Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) works to maximise the impact of science and technology on the defence and security of the United Kingdom.

In order to do this, in the Dstl People, we work alongside communities of people who use their skills to innovate and develop technologies which give our country the winning-edge.

We work in niche areas which are sensitive, operationally critical and international in nature, working across defence with other governments and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) partners.

Dstl is implementing a new strategy where we focus on delivering at pace and our people are supported to be the best they can be.

In this role you are a key part of that transformation, responsible for ensuring that our approach to Talent Development and Management is aligned to Dstl’s strategy allowing us to increase overall people capability and performance.

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.

In this role you will:

• Lead on Dstl’s approach to Talent developing and delivering a range of priority projects designed to identify, attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to the growth and success of the organisation.
• Help us identify our critical roles
• Create and develop the Dstl approach to identifying talent and succession planning
• Work across the Talent Centre of Expertise to ensure our Talent Offer is future proofed, inclusive and aligned to our overarching strategic priorities.
• Create a Talent Development offer for Dstl and Lead delivery of any associated talent schemes
• Be the main point of contact for the central Talent Teams for the annual talent commission and be the Dstl lead on the selection process for Future Leaders, Senior Leaders, and other cross Government and cross Defence talent schemes
• Build key relationships across multiple stakeholders within Dstl People, diversity networks, acting as a key communicator and an ambassador for our work as a whole.
• Plan, report and evaluate schemes to ensure progress against key milestones, identification and management of risk, stakeholder engagement and assessment of return on investment and value for money
• Role model the values and behaviours of the organisation and be a values champion, both internally and externally
• Work closely with the Human Resource Business Partner (HRBP) team to implement and embed the approach to identifying talent and succession planning across the organisation.
  
  

Safety:

• Pro-actively support safe working practices, appreciating the need for colleague welfare is the top priority for Dstl. You will take responsibility for working safely and report on any practices, no matter how big or small, to mitigate any potential risks.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A proven track record in creating and owning a full end to end Talent strategy
• The ability to provide specialist advice in Talent Management and Development, demonstrating expert knowledge
• Collaborated with stakeholders across a complex organisation to identify Talent and created a strategy of innovative solutions to enhance and develop talent along with an evaluation framework to demonstrate return on investment.
• Strong team player who can build effective working relationships, trust and credibility with senior leaders through provision of insightful advice that influences and shapes thinking and application
• Used evaluation approaches and people insights to inform, influence and continually improve Talent management and development
• An ability to work at pace, with agility to respond to evolving demands
• Created internal and external stakeholder networks, engaging with, inspiring and influencing others at all levels to ensure the benefits of projects are realised and continuous improvement is embedded.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Chartered Membership of CIPD or willing to working towards CIPD accreditation and Learning & Development Experience/ expertise

Desirable:

• Human Resources Qualification and Experience

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

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.

Location/Working Pattern:

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office/lab/range (on site) and home-based working.  This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the workplace, subject to on-site estates capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.