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 our purpose-built headquarters at RAF Northolt, 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.

This role will enhance your experience with cargo X-ray machines and provide opportunities to acquire skills and qualifications, including Civil Aviation Authority Air Cargo Security training. 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 in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at RAF Northolt, with typical working hours of Monday to Friday, 07:00 – 15:00. Due to the location, this role also offers a London allowance of £3,300 per annum.

This is a fixed-term role with the potential to become permanent at the end of the 23-month contract.

In addition to gaining Security Clearance, your continued employment will be subject to obtaining a Criminal Record Certificate (CRC) or Overseas Criminal Record Certificate on a tri-annual basis.

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.
• Undertaking mail security screening procedures and once trained become an X-Ray machine operator, this will require successful completion and retention of the Digital National X-Ray Competency Test (DNXCT).
• Routinely conduct basic operating procedures on an automated mail sorting machine including basic daily maintenance and cleaning of the equipment.
• 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’s escort, 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.
• Ability to work under pressure, at pace and to tight schedules.
• Demonstrable organisational skills.
• 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:

• Customer Service – Awareness
• Making evidence-based decisions – Awareness
• Delivering at pace – CSBC1
• Working together – CSBC1

Benefits

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.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.