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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle and process mail for the UK armed forces with a mix of physical and desk work.
- Company: Join the British Forces Postal Office, a trusted name in Defence postal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension, bonuses, and discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and offers career progression.
- Qualifications: Must have IT skills, a full UK driving licence, and experience in physically demanding roles.
- Other info: 100% site-based role with typical hours Monday to Friday.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Job Description
Job description for Postal and Mail Operative
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 Donnington where we will provide all the training required to develop your capability and gain the experience necessary to excel and progress 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.
This position is 100% site-based with typical working hours of Monday to Thursday 0800 – 1600, Friday 0730 – 1500.
What you’ll be doing
- Maintaining procedures in accordance with mail handling standards and processes set by BFPO and Royal Mail Group.
- 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 security procedures, you will follow personal security arrangements, complete annual security training and you will be required to carry appropriate issued ID whilst at work.
- Some Autonomous working and decision making.
- Take reasonable care to ensure the health and safety of others who may be impacted by your actions or omissions at work, while adhering to best practices and complying with relevant legislation concerning environmental protection and energy conservation.
Person specification
To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Working 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 autonomously 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:
- Core Behaviour 1: Delivering at pace – CSBC1
- Core Behaviour 2: Working together – CSBC1
- Technical Competence 1: Customer Service – Awareness
- Technical Competence 2: Making evidence-based decisions – Awareness
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
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.
Postal & Mail Operative employer: Reed Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Reed Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postal & Mail Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BFPO and Royal Mail Group's mail handling standards. Understanding their procedures will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in postal operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in physically demanding roles, especially those involving manual handling or logistics. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar tasks under pressure, as this is crucial for the Postal & Mail Operative position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've worked both autonomously and as part of a team. The role requires collaboration and independent decision-making, so showcasing your versatility in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office applications and data entry systems. Being comfortable with technology will be essential for managing mail dispatch schedules and ensuring accurate processing of information.
We think you need these skills to ace Postal & Mail Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Postal & Mail Operative. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous roles that involved physical work, data entry, or customer service. Provide specific examples of how you have successfully managed similar tasks in the past.
Showcase IT Skills: Since the role requires a working knowledge of IT systems and Microsoft Office applications, mention any relevant experience you have with these tools. Consider including specific software you are proficient in.
Demonstrate Teamwork and Autonomy: Provide examples of how you have worked both independently and as part of a team. Highlight situations where you had to make decisions autonomously while ensuring collaboration with colleagues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed Talent Solutions
✨Show Your Physical Readiness
Since the role involves physically demanding tasks, be prepared to discuss your experience in similar roles. Highlight any relevant physical work you've done and demonstrate your ability to handle the lifting requirements mentioned in the job description.
✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency
The job requires a working knowledge of IT systems and Microsoft Office applications. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles, especially in data entry and processing tasks.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Autonomy
This position requires both teamwork and the ability to work autonomously. Prepare examples that showcase your experience in collaborating with others as well as instances where you successfully worked independently to meet deadlines.
✨Understand Customer Service Importance
Customer focus is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with customers or stakeholders in the past, and how you ensured their needs were met while maintaining high service standards.