Defence Courier in Ruislip

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. DE&S has recently been integrated into the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group). The NAD Group brings together key Ministry of Defence organisations to unite expertise across science, technology, procurement, infrastructure, and support to provide integrated capabilities faster and more efficiently for our armed forces and our allies.

This is an exciting new opportunity to enable better ways of working and empower greater collaboration across Defence. We offer 25+ days holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of 28.97% to help make work work for you.

Are you seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity? The British Forces Post Office (BFPO) is offering an exciting opportunity for Defence Couriers (DCs) to join our highly motivated team, based at our Headquarters in Northolt. This is a unique role that combines purpose, responsibility, and travel, supporting the UK Armed Forces both in the UK and across the globe. As a Defence Courier, you will undertake a dynamic and varied role, with significant opportunities for both UK and international travel. You will be responsible for escorting and securely delivering Protectively Marked Material (PMM), often in safety-critical and high-profile environments. Working as part of a two-person team, you will routinely share driving responsibilities, operating a large van and ensuring items are delivered safely and efficiently to a range of locations. No two days will be the same, and the role offers a high level of autonomy and variety.

Eligibility

For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship. This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 10 years and obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you have 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 DV security clearance can be a lengthy process. If clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months, we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made. In addition to gaining Security Clearance, your continued employment will be subject to you obtaining a Criminal Records Check (CRC) or overseas criminal record certificate on a tri‑annual basis.

Key Things to Be Aware Of

This position offers a competitive salary, plus additional benefits including a £3,300 London Allowance and a 12.5% Regular Shift Allowance. During initial training and six‑month probation period, you will spend an increased amount of time driving to build experience and confidence. Because of the nature of the work, this role is open to UK nationals only and requires successful completion of Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. You will be required to pass a bespoke Defence Courier medical assessment prior to appointment.

What you’ll be doing

• Safeguard and escort Protectively Marked Material (PMM) across the UK and internationally, ensuring all items are transported securely and in full compliance with diplomatic protocols under the Vienna Convention.
• Take full ownership of security and integrity, ensuring PMM remains protected from tampering or unauthorised inspection, including strict prevention of customs interference, and is delivered safely to its destination.
• Operate and maintain specialist equipment with confidence, developing and applying the technical expertise required to support the secure, efficient, and seamless movement of sensitive materials.
• Use knowledge of MOD policies, international regulations and host nation requirements to enable smooth and barrier‑free delivery operations worldwide.
• Undertake and successfully complete advanced safety and security training, including pre‑deployment requirements, to meet FCDO standards and operate effectively in diverse and often high‑risk environments.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to meet the following essential criteria:

• Holder of a full UK manual driving licence (Category B minimum, Category C1 or above desirable) with a maximum of 6 penalty points.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders, internal and external, at all levels.
• Basic level of IT literacy, able to effectively use standard workplace systems including MS Office Suite.
• Capability of extensive travel at short notice, often independently, both within the UK and internationally.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Core Behaviour 1: Making effective decisions – CSBC3.
• Core Behaviour 2: Communicating and Influencing – CSBC3.
• Technical Competence 1: Customer Service – Supervised Practitioner level.
• Technical Competence 2: Managing support, supplier, and customer networks – Supervised Practitioner level.

Offered benefits

• 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.