UK Ministry of Defence
Defence Business Services (DBS) - Higher Executive Officer (HEO) – Operational Delivery
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Abbey Wood North, Bristol
Job Summary
Are you a dedicated person who is passionate about making a difference?
Would you like to work for the Ministry of Defence?
Defence Business Services (DBS) is one of the largest shared service organisations in Europe that provides a wide range of corporate services, to over 1.2 million end users, including serving and past military and families, as well as MoD civil servants and industry. DBS delivers large scale administration and smaller specialist services to enable the wider MOD to focus on its core aims, maintaining the UK’s Defence and Security. Services include Human Resources, Pay, Veterans, Finance and Procurement.
Our Vision - To support UK defence customers with outstanding service every time.
Our Mission – Together we will proudly support Defence, continuously improving and delivering flexible, timely, sustainable and value for money services that underpin the whole force and enhance operational capability.
DBS is committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues. We are building an inclusive culture and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society.
We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us through opportunities to develop your skills and experience. We also offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career accessible to you and offer a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%. Where your role permits, we support a blended working approach alternatively known as hybrid working.
DBS is part of the The National Armaments Directorate (NAD) Group which is at the heart of delivering and sustaining the UK’s defence capability. Bringing together organisations responsible for developing, procuring, supporting and modernising Defence equipment, infrastructure and services, the Directorate works closely with industry, international partners and academia to ensure the Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to deter threats, protect the nation and succeed on operations. NAD drives innovation, operational readiness and value for money while supporting economic growth and strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base.
Come and join the DBS community today!
Job Description
This is a recruitment campaign for Higher Executive Officer positions within Defence Business Services (DBS) Financial, Procurement & Civilian People Services (FPCP) Operational Teams. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce with a diverse group of backgrounds.
DBS currently have various exciting opportunities within our organisation. Our teams are highly committed to employee engagement and customer service. We will fully up-skill you in the service you are on-boarded into with opportunities to develop yourself professionally.
FPCP roles vary, they include but are not limited to Recruitment and On-boarding, Pay, Performance & Recognition, Finance Invoices and Revenues, Business Change, Working Patterns and Leave or Exit Services. This position offers hybrid working; a combination of working in office and working from home.
To enable the delivery of these services we use a flexible resourcing model to respond to changes in demand to ensure continuity of business-critical services to MOD.
We have full-time, part-time, job-share and flexible working positions available. We will work with you and be as accommodating as possible when agreeing your working hours however the final decision will be based on business needs.
The Higher Executive Officer (HEO) is responsible for leading operational delivery activities, ensuring the effective delivery of services, continuous improvement of business processes, and achievement of organisational objectives. The post holder will provide leadership, manage risks and resources, use data and insight to inform decision-making, and drive high-quality customer-focused outcomes.
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The role contributes to the delivery of business priorities through effective operational management, stakeholder engagement, team leadership and continuous improvement activity in line with Civil Service and Operational Delivery Profession standards.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Delivery
- Lead and coordinate operational activities to ensure delivery of services against agreed performance measures and service standards.
- Manage and prioritise workloads, ensuring resources are deployed effectively to meet business requirements.
- Monitor operational performance and take appropriate action to address emerging issues, risks and opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with relevant policies, legislation, governance requirements and organisational standards.
Leadership and Management
- Provide visible leadership within the team, promoting a culture of accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Support team development through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
- Foster collaboration across teams and professions to achieve organisational objectives.
- Contribute to workforce planning, succession planning and capability development activity.
Customer and Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Act as a key point of contact for operational matters, resolving complex issues and escalating where appropriate.
- Ensure customer needs are understood and reflected in service delivery improvements.
- Promote a customer-focused approach across all operational activities.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, customer experience, efficiency and productivity.
- Lead or support improvement initiatives using evidence, lessons learned and best practice.
- Encourage innovation and continuous learning within the team.
Data, Performance and Assurance
- Analyse operational data and management information to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
- Produce reports, recommendations and briefings for senior leaders.
- Ensure appropriate assurance mechanisms are in place and contribute to audits, reviews and governance activities.
- Use evidence-based decision making to support delivery and policy implementation.
Decision-Making Responsibilities
The post holder is expected to:
- Make informed operational decisions within delegated authority.
- Exercise judgement in managing competing priorities.
- Escalate significant risks, issues or resource constraints appropriately.
- Recommend improvements and solutions based on evidence and analysis.
Person specification
Essential Experience
- Experience of managing operational delivery activities or services.
- Experience of using data and performance information to drive improvements.
- Ability to build productive stakeholder relationships.
- Experience of managing competing priorities and delivering results within deadlines.
- Understanding of governance, risk management and service standards.
Desirable Experience
- Operational Delivery Profession membership or engagement with ODP learning.
- Experience of delivering business improvement or change initiatives.
- Experience of line management and performance management.
- Relevant operational, leadership or management qualifications.
For positions in the civilian payroll team, candidates would desirably need to demonstrate experience of working in a payroll team/environment and have an understanding of gross to net payroll calculations incorporating tax, national insurance and pension contribution collection.
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Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Leadership
Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
- An environment with flexible working options Monday-Friday
- 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years' service (pro rata). In addition to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for the King's birthday
- An opportunity to be considered for Reward & Recognition.
- Family friendly policies including parental leave and adoption leave
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- Professional and personal development of skills
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- Minimum of 15 days special leave in a rolling 12 month period for volunteer reserve commitments
- Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days per year
- 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.
Allowances
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
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.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Employment Hours
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
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
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