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Chief of Staff to the Chief of Defence Nuclear

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UK Ministry of Defence

5d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Business, Operations & Strategy
  • London
  • 14d left

AI generated summary

  • You must demonstrate leadership, resilience, and teamwork; influence stakeholders; set clear direction; analyze issues; prioritize workloads; communicate effectively, and have experience in program delivery.
  • You will support the CDN in leadership, manage the private office team, drive strategic priorities, communicate decisions, solve cross-organizational issues, and engage with international partners.

Requirements

  • Proven leadership skills and the ability to remain resilient in challenging environments, motivating and supporting a varied and disparate team - including subject matter experts - to provide high-quality work under significant pressure and to tight deadlines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and win the trust and influence of senior stakeholders across Defence, wider Government and industry.
  • Ability to set direction clearly across a complex and multi-organisational landscape, with a clear focus on delivering outcomes effectively and in a timely manner.
  • Excellent analytical ability and able to anticipate emerging problems, getting to the core of issues quickly, seeing the bigger picture and identifying pragmatic solutions.
  • The organisational skills and judgement necessary to process and prioritise a very high and fast-moving workload.
  • The ability to communicate clearly and effectively (even under pressure) and motivate people towards achieving stretching goals.
  • Experience of programme delivery and/or working with international partners.

Responsibilities

  • Support CDN in her leadership of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and her role as a member of the MOD Quad, working closely with senior representatives across DNO, the Royal Navy, Submarine Delivery Agency and AWE to ensure organisational alignment and one team working. Build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders across the DNE and government, forging effective networks and relationships across MOD and the wider civil service.
  • Lead CDN’s private office and all private offices within DNO (c20 people), developing and growing the capability of those within it, creating a high performing team in an inclusive and supportive environment. Ensure that those principals are properly supported and that they, in turn, support CDN.
  • Drive delivery of CDN’s priorities of implementing the Strategic Defence Review, delivering Defence Reform, ensuring outcomes are secured in a timely fashion to the highest standards and solving problems as they arise. Support her to fulfil her responsibilities as Additional Accounting Officer for the DNE.
  • Act as the primary link between CDN and her leadership team, making sure her decisions and direction are effectively communicated and implemented turning strategic direction into action. Oversee the interface between the DNE and Ministerial Private Offices.
  • Drive specific cross-organisational issues and challenges, solving problems when they arise and ensuring a best for enterprise approach is taken. In particular, lead on the delivery of high-profile pieces of work that have an outward-facing angle or require engagement with Ministers or across Government in addition to day-to-day oversight of a discrete element of CDN’s portfolio within the private office.
  • Work with DNE leadership to ensure effective working with international partners across the enterprise, appropriate and timely escalation to CDN as necessary and to create the right environment for CDN's engagement on key programmes and issues and interactions with international counterparts. Build a good understanding of the US nuclear landscape across submarines, warhead, fuels and strategy and work closely with British Defence Staff in the United States (BDSUS) to design a programme of strategic engagement for CDN across those areas.

FAQs

What is the location of the Chief of Staff to the Chief of Defence Nuclear role?

The role is office-based in the MOD Main Building, London.

Are there any additional working hours required for this position?

Yes, the role routinely requires additional/irregular hours, for which an allowance is paid.

What is the primary responsibility of the Chief of Staff to the Chief of Defence Nuclear?

The primary responsibility is to support the Chief of Defence Nuclear in leading the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and ensuring effective operations within the organization.

What kind of team will the Chief of Staff be leading?

The Chief of Staff will lead CDN’s private office and all private offices within DNO, which consists of approximately 20 people.

What are some of the key skills required for this role?

Key skills required include proven leadership skills, the ability to work collaboratively, strong analytical ability, and excellent communication skills.

Is previous experience in programme delivery or working with international partners required?

While not strictly required, experience in programme delivery and/or working with international partners is considered a desirable criterion for candidates.

What benefits does the Ministry of Defence offer alongside the salary?

Benefits include learning and development tailored to your role, flexible working options, a culture of inclusion and diversity, and a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is 23:55 on Sunday, 21st December 2025.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants need to submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a Personal Statement (no more than 2 pages).

What is the minimum assignment duration for this role?

The minimum assignment duration is 3 years.

What are the nationality requirements for this position?

The position is open to UK nationals only.

Will candidates need to meet security requirements before appointment?

Yes, successful candidates must meet the security requirements, which include developed vetting.

Is there any probation period for new external candidates?

Yes, external candidates who join the MOD and are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

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UK Ministry of Defence

Official corporate LinkedIn channel for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Defence & Aerospace
Industry
1001-5000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

We protect the security, independence and interests of the United Kingdom at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the UK’s Armed Forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget. Our priorities 2015 to 2020 are to: protect our people project our global influence promote our prosperity maintain a strategic base and integrated global support network, and manage the Department of State