottish and Northern Ireland banks. Team Overview The Banknote Security and Design (BSD) team is based within Notes Operations at our Debden Cash Centre in Essex. The team comprises a diverse mixture of technical specialists in the fields of design, science and engineering that supports: Pioneering design and development of banknote security features Banknote product design for the next generation of banknotes Technical support for the continued manufacturing and quality control of existing banknotes High speed fitness sorting of banknotes and end of life destruction of banknotes and secure materials Counterfeit threat assessment and support for law enforcement A framework for the testing the efficacy of automatic cash handling machines The team works collaboratively with its contracted supplier of banknotes, specialists and technical suppliers from around the globe, academia, other Central Banks, law enforcement agencies, such as the National Crime Agency and banknote equipment manufacturers. Job Description As an Operational Technician in BSD, you will support our diverse team of technical experts. You will develop specialist knowledge of science and engineering by assisting with the delivery of technical projects that underpin the production of our current, and future generations of banknotes. This may include contributing to the assessment of new security features, assisting with the development of new hardware, and helping to troubleshoot technical problems. You will be required to methodically collect data and perform rudimentary analysis for dissemination to the wider team. Maintaining core facilities and equipment will fall under your remit, including organising visits from external specialists, alongside administrative duties in preparing banknotes, receiving deliveries and producing written records. Role Requirements Minimum Criteria A-level / BTEC level 3-5 qualifications in Science, Engineering or Maths Proficient maths skills (Equivalent of GCSE Maths Grade 4/C or above) Good IT skills with experience with MS Office applications Essential Criteria Knowledge of fundamental principles in Science, Engineering or Maths and the confidence to apply them with guidance from technical experts. Fine attention to detail and the ability to accurately capture data and to perform rudimentary analysis including calculating averages, standard deviations and plotting graphs. Versatility and confidence in communicating and collaborating with a range of technical experts. The ability to methodically follow process instructions and to work in accordance with a technical plan or design of experiments that has been agreed in advance. To ensure that all activities remain secure, safe and efficient and that all risk assessments have been read, understood, and are always followed. Forward planning and time management skills to assist in maintaining core facilities and assets for the timely delivery of projects. The ability to capture key details and produce excellent written records of projects, presentations and meetings. Desirable Criteria Experience in secure printing or previous experience in a STEM-related role Knowledge of good working practises inline with UK Health and Safety regulations. Experience in the safe handling of chemicals, electrical or mechanical equipment would be advantageous. Please note this role is based at the print works in Debden Essex and requires on-site attendance 5 days per week. Our Approach to Inclusion The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve. At the Bank of England, we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected, so we're working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We believe that it's by drawing on different perspectives and experiences that we'll continue to make the best decisions for the public. We've also partnered with external organisations to support us in making adjustments for candidates and employees in the recruitment process where they're needed. Finally, we're proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme, you should check the box in the 'Candidate Personal Information' under the 'Disability Confident Scheme' section of the application. Salary and Benefits Information The salary on offer for this role is: London circa £31,200 - £35,100 In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below: Currently a non-contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year. The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time. A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool. An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits. 26 days' annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits. Private medical insurance and income protection. National Security Vetting Process Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy. Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant, and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes, is set out in the Bank's Privacy Notice. The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. As such, our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes is limited. The Bank cannot guarantee that you and / or the role you are applying for will be eligible for sponsorship and that any application made to UKVI will be successful. Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case by case basis. The Application Process Important: Please ensure that you complete the 'work history' section and answer ALL the application questions fully. All candidate applications are anonymised to ensure that our hiring managers will not be able to see your personal information, including your CV, when reviewing your application details at the screening stage. It's therefore really important that you fill out the work history and application form questions, as your answers will form a critical part of the initial selection process. The assessment process will comprise of two stages. This role closes on Sunday 17 August Please apply online, ensuring that you complete your work history and answer ALL the application questions fully and in detail as your application will not be considered if all mandatory questions are not fully completed. LI-MR1