HM Revenue & Customs
Application Operations Engineer
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Join HMRC as an Entry-Level Database Technical Support Professional
About the Role
Discover a fulfilling career with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), where innovation, purpose, and professional growth are at the heart of everything we do. HMRC is reshaping the UK’s tax system through cutting-edge digital technology, ensuring seamless, customer-centric experiences and real-time interactions.
As part of the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) Group, you’ll support modernising critical tax services—driving efficiency, resilience, and simplicity for business and citizens alike.
You’ll join the Application Operations team in the Valuation Office (VO) Delivery Group, specialising in database maintenance and operational support. This entry-level technical role offers hands-on experience across database technologies, service operations, and project delivery, spanning the full development-to-live lifecycle. Aim for growth—progression to [Higher Officer (HO)] level within 18 months is possible with development and performance aligned.
Key Responsibilities
- Support database platforms and applications to ensure optimal performance, availability, and resilience.
- Monitor systems, identify and troubleshoot issues, and contribute to incident investigation and resolution.
- Apply approved database updates and patches using defined governance processes.
- Collaborate with development and service teams to diagnose, resolve, and improve system performance.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for changes, releases, and incidents.
- Oversee environmental deployments, backups, and disaster recovery activities.
- Contribute to out-of-hours operations, on-call duties, and release management as needed.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrates a clear interest in database/data technology, evidenced by:
- Academic coursework, self-study projects, or hands-on experience with SQL, relational databases, or similar frameworks.
- Basic understanding of data structures and access principles, including:
- How tables, queries, or relational models enable business applications/services.
- Expertise in systematic troubleshooting, using available tools/data to:
- Identify root causes, propose solutions, and collaborate to resolve technical issues.
- Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams:
- Following instructions, documenting work precisely, and communicating clearly.
- Strong attention to detail in both technical execution and administrative tasks:
- Adhering to processes, logging changes, and maintaining accuracy.
Desirable Criteria
- Certifications or qualifications in IT, database administration, or related fields.
- Familiarity with ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) or similar operational practices.
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Opportunities for Growth & Learning
HMRC provides a structured Learning Pathway including:
- Mentorship, on-the-job experience, and career coaching.
- Pathway progression to Higher Officer (HO) level (~18 months), contingent on performance and professional development.
Working Arrangements
- Full-time post (operational flexibility welcome and encouraged).
- Flexible working requests require prior disclosure to assess feasibility.
- Hybrid policy in place: 60% office attendance (with virtual support for remaining workdays if required).
- Locations offered in UK office hubs, with periodic site transitions as per HMRC national strategy.
Special Notes on Locations
- Recruitment Site Transitions: Certain sites will move to new premises; initial assignments are short-term. Examples:
- Telford (transitional): Moving from Telford Plaza to Parkside Court. Must commit to relocated post-offer. Current employees affected by future planning may retain current site allocation.
- Support for Relocation Upgrades:
- Eligible employees moving from Bradford-to-Leeds locations can access a Moves Adjustment Payment (per HMRC policy).
What We Offer
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | £31,096/year + Civil Service Pension contribution of £9,008 p.a. |
| Pension | Matching up to 28.97% of salary into Alpha pension. |
| Holiday Entitlement | 25 days (Rising by 1 day annually to max 30 days). |
| Flexible/Hybrid Working | Up to 2 days remote (workers focused) per week + adaptable Robin Model. |
| Family & Personnel Support | School holiday schemes, on-site childcare, coach training, EAP programmes. |
| Development | Coaching, mentorship, and tailored training programmes. |
| Civil Service Benefits | Free memberships (NFU Mutual), discounts (NHS premiums, cashback via Civil Servants’ Life Funds). |
Set against the backdrop of a Values-Driven, high-performance organisation dedicated to levelling the playing field for UK taxpayers.
Selection & Interview Process
- Evaluation Criteria: Based on Strengths, Experience, and Behaviours documented in your application.
- Application Components:
- Pathfinder submission of:
- A name-blind CV detailing work history and transferable skills.
- A 500-word Personal Statement highlighting how your capabilities align with essential criteria.
- (Optional) 250-word desirable criteria commentary.
- Pathfinder submission of:
- Sift Stages:
- Review candidate’s personal statement for suitability against the hiring threshold.
- CV and personal statement analysis conducted for shortlisted attendees.
- No substitutes–your written submission becomes the situated baseline for discussion with assessors.
- Shortlisted Interviews utilise:
- Behavioural questions (e.g., “How did you overcome a challenge where collaboration was required?”).
- Strengths-based exploration (example provided in advert): “’Customer needs first’ can be a controversial ideal. Describe a time when you balanced priorities where customer versus operational demands came into conflict.”
- Appointment:
- Via merit list, ranking candidates by application and assessed suitability; limited to specified role locations.
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Technical & Compliance Notes
- Candidates with criminal records: Matters are considered fairly in line with DBS Code of Practice and HMRC’s Ex-Offender Policy.
- Internal Deed of Allegiance: Post-offer, candidates are screened against the Internal Fraud Database (IFD).
- Behavioural Expectations: Civil Service Code of Conduct, prohibition of tobacco/drugs, dress-to-impress (smart-casual).
Disability/Access Support
- Equal Opportunities are paramount.
- Special assistance requests during recruitment must be made earlier than 2 working days before the advert closes via:
- Email:
unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk. - Explicit details should then appear in your submission’s Additional Requirements page.
- Email:
- Include how preferred access can be instituted (wheelchair chairs, interpreter liaisons, etc.).
- Special assistance requests during recruitment must be made earlier than 2 working days before the advert closes via:
How to Apply & Key Deadlines
- Fasttrack/CV prep: Use the HMRC App (link provided) to validate previous job history against whether *+5 years is covered under Gov.UK credentials.
- Timeline:
- Emergency Employer Queries: Submit maximally two business days before hiring portal closes via:
unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk. - Changes past this threshold e.g., eligibility boxes are ever irreversibly locked.
- Emergency Employer Queries: Submit maximally two business days before hiring portal closes via:
- Technical Troubleshooting:
- Attachments pose roadblocks for ADA compliance? Contact:
alex.crimini@hmrc.gov.uk.
- Attachments pose roadblocks for ADA compliance? Contact:
Required Documentation Post-Appointment
- Successful applicants will need to provide their National Insurance Number upon onboarding.
- successful security clearance process requires your results.
Ready to shape the digital future? Apply today:
📌 View Vacancy Details - HM Revenue and Customs Vacancy Portal
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