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.

You will also perform Mail Guard Duties, which include travelling to our site at RAF Brize Norton and other locations. These duties are physically demanding and involve loading and unloading, manual handling, and standing for extended periods at both ends.

When not travelling This position is 100% site-based in the Defence Postal Services (DPS) at RAF Northolt, with 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.

 What you’ll be doing

• 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).
• 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 Mail Guard 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.
• 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.
• 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:

• 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.

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

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles: Recruitment Principles – Civil Service Commission
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-Terms-and-Conditions
• Civil Service Code: The Code – Civil Service Commission 

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here. 

Disability Confident:

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.’

Conflicts of Interest:

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

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.

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1.

• 2nd: Core Behaviour 2.

• 3rd: Technical Competencies.

• 4th: CV Review.

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise the Lead criterion, and/or and additional assessment.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints – Civil Service Commission

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