Print Specialist

Print Specialist

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support vital projects by providing high-quality printing solutions using the latest technology.
  • Company: Join MI6, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, dedicated to national security.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, gym access, and a competitive salary of ÂŁ43,099.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while developing your printing skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in lithographic printing and a creative approach to problem-solving required.
  • Other info: Flexible start times and opportunities for personal development await you.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Flexible working: This is a full‑time role and due to the nature of the work, home/hybrid working is not available. However, we recognise the importance of a healthy work‑life balance and offer flexible start and finish times (depending on business needs).

About us: We’re MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber‑attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence. A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The role: As one of our Print Specialists, you’ll provide printing support to a range of projects, short and long‑term, using the latest technologies and equipment to support mission‑critical work across the organisation. You’ll work closely with internal colleagues from different teams such as Intelligence and Corporate Services, along with other government departments when required. And as part of our small printing team, you’ll find a supportive working environment where everyone helps each other. Day to day, you’ll take requirements directly from colleagues, then produce high‑quality materials that fit their needs. Since you’ll be taking requests that are unique to our mission, you’ll work with creativity to come up with solutions, and to provide advice and information to colleagues outside the department. There’ll be lots of variety, the chance to learn new printing techniques and grow your expertise, and to travel to printing trade events both in the UK and infrequently overseas.

About you: You’ll need to be ready to take on projects straight away, so practical experience in lithographic printing and ancillary printing processes and techniques are a must. You’ll also need experience producing high‑quality printed material on B3 press and be able to demonstrate a methodical and creative approach to tackling press‑related problems. Since there’s a large variety in the materials we produce, you’ll also need to be willing to learn other techniques such as silk screen printing. The role involves working closely with colleagues across the organisation. So, you’ll need to demonstrate sound customer service and collaboration skills. Your communication skills will be vital as you explain, inform and advise on printing‑related matters. As part of a small, close‑knit team, you’ll also be someone who supports others.

Training and development: We’re passionate about your personal development, so we have lots of ways to help you grow. You’ll get a full induction, introducing you to the organisation and our work. And you’ll have the option to complete training courses relevant to your role and have access to a mentor, who’ll support and encourage your continued development. We’ll also support you with a range of in‑house and bespoke training to help you upskill in new printing techniques.

Rewards and benefits: You’ll receive a starting salary of £43,099 plus other benefits including:

  • 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
  • Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
  • Interest‑free season ticket loan (travel and parking)
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations)
  • Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal opportunities: At MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.

Offer of interview: We are committed to providing equitable opportunities throughout the recruitment process to support candidates with disabilities. As part of this, we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview, if it is practical for us to do so.

What to expect: Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:

  • Application sift, looking at your motivation for the role and the organisation
  • Competency‑based interview
  • If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer of employment

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 to 9 months to process including vetting, so we advise you continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.

Before you apply: To work at MI6, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.

The role is based in central London so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we do not offer relocation costs. We offer reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for candidates attending in‑person appointments during the recruitment and vetting process.

Right to withdraw statement: Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Print Specialist employer: Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ

At MI6, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teamwork is at the heart of our mission to protect the UK. As a Print Specialist, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to your personal development, all while contributing to vital national security efforts in the vibrant setting of central London. With competitive benefits including generous annual leave, a focus on diversity and inclusion, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, MI6 is dedicated to fostering a rewarding and meaningful career for all employees.
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Contact Detail:

Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Print Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know MI6 and its mission! Research the organisation and understand how your role as a Print Specialist fits into the bigger picture. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former MI6 employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role. Personal connections can make a big difference!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for competency-based interviews by practising your responses. Think of specific examples from your past work that showcase your skills in lithographic printing and teamwork. We want to see how you tackle challenges creatively!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any updates or new opportunities that might pop up!

We think you need these skills to ace Print Specialist

Lithographic Printing
B3 Press Operation
Ancillary Printing Processes
Creative Problem-Solving
High-Quality Material Production
Customer Service Skills
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills
Adaptability to New Techniques
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Printing Techniques Knowledge
Methodical Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Print Specialist role shine through. We want to see why you're excited about working with MI6 and how your skills can contribute to our mission.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your practical experience in lithographic printing and any relevant techniques you've mastered. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your creativity and problem-solving skills in a printing context.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, as this will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.

How to prepare for a job interview at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ

✨Know Your Printing Techniques

Make sure you brush up on your lithographic printing skills and any ancillary processes. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used, especially on B3 presses, as this will show your practical experience and readiness for the role.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

Since the role involves unique requests, think of examples where you've creatively solved printing problems. Prepare to share how you approached challenges in past projects, demonstrating your methodical yet innovative mindset.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication

This position requires collaboration with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with others in previous roles, highlighting your customer service skills and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

✨Research MI6 and Its Mission

Familiarise yourself with MI6's mission and values. Understanding their work in protecting the UK will help you align your answers with their goals, showing that you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their important mission.

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