UK Ministry of Defence
Deputy Director Counter-Terrorism, UK and Crisis Operations
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Job Summary
This role leads a mixed military and civilian team responsible for developing policy guidance and providing military advice on operations in the UK and worldwide. It manages the Defence contribution to the cross-Government CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy and oversees MOD’s global crisis response. Working alongside a military counterpart, the post ensures that MOD can rapidly establish teams to respond to emerging crises. The role reports directly to the Director of Operational Policy.
Job Description
UK Operations
- Work with the Home Office, the intelligence agencies, and other government departments to support civil authorities when Defence capabilities are required. This includes supporting the government’s response to flooding, wildfires, and other emergent scenarios.
- Work closely with UK authorities to counter terrorism within the United Kingdom, including managing crisis response.
- Provide policy advice and oversight on military operations in the United Kingdom to senior Ministry of Defence officials and officers.
Counter-Terrorism
- Lead Defence’s contribution to HMG counter-terrorism efforts overseas, including policy development and operational responses.
- Work with Government Departments to deliver cross-government CONTEST strategy, including direct support to the Gulf of Aden Counter-Terrorism Senior Responsible Owner (CT SRO).
- Work with Agency colleagues, partner nations, and operational headquarters to manage overseas CT operations, responding to policy developments and evolutions.
Crisis Response
- Provide crisis management leadership – delivering short notice, fast-paced, cross-government activity (typically working with No.10, Cabinet Office, and the FCDO, amongst others) to establish options, balance risks, make decisions, and manage consequences.
- Develop training and preparations for the MOD civilian crisis response cadre, recruiting and developing volunteers to bolster the crisis team during operational responses.
Overseas Operations
- Lead and manage specific overseas operations at the strategic level, providing high-quality policy advice to Defence Ministers and senior officials.
- Work with regional teams, the Permanent Joint Headquarters, and other government departments to develop and maintain overseas operations to deliver key Defence and government outcomes.
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General
- Deputise for the Director Operational Policy and Director General Policy when required, for example, at Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meetings or the Joint Intelligence Committee.
- Be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team on the direction and running of the Operations Directorate. You will be expected to lead one or several workstrands on areas such as diversity and inclusion or learning and development, and to engage actively with staff.
Person Specification
- Outstanding policy professional with a range of policy experience in national security.
- Proven track record of strategic thinking and experience in translating strategy and policy into successful delivery.
- Strong leadership skills demonstrated in complex and dynamic environments, with the ability to inspire, engage, and motivate diverse teams.
- A proactive, driven, and energetic problem solver, consistently focused on achieving delivery outcomes.
- Highly developed political awareness, and personal gravitas coupled with excellent oral communication skills with a proven ability to present complex issues simply and effectively.
- Sound judgement with highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, and a proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong experience of working with Ministers and conveying complex information to enable decision-making at speed.
- Proven ability to work in crisis and lead others through it.
Salary and Benefits
- Alongside your salary of £86,000, Ministry of Defence contributes £24,914 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
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Selection Process
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process accessed via the Civil Service Jobs portal. This should be completed no later than 23:55 on Sunday 1 November 2026 and will involve providing the two documents which are weighted equally:
- A CV (no more than 2 pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
- A Personal Statement (no more than 2 pages) providing tangible examples that clearly evidence how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
External candidates who join the MOD and are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Security
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality Requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
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.
Contact Point for Applicants
Job Contact
- Name: SCS recruitment team
- Email: People-CivHR-SCSCandidateSupport@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact People-CivHR-SCSCandidateSupport@mod.gov.uk in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission Civil Service Commission - Recruitment.
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