About the job Job summary The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 9,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, firefighters and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army. As such using data to aid understanding of our workforce is vital. The British Army is committed to tripling its operational lethality by the end of the decade, driven by rapid investment in cutting-edge technologies. At the heart of this change is data and digital transformation, overseen by the Armys Chief technology Officer (CTO), who is responsible for digital and data services, leads the integration of new capabilities and ensures compliance with policy and legal regulations. The CTO is ultimately responsible and accountable for integrating new digital and data capabilities from across the Armys change portfolio onto the network. As the Digital Chief Engineer, you will be pivotal in enabling and assuring the rapid transformation of the Army's digital ecosystem, working closely with the CTO and engaging with senior leadership across the Army Headquarters and Ministry of Defence (1 military officer and SCS1 and above). You will lead efforts to ensure the technical excellence of our digital network transformation, identify and drive the adoption of innovative digital technologies, and support the delivery of mission-critical programmes. The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth knowledge of Defence technology, strategy, governance, architecture, AI/ML, data, innovation, and communication networks and will pay a key role in modernising the Armys digital capabilities to meet future operational needs. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. There will be a requirement to attend and work from Blandford. We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuing you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation. Whilst embracing hybrid working, there is an expectation you will attend the office an average of at least 3 days a week Job description The Digital Chief Engineer will be responsible for supporting the Army Headquarters in the seamless transition and integration of software, hardware and network systems to enhance our operational effectiveness. The role requires a blend of technical knowledge and strategic problem-solving skills, coupled with the ability to work across organisation boundaries to orchestrate the delivery of our technological ecosystem of today with the need to ensure it integrates with the ecosystem of the future. You will be expected to solve complex, novel challenges where no established precedents exists, requiring innovative and strategic approaches to ensure the Armys digital ecosystems aligns with future operational needs The Digital Chief Engineer will oversee and have direct line management responsibility for a multidisciplinary team of crown servants, and contract performance responsibility of contractors. You will lead cross-functional teams to deliver on Army-wide digital transformation objectives, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment across stakeholders. You will oversee high-profile digital transformation projects that may attract political scrutiny. Your leadership will be critical in ensuring compliance and safeguarding the Armys operational integrity. In this role, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy, making critical decisions on the digital strategy and architecture of the Army, with minimal day-to-day oversight from the CTO or senior leadership. In line with this level of responsibility, you work with the CTO to understand what further education and development you need; we have significant resources at our disposal to aid your learning and development. Your written and verbal skills should be of the highest order and aim to inform and answer questions from across the Headquarters and ranks of seniority. As a senior leader, your decisions will have significant operational and financial implications, guiding the Armys digital strategy and ensuring alignment with evolving military objectives. In this role you will: Be responsible for the technical requirements of the Army Hosting Environment (AHE) and management of the implementation by the Technical Assurance Office. Assure the technical design of Army Digital capabilities. Oversee the compliance and assurance of digital and data solution on our network. Lead and manage our in-house Army test and reference centre to assure the successful delivery of multiple Army programmes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure appropriate cross integration of systems. Drive digital innovation by staying abreast of trends and emerging technologies working across the Field Army, Army Headquarters, and wider Defence enterprise. Provide technical guidance and mentorship for staff. Work close with the Army Information Design Authority(Army IDA), ensuring that all relevant technical, security and data standards are met to appropriately protect the organisation whilst ensuring costs represent value for money balancing costs and efficacy. Provide consultancy and expert advice to project and support teams, to achieve technological coherence and compliance, ensuring the latest emerging and information technological advances are considered and exploited. Please note - this role will require a security clearance check and may be required to undergo developed vetting when in post. Person specification We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who can handle the pressure of coordinating a wide range of activities and should be comfortable working in a critical engineering role, willing to challenge established norms and process and be prepared to adapt to changing priorities. Applicants should also have effective written and verbal communication skills and display a positive and professional attitude. Essential: Evidence of Leading & Developing high preforming technical teams. Membership of a Digital/Data/Technology professional Body. Evidence of identifying and delivering digital & data solutions. Desirable: Drive continual improvement for digital products and services within your teams. Build CTO data & digital engineering capability by providing technical leadership and career development for the community. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership Delivering at Pace Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Communicating between the technical and non-technical at an expert level. (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Data & Digital Development process at expert level (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Data & Digital Integration Design at expert level. (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Technical Understanding at expert level (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Benefits Alongside your salary of 70,540, Ministry of Defence contributes 20,435 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. 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% This post is eligible for a Digital Skills Allowance of up to 18,000 per annum. Eligibility for this allowance will be assessed at interview against 4 core technical skills only and reviewed annually in line with MOD policy. The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. This post may be eligible for a Digital Skills Allowance of up to 18,000 per annum. Eligibility for this allowance will be assessed at interview against the 4 core technical skills only and reviewed annually in line with departmental policy. Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts. Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments. MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected. At application you will be assessed against: CV including, job history Personal statement of no more than 750 words explaining how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the advert At interview you will be assessed against: 2 behaviours - Leadership, Delivering at Pace At interview you will also be assessed against the DDAT Capability Framework for Technical Skills. You will be asked questions on the following: Communicating between the technical and non-technical at an expert level. (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Data & Digital Development process at expert level (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Data & Digital Integration Design at expert level. (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Technical Understanding at expert level (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk) Application sifting will be scheduled to take placewithin 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed. These will be held in person. We endeavour to stick to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (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. Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Maj Paul Roberts Email : paul.roberts228mod.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3mod.gov.uk Further information Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: infocsc.gov.uk.