Defence Reform Project Manager, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, MSHQ

Vacancy summary

Recruiting Service

Joint

SERVE Ref/JPAN/URN

HQ UKSC 44/25

NATO Rank(s)

OF-4 - Cdr - Lt Col - Wg Cdr

UK Rank(s)

Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel (RM), Wing Commander

Closing date

04/01/2026, 23:55

Anticipated start date

March 2026

Engagement type

FTRS - Home Commitment

Commitment length

12 months from date of appointment

Post Owner Email

Maj Paul Dryden - ukstratcom-hq-pps-urh-resgpmb@mod.gov.uk,

Open to personnel from

Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines

Branch/Trade/Profession

Any

Specialisation

Any

Location

MOD Main Building, London

Vacancy detail

Job Description

Subject to Joint Boarding process and sS Policies a vacancy will arise for a OF4 to serve as SO1 Defence Reform Project Manager, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, MSHQ at MOD Main Building, London on FTRS (HC) Terms and Conditions of Service (TaCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 1 Mar 2026 or sooner if achievable

Unit Function:

Deputy Chief of Defence Staff - Force Development is responsible for directing and making decisions on Integrated Force Design, Concepts and Strategy across all Defence capabilities, including workforce.

The 2* Directorate that this role will be reporting into is Capability Force Plans (CFP) Joint Plans. CFP ensures the integration and interoperability of the Funded and Future Forces, across all domains, partners across government and allies. The team leads the capability relationship with UK Strategic Command, Space Command, DE&S, DoS, DNE and strategic Programme TLBs.

Position Role:

With such a large and diverse area of responsibility DCDS(FD) requires a qualified project/change manager to support it in fully scoping the unique roles and responsibilities of the 2* Directorates staying and those being implemented in to DCDS(FD) / MSHQ.

The postholder will be empowered to drive forward delivery of the project/change programme to achieve Defence Reform and SDR objectives. They will have responsibility for investigating current activity in these areas and presenting a proposed approach to achieve Defence Review objectives. The post will work to implement DCDS(FD) direction via appropriate 1*s. This work is considered high priority, and progress will be monitored through Defence Reform meetings and set objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Project Manager for the delivery of new DCDS FD transformation to create ACDS FFD, ACDS C&FP and COS functions.
• Coordination across 2* AORs to ensure coherence and drive implementation.
• Creation and delivery of a transformation implementation plan.
• Leading workstrands to map current and future work under Defence Reform.
• Focal point for MSHQ Reform team.
• Engagement with MSHQ, NAD, DOS and DNE Reform teams to ensure suitable docking points, communications and workable processes under the new operating model.
• Coordinate with COS on business management aspects of Defence Reform (eg communications plans, floorplans, workforce requirements).
• Coordinate with COS on business mgt aspects of Defence Reform (eg communications plans, floorplans, workforce requirements).

Essential Skills

Must be an OF4 of any specialisation. OF3 applicants with a recommendation for the next higher rank in their most recent OJAR will be considered.

Must be serving as a member of the Reserve Forces or have served with the Regular Forces.

SC

Desirable Skills

ACSC

Strong understanding of Defence, wider government, and international partners.

Programme/Project Management - Must be able to manage long terms projects/programmes of work.

Selection Process

This role has been advertised previously and may be withdrawn early should a suitable candidate be identified.

Candidates should follow the application process for their service.

Royal Navy Applicants should follow the .

Army Applicants should follow the .

Royal Air Force Applicants should follow the .

All RAF applications are to submit the 3 most recent OJARs and a 2 page CV, which are to be sent to WO Chapman at the following email address -

Please note - If applying for post of a higher rank than currently or previously held then a promotion eligibility report for substantive rank must be included.

Additional information

Domestic Considerations:

No requirement for extended hours, early hours or weekend working. No travel abroad required for this role. Main base will be MOD Main Building.

Employer Comments:

KSE. Very strong interpersonal skills needed to maintain relationships with DCDS(FD), wider Defence, specifically FLCs. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Project/Change Management is essential

Attributes. Must have strong communication & interpersonal skills with experience and confidence to negotiate & compromise where required. Capable of managing numerous tasks concurrently. Must be mentally resilient. The postholder would also benefit from (but is not essential): having experience of working on intelligence issues within either a G2, J2 or central Government/MOD environment; having experience of working within a Joint environment.

Organisational Awareness and Understanding. Understands internal and external workings and structures of own organisation and its wider interactions. Cultural Awareness and Understanding Demonstrates an appreciation and understanding of associated organisations and cultures, modifying own behaviour to operate effectively in varying contexts.

Innovation and Initiative. Adapts to new circumstances, bringing to bear both common sense and innovation. Anticipates problems and grasps opportunities for improvement. Flexibility Aware of and adapts own behaviour in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles.

Communication and Influence. Identifies key stakeholders and considers differing perspectives of others whilst able to assert own ideas to persuade and negotiate.

Engaging Others. Establishes connections and builds rapport to gain support and commitment from others

Problem solving and decision making. Takes and supports risk where appropriate. Understands, identifies and effectively manages risks and threats to output against context. Uses logical and/or creative approaches to inform the best course of action.

Other Information:

Regular Service Applicants. Personnel currently serving in the Regular Services should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor's proposed start date, prior to applying.

Admin Discharge. Subject to sS Policies candidates may be rejected.

Pension Issues. Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at and . Of particular note is reference to the 'Effect of Re-employment' on Commutation and, for those leaving on a 'preserved' pension, the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TaCoS. Personnel taking this appointment from other TaCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TaCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TaCoS.

Flexible Working Arrangements. In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager. Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Annual Training / Fitness / Medical / Dental. Subject to sS policies

Annual Salary and Leave. Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published sS Regulations JSP 754. Leave entitlement is detailed in .

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS TaCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at non entitled rates subject to sS policies.

Home to Duty Travel. Personnel living more than 9 miles from Main Building may be eligible for HTD travel as per JSP 752.

For further enquiries please contact WO1 Mitchell at the CSOC Reserves Hub at the following email address-