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Applications closed 2 years ago

About the job

Job summary

We have an exciting Group Leader opportunity in one of the six science and technology (S&T) capability Groups within Dstl’s Exploration Division.

The Futures and Innovation Group discovers new science and technologies and insights, imagining and developing transformative concepts and systems, to deliver a more capable, technologically advanced and sustainable UK Defence and Security. We are an outward looking group that is collaborative by design, with a wide network. At our core we are innovative and creative, curious and analytical.

As the Futures and Innovation Group Leader you will report to the Exploration Capability Leader, and are responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the S&T Futures capabilities and our newly developing Sustainability capability within the Group in-line with S&T programme plans, capability development plans and Dstl and wider MOD strategies. The Group stewards capabilities in:

Future S&T information gathering and ingest
Horizon scanning & Technology Watch
Systems imagining and conceptualisation
Future context understanding
Communication, Engagement and Translation
Futures Models Methods and Tools Development (including Technology Road mapping).
Climate Change and Sustainability

You will lead a group of 60-70 highly motivated and talented people, and build capability both internally and externally, working with a strong customer base across UK Government and supplier base across UK Industry and Academia and Internationally with allied Countries, delivering great Science and Technology.

With a strong people and capability leadership focus you will champion high standards of people management, continuous professional development, innovation and exploitation.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

Job description

Job Dimensions

Reports to the Capability Leader

Person specification

We are looking for some who has:

A strong career path and can demonstrate:

A clear understanding of Health and Safety
Strong and Effective Leadership and Line Management experience, with the ability to Lead other Leaders, work collaboratively, motivate and inspire others
Clear and concise communications, with the ability to tailor what is needed to the appropriate audience
Effective Decision Making and Influencing Skills
Ability to Develop and Lead Strategic Capabilities
Commercial and financial management
Change and business improvement
The ability to work alongside Partner Organisations and across High Profile Customer Organisations
The ability to build effective relationships and work alongside key Dstl Stakeholders

Essential Skills

People leadership
Championing Diversity and inclusion
Mental health awareness
Managing performance and conduct
Health and Safety awareness
Financial management
Commercial awareness
Understanding of Dstl’s business model
Understanding of the safety, security, capability and resilience risks of the programmes and projects that the Group supports
Ability to work in an agile environment and understand the requirements and evolving needs of a capability
Ability to form strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Essential Experience

Significant leadership and management experience, including managing both other line managers and technical experts.
Technical and business management expertise to understand the tools, techniques and skills required within the Group and how to develop them.

Desirable Experience

Proven technical credibility in the Futures capability area.
Understanding of the Futures landscape
Defence Industry experience
Significant experience in partnering with industry and academia

Desirable Skills

Awareness of Programme and Project Management
Commercial awareness

Desirable Memberships

Membership of appropriate management professional body (eg CMI), and willingness to attain Chartership or Fellowship.

Leadership

As a leader in Defence you will help shape, role model and bring to life the ‘One Defence’ mindset that will enable us to deliver our vision and strategic objectives. Your leadership style must be inspiring, confident and empowering. Working at every level of our organisation to break down silos, unite teams and create a culture that is trusting, collaborative, innovative, diverse and inclusive. Enabling us to deliver with pace and agility through the skills, commitment and empowerment of our employees and military colleagues.

Whilst hybrid working is supported, as a GL you will need to be physically present with the Group, which is on two sites (predominantly Dstl Portsdown West, but also at Dstl Porton Down), and you may also expect to travel to customer and supplier sites. It is therefore expected that you will typically be at a Dstl site, or at customer and supplier site, with only occasional working from home.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Group Leader – Futures and Innovation Group

About the job

Job summary

Job description

Person specification

Behaviours

Benefits

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Selection process details

Security

Nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service