Job description for Courier Escort Driver

Join us at the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) and embark on a journey that is both challenging and rewarding. For centuries, our Armed Forces have managed an in-house postal service, delivering mail throughout our military history, including both World Wars. The BFPO provides postal and courier services to the UK Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence (MOD), and Other Government Departments (OGDs), making it a renowned brand across Defence.

As a Courier Escort Driver, you will work five days a week (usually Monday to Friday) in a role that varies depending on operational requirements and staff rosters. You will be on the road full-time, with some early starts and daily returns, although some assignments may require you to be away for a week. Sustenance payments are provided.

You will be key to ensuring the safe and timely escort of Defence Courier Service Protectively Marked Material (PMM) within the UK and across Europe, as well as delivering Defence Postal Service mails to and from various UK locations. It is crucial that you deliver items in a timely, secure, and safe manner.

We are seeking someone who is self-motivated, hardworking, and organised, who can thrive in a customer-focused environment meeting tight deadlines while maintaining a positive and focused approach to delivery.

The BFPO Head Office is conveniently accessible from the M40 motorway, the A40 and London Underground tube stations. Due to the location, this role also offers a London Allowance of £3,300 per annum, plus a 17% shift allowance.

The position requires Security Clearance at an enhanced level. 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

• Providing broader support to BFPO by undertaking bespoke Courier Escort Driver (CED) tasks in support of routine and short-notice tasks and assist with fleet management by collecting and dropping off vehicles at local garages for scheduled maintenance
• Assisting with the loading and unloading of Protectively Marked Material and be responsible for the correct, safe, and compliant management and handling of all loads carried (within the weight and size constraints of the vehicle)
• Maintaining vehicle security and safety when DCs are away from vehicle or otherwise engaged
• Agreeing best routes (with DCs when appropriate) selecting most appropriate based on delivery deadlines, number of items to be delivered/collected, and weather conditions
• Ensuring correct documents and passes are always carried in your work vehicle
• Driving and travel throughout the UK, with overnight duties away from Northolt, and routinely to mainland Europe and isolated areas
• CEDs are routinely required to complete overtime due to the nature of the role
• Lifting items weighing up to 11kg unaided, and up to 30kg with assistance
• Taking 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 energy conservation
• 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

Person specification

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

• Hold a full UK driving licence with at least Category C, and no more than 6 penalty points
• Possess a basic level of IT proficiency and understanding, as you will need to use MoD systems
• Communication skills, with the ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels

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

• Customer Service – Awareness
• Making evidence-based decisions – Supervised Practitioner
• Delivering at pace – CSBC2
• Working together– CSBC2

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.