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- Tasks: Handle and sort mail for the armed forces, ensuring secure and timely delivery.
- Company: Join Defence Equipment & Support, vital for UK military operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Why this job: Be part of a dedicated team with growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have IT skills, a full UK driving licence, and experience in physically demanding roles.
- Other info: 100% site-based role with Monday to Friday hours.
The predicted salary is between 19600 - 27400 £ per year.
At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe – for today, and tomorrow.
This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months.
Join us at the British Forces Postal Office (BFPO) and take the first step towards a rewarding career. The BFPO provides postal and courier services to the UK armed forces and is a renowned brand across Defence. You will be based in the Defence Mail Centre in Aldershot where we will provide all the training required to develop your skill set and gain the experience necessary to excel in your role.
As a Postal and Mail Operative, you will assist with the secure, safe, and timely handling of armed forces’ mail. This includes ensuring the accurate receipt, sorting, and dispatching of all types of mail in a secure, logical, and methodical manner. Your daily tasks will involve both physical and desk-based work, such as data inputting, sorting, and processing mail, and loading vehicles for dispatch and may involve extended periods of standing. You will be part of a large, dedicated team with many opportunities for progression and development within the team and the wider organisation. This position is 100% site-based with typical working hours of Monday to Friday, 0730 – 1530.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Maintaining procedures in accordance with mail handling standards and processes set by BFPO and Royal Mail.
- Maintaining workplace safety standards, responsible for your own safety and the safety of your colleagues.
- Using a combination of bespoke IT, handheld, and manual systems, creating and maintaining mail dispatch schedules following correct consignment and regulatory processes.
- Acting as the driver completing timely delivery of mail in accordance with instructions and security regulations.
- Ensuring accurate and secure redirection, location, trace, and personal verification of mail using both computer and local systems.
- Using manual handling equipment, with the ability to lift mail items up to 11kg unaided, 30kg assisted, and working collaboratively with others to move heavier items.
- Always adhering to all BFPO and Civil Aviation Authority Security requirements and maintain the security of BFPO mail. You will be required to adhere to personal security arrangements, complete annual security training and will be required to carry appropriate issued ID whilst at work.
- You will be expected to take reasonable care for the health and safety of others that may be affected by their acts or omissions at work, and to observe best practice and compliance with legislation in the protection of the environment and the conservation of energy.
Person specification
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- General knowledge of IT Systems and Microsoft Office applications with experience of data entry and processing.
- Holder of a Full UK Manual Driving licence, Cat B with a maximum of 6 penalty points.
- Recent evidence of working in a physically demanding role.
- Ability to work under pressure, at pace and to tight schedules.
- Evidence of working independently and as part of a team.
- Experience of a strong customer focus, and stakeholder engagement.
In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
- Technical Competencies: Customer Service - Awareness, Making evidence-based decisions - Awareness
- Behaviours: Delivering at pace – CSBC1, Working together – CSBC1
Alongside your salary of £24,600, Ministry of Defence contributes £7,126 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday.
Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards.
Access to specialist training and funded qualifications.
Support for progression.
Huge range of discounts.
Volunteering days.
Enhanced parental leave schemes.
Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So, whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.
DE&S Postal and Mail Operative employer: UK Ministry of Defence
Contact Detail:
UK Ministry of Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DE&S Postal and Mail Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BFPO and its operations. Understanding their mission and how they support the armed forces will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in physically demanding roles. Since this job involves manual handling and working under pressure, showcasing relevant experience can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office applications. Being able to efficiently handle data entry and processing is crucial for this role, so be ready to provide examples of your proficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. This position requires collaboration with colleagues, so sharing experiences where you've successfully worked in a team environment will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace DE&S Postal and Mail Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Postal and Mail Operative position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles that involved physical work, data entry, or customer service. Provide concrete examples of how you have successfully managed similar tasks in the past.
Showcase IT Skills: Since the role requires knowledge of IT systems and Microsoft Office applications, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with these tools. Include specific examples of how you've used them in previous jobs.
Prepare for Security Clearance: Be aware that obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance is a requirement for this role. In your application, briefly mention your understanding of this process and your eligibility based on the residency criteria.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Ministry of Defence
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Postal and Mail Operative. Familiarise yourself with the mail handling standards and processes set by BFPO and Royal Mail, as well as the importance of security clearance.
✨Demonstrate Your Physical Capability
Since the role involves physical tasks, be prepared to discuss your experience in physically demanding roles. Highlight any relevant examples where you've successfully managed similar responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
As the job requires using bespoke IT systems and data entry, be ready to talk about your proficiency with Microsoft Office and any other relevant IT systems. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
This position involves working as part of a large team. Be prepared to share experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
