Space Industry Enterprise Engagement - Strategy Lead

About the job

In response to the UKs renewed focus on Space capabilities the Dstl Space programme is rapidly expanding in order to deliver 1st of a kind space missions and generation after next concepts and demonstrators.

Dstl cannot deliver this alone and needs to work in partnership with UK industry to understand where we can co-create and collaborate with industry partners, and where Defence must take the lead.

This role will be pivotal to creating a strategic and enduring link with UK Space industry to deliver better capability whilst supporting the UK prosperity agenda.

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

In this role you will:

At Level 6:

• Create an overview of the UK Space landscape and the existing mechanisms and frameworks for supplier engagement both in Dstl and across Government. Where mechanisms do not exist for enterprise engagement with industry, seek to establish new routes (e.g. strategic supplier partners where appropriate, SME engagement mechanisms);
• Build strong working relationships across the space sector, MOD/wider Government, and internally within Dstl;
• Identify or create an environment where industry partners will feel comfortable sharing their ideas in open forum;
• Build an understanding of existing networks between Dstl and industry (including the Defence and Security Accelerator) that could be used for space related technology.

At Level 7: (all of the above plus)

• Build an understanding of where industry PV, Venture Capital investment and other forms of finance, are focused and find opportunities to bring to bear existing supplier capability;
• Work with UK Space Command, UK Space Agency, and other partners across Government to ensure management and exploitation of knowledge of key suppliers and technology developments, using shared toolsets to identify any gaps in industry focus where technology must be developed “in-house” by Dstl.

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who has:

At Level 6:

• Experience of building effective networks across disparate communities;
• A good understanding of the UK Defence and Security environment;
• Excellent communication skills and be collaborative by nature.

At Level 7: (all of the above plus)

• Existing knowledge of the UK Space sector;
• Experience working with finance and funding partnerships, (NSSIF, VCs etc).

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.

If you are a current Dstl employee, you are encouraged to inform your line manager of your application as they can support you through the process and should you be successful it will help in negotiating a release date.

Work location

Dstl is strongly encouraging blended and flexible working either at one of our sites or from home or both. We want to empower you to undertake your duties at the most appropriate location for the task, however you will be allocated a Dstl site as a base. You may be required to travel to other Dstl and MoD sites as required.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership;
• Delivering at Pace;
• Working Together.

Benefits

We'll provide a great range of benefits including:

• Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few;
• Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 37 hours can be taken in any calendar month;
• Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential;
• Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay;
• Chartership and accreditation support;
• Pension;
• Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year;
• A competitive salary. Onsite gyms and restaurants.Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.

Our Diversity Networks

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 have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.

These include the following:

• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network;
• Race, Faith and Culture Network;
• Parents and Carer Support Network;
• Alternative Working Network;
• Gender Equality Network;
• New Starters Network;
• Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities;
• For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page 

Things you need to know:

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

See our vetting charter.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Sift will commence shortly after the role has closed with successful applicants being invited to attend an online interview.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

We offer a guaranteed interview for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.

Dstl is participating the Great Place to Work for Veterans Scheme. If you are a Veteran and meet the essential criteria for this position you will be offered guaranteed progression to the next stage of the assessment. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.

We actively encourage and welcome applications from those who work alternative working patterns (part-time, job share, term-time only etc.), Please be prepared to discuss this if you are selected for interview. You can also discuss your working pattern with the recruiting line manager or talent acquisition adviser at the application stage if preferred.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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.

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.

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans 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: Joe Hemming
• Email: jhemming@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team:

• Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Further information

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.