Grade C1, Senior Executive Officer

Two-year posting

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) offers a progressive career path. Tasked with protecting British people, assets and borders, our work takes us the length and breadth of the globe. At the heart of this challenge is Joint Forces Command (JFC), a dynamic team who support overseas defence operations and all joint functions that span the three armed forces and civilian personnel. Based in Northwood, JFC provide the backbone for the successful delivery of all frontline operations and ensure we are prepared for whatever the future holds – and it is here that you could play an important part in ensuring national security.

The recently-created Director Overseas Bases (DOB) team take responsibility for the operational command and management of small joint units, overseas bases and non-operational colleagues who have been deployed beyond the UK. This forward-thinking team are now looking for a team leader who will lead the Planning team.

In this role, you will take responsibility for Annual Budgeting Cycle (ABC) activity. This will include identifying efficiencies and savings that could be implemented over the course of 10 years, delivering your findings via submissions and papers. As a focal point for Options, you will provide clear and accurate information, and you will analyse (and challenge when necessary) BLB submissions. Across all tasks within the Planning team, you will see to it that a robust audit trail has been created through evidence-based costings and the recording of all assumptions and dependencies.

Requests for expenditure and business cases will pass across your desk, so you will see to it that they are affordable, that they offer value-for-money, and that they meet departmental standards for regularity and propriety.

Our high tempo environment provides the perfect backdrop for dynamic financial professionals who are keen to encourage open and frank conversation. The role will require you to line manage a small team, so you will need good leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the capacity to motivate and inspire your colleagues to achieve great results. If you have a Management Accountancy qualification, that would be desirable, but we would also welcome applications from candidates who have comprehensive analytical, financial governance, planning and in-year financial management skills. Crucially, you will be a problem-solver who is capable of making effective decisions when under pressure, and you will have the flexibility to occasionally travel to overseas bases.

The team at Northwood enjoy a unique working life due to the vibrant campus-type environment. Our friendly community of civilian and military colleagues have access to exceptional onsite facilities including restaurants and a leisure centre that a well-equipped gym and exercises classes, and access to a local swimming pool. The work we are doing is ground-breaking, so you will be encouraged to learn about the work of other teams, with the freedom to attend lectures on topics such as the future of pilotless helicopters and developments in the field of cyber security. You will also benefit from:

• A £3,000 Northwood allowance, paid in monthly instalments.
• A good work/life balance supported by an onsite creche and the freedom to work flexible hours. This includes the opportunity to work from home depending on business needs.
• The chance to opt into the desirable civil service pension scheme.
• Plenty of training and development opportunities, with the potential for offsite visits and the chance to participate in staff networks. We can also offer support and funding for professional qualifications as appropriate.
• Access to The Mess, which provides the focal point for many social activities. Sports clubs and family fun-days are also regularly organised.
• Free staff parking, and a shuttle bus which runs to and from Moor Park station on the Metropolitan line.