Montgomery House, Queens Avenue, Aldershot, GU11 2JN We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuring you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation. However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, especially for new joiners, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week). Job Summary The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, with responsibility for an annual budget of over £10bn, the Army is a major part of the Ministry of Defence and one of its largest operating centres who employ around 12,000 Civil Servants located at over 300 locations supporting the 110K regular and reserve soldiers across the Army. This Civil Service workforce is diverse, with many different functions and professions ranging from police officers, security guards, trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. Headquarters Regional Command (HQ RC) is a dynamic Army 2* headquarters based in Montgomery House in Aldershot. HQ RC delivers 'Real Life Support to the Army' and controls the UK Stations and Garrisons as well as Garrisons in Nepal, Brunei and Germany. It is also the lead organisation for engaging with the civil community and acts as the proponent for UK Operations. HQ RC's Infrastructure Branch is responsible for the entirety of the Army's built estate which is diverse and distributed across the UK and overseas. The Soft Facilities Management (Soft FM) team positively collaborates with users of the estate, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and our contracted service providers, to support the day-to-day operations focusing on creating a comfortable, safe and efficient environment addressing the needs of our people. It is an exciting time to join the team due to the recent launch of the Defence Catering Strategy and the upcoming contract re-lets of the current FM provisions. You will be able take a pivotal role in enhancing this crucial element of Service personnel lived experience and improving upon it. Please note: The job will require travel around the UK, working directly with RICs, Industry Partners (IPs) and DIO staff. There may also be occasional requirements to travel to overseas to support the Army’s Built estate abroad. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Job Description You will act as a focal point between the military community, DIO and the Regional Infrastructure Cells (RICs). You will ensure they are supported and informed of SFM matters within their respective areas of responsibility. You will also provide confidence to senior staff regarding the delivery of works and services, reporting on quality, time and cost parameters reporting on exceptions as well as overall performance standards achieved. This role offers the opportunity to travel around the UK and, occasionally overseas, working directly with the military community, industry partners and DIO staff. Key Responsibilities: To use your knowledge and expertise to exploit SFM data for the benefit of the wider team. Support in the delivery of specialist SFM support, advice and guidance to Regional Infrastructure Cells (RICs) and the Overseas and Training Infrastructure Cell (OTIC) staff to enable swift and effective resolution of emergent SFM issues. As a focal point for dialogue with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (RFCA), Industry Partners and wider defence community for SFM matters. Work collaboratively with Decision Support team to review and analyse SFM service performance information. Communicate SFM operational contractual and delivery Risk to Decision Support team for inclusion with the HQ RC Infrastructure Branch Quarterly Performance and Risk Reporting (QPRR) architecture. Provide support if required to Requests for Contract Amendment (RCA) requirements managed by RICs/OTIC. Influence and communicate SFM policy and procedures guidance across Infra & Basing Branch. Support the development of the intelligent customer role for SFM to shape future SFM requirements. Support the SFM Continuous Professional Development (CPD) within Infra & Basing Branch. Deputise as and when required. You will act as a focal point between the military community, DIO and the Regional Infrastructure Cells (RICs). You will ensure they are supported and informed of SFM matters within their respective areas of responsibility. You will also provide confidence to senior staff regarding the delivery of works and services, reporting on quality, time and cost parameters reporting on exceptions as well as overall performance standards achieved. This role offers the opportunity to travel around the UK and, occasionally overseas, working directly with the military community, industry partners and DIO staff. Key Responsibilities: To use your knowledge and expertise to exploit SFM data for the benefit of the wider team. Support in the delivery of specialist SFM support, advice and guidance to Regional Infrastructure Cells (RICs) and the Overseas and Training Infrastructure Cell (OTIC) staff to enable swift and effective resolution of emergent SFM issues. As a focal point for dialogue with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (RFCA), Industry Partners and wider defence community for SFM matters. Work collaboratively with Decision Support team to review and analyse SFM service performance information. Communicate SFM operational contractual and delivery Risk to Decision Support team for inclusion with the HQ RC Infrastructure Branch Quarterly Performance and Risk Reporting (QPRR) architecture. Provide support if required to Requests for Contract Amendment (RCA) requirements managed by RICs/OTIC. Influence and communicate SFM policy and procedures guidance across Infra & Basing Branch. Support the development of the intelligent customer role for SFM to shape future SFM requirements. Support the SFM Continuous Professional Development (CPD) within Infra & Basing Branch. Deputise as and when required. Person specification Essential Skills: A practitioner level of Soft FM activities. Be able to efficiently analyse and interpret data from various information management systems to aid senior managers in their decision making. Experience of working within a headquarters. A confident and able communicator who can establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with multi-disciplinary customers and service providers. This post requires a working practitioner level of knowledge for all Facilities Management activities which will be developed and broadened whilst in the role. Able to identify and articulate risk, measure and analyse key performance indicators, and plan at pace. Able to analyse issues and deliver appropriate solutions. A fundamental awareness of project management. Desirable Skills: Due to the broad geographical remit of the Army estate, which is not all effectively served by public transport, a driving licence would be advantageous but is not crucial. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Changing and Improving Communicating and Influencing Managing a Quality Service Working Together We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Changing and Improving Alongside your salary of £36,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. Other Benefits For Army Civil Servants Include: 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service Highly competitive pension scheme with a 28.97% contribution Personal and professional development of skills Alternative working patterns for many roles Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Enhanced parental and adoption leave 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities Learning and Development We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role. A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career. 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. MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. At application stage you will be assessed against the following: Personal Statement - (750 words max) describing your skills and experience against the essential criteria listed in this advert. Behaviour - Changing & Improving Applications will be sifted using the above that have been chosen for this campaign. At interview stage you will be assessed against the following behaviours: Changing & Improving Communicating & Influencing Managing a Quality Service Working Together Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed and will be held in person. We endeavour to keep to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs. Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment. The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact : Name : Rachel Burchell Email : Rachel.Burchell102@mod.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk Further information Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.