CSM Programme Support Officer – Ministry of Defence
Job Reference: 479411
Employer: Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Business Area: MOD – National Armaments Directorate
Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Salary: £37,720 per year
London Allowance: £3,300 per year may apply
Contract: Fixed-term
Duration: 2 years
Employment: Full-time
Working Options: Flexible working, job share and compressed hours
Locations: Bristol and London
Role: Project Delivery
Number of Positions: 1
Closing Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026 at 11:55 PM
UK-based applicants only: The Ministry of Defence has stated that this position does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role are not eligible to apply.
CSM Programme Support Officer Job Overview
The Ministry of Defence is recruiting a CSM Programme Support Officer to support the Corporate Services Modernisation (CSM) Programme, one of the department’s major transformation programmes.
Corporate services support the daily operations of approximately 250,000 people across Defence, covering areas such as HR, Finance and Commercial services.
The MOD is modernising these services through transformation involving:
- Policy
- Processes
- Organisation
- Data
- Technology and systems
The programme is aligned with the Government Shared Services Strategy and aims to create more efficient, user-focused and data-driven corporate services.
About the Corporate Services Modernisation Programme
The CSM Programme is working to transform how corporate services operate across Defence.
Its ambitions include:
Improving User Experience
The programme aims to simplify processes, introduce intuitive systems and provide more responsive support to users.
Enabling Data-Driven Decisions
The programme will make greater use of technologies including:
- Oracle ERP
- Oracle HCM
- Oracle EPM
- Integrated analytics
- Artificial intelligence
Improving Productivity and Efficiency
The programme also aims to:
- Automate transactions
- Optimise shared service centres
- Reduce costs
- Improve operational efficiency
- Release resources for reinvestment into frontline Defence
About the Programme Support Officer Role
As a Programme Support Officer, you will work within the Central Programme Office and report to a G7 Programme Delivery Manager.
You will support programme-wide coordination, RAID management and integrated scheduling.
Your work will help ensure that:
- Risks are identified and tracked.
- Issues are properly managed.
- Assumptions are recorded.
- Dependencies are monitored.
- Milestones remain visible.
- Delivery interdependencies are understood.
- Escalations are made when required.
- Programme information is accurate and up to date.
You will work with programme teams, delivery partners and senior stakeholders to maintain a clear picture of programme progress, risks and dependencies.
The role will make use of tools including JIRA, Microsoft Project (MSP), Microsoft Office and Power BI.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Coordination and Prioritisation
You will:
- Support the Programme Delivery Manager and Central Programme Office in coordinating programme activity.
- Track programme priorities.
- Maintain oversight of key work packages.
- Manage action trackers.
- Follow up outstanding actions.
- Report exceptions where activities are off track.
- Escalate issues requiring further attention.
RAID and Dependency Management
You will support the maintenance of the central RAID log for the CSM Programme.
This will include tracking:
- Risks
- Issues
- Assumptions
- Dependencies
You will work with project teams and delivery partners to:
- Identify RAID items.
- Validate information.
- Keep records updated.
- Escalate significant issues.
- Ensure owners are assigned.
- Monitor mitigation actions.
- Track resolution plans.
Planning and Scheduling
You will support the maintenance of integrated programme schedules, milestones and delivery roadmaps.
Using tools such as Microsoft Project, you will help:
- Maintain programme schedules.
- Track milestones.
- Identify cross-project dependencies.
- Identify planning risks.
- Assess delivery impacts.
- Ensure important information is captured and reported.
Governance and Reporting
You will prepare programme-level information for governance meetings and forums.
This may include updates covering:
- RAID
- Planning
- Milestones
- Delivery challenges
- Dependencies
- Decisions
- Programme progress
You will also produce clear:
- Reports
- Presentations
- Briefings
- Programme updates
These materials will help senior stakeholders understand programme progress, risks and areas requiring decisions or intervention.
Stakeholder and Workshop Engagement
The role involves coordinating PMO activity across:
- Programme teams
- Project PMOs
- System integration teams
- Transformation delivery partners
- Senior stakeholders
You will support workshops and meetings by:
- Preparing agendas.
- Coordinating contributions.
- Capturing actions.
- Recording decisions.
- Maintaining meeting records.
- Following up agreed actions.
Tools and Continuous Improvement
You will use programme management and reporting tools such as:
- JIRA
- Microsoft Project (MSP)
- Microsoft Office
- Power BI
You will also help improve RAID, scheduling and reporting processes so that they are consistently applied across the programme.
Essential Skills and Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Experience supporting RAID management and scheduling within a project, programme or portfolio environment.
- The ability to produce high-quality presentations and professional Word documents.
- Experience managing coherent programme documentation and artefacts.
- Proficiency with JIRA, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office tools.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
- The ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to communicate RAID and scheduling information clearly.
- The ability to work independently.
- The ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- A current project management qualification such as:
- APM Project Management
- PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner
- PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Experience supporting RAID and scheduling functions within large programmes.
- Experience working in complex programme or delivery environments.
Civil Service Behaviours
The following behaviours will be assessed during the recruitment process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Technical Skills
Candidates will be assessed against the following Project Delivery Capability Framework areas:
- Risk and Issue Management
- Planning
- Scheduling
However, the technical skill for which evidence is required on the application form is:
Project Delivery Capability Framework – Risk and Issue Management
Application and Selection Process
This vacancy uses the Civil Service Success Profiles recruitment framework.
Candidates will be assessed on:
- Behaviours
- Experience
- Technical skills
Applicants will be required to provide:
- CV details
- Employment/job history
- Qualification details
- Previous skills and experience
- A 750-word Statement of Suitability
Sift Stage
At sift, candidates will be assessed against their:
- CV
- Statement of Suitability
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Project Delivery Capability Framework – Risk and Issue Management
If a large number of applications are received, an initial short sift may be conducted using the Statement of Suitability only.
Interview Stage
At interview, candidates will be assessed against:
Behaviours
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Technical Skills
- Risk and Issue Management
- Planning
- Scheduling
Salary and Pension
The salary for this position is:
£37,720 per year
London locations may attract an additional allowance of:
£3,300 per year
In addition, the Ministry of Defence contributes approximately:
£10,927 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
The Civil Service pension has an employer contribution rate of 28.97%, as stated in the vacancy.
Benefits
Successful candidates can benefit from:
- Civil Service pension.
- Learning and development tailored to the role.
- Flexible working options.
- Inclusive working environment.
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Flexible working arrangements where business requirements allow.
Contract and Employment Details
This is a two-year Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA).
The CSM portfolio is recruiting to two-year FTAs, with the possibility of an extension subject to business requirements and the necessary approvals.
Existing MOD Civil Servants
Permanent MOD civil servants who successfully secure the position may potentially agree a Temporary Transfer, subject to approval from their current MOD business area.
Where a Temporary Transfer involves a higher grade, any promotion will be temporary and the employee will normally return to their substantive grade at the end of the transfer.
Civil Servants from Other Government Departments
Existing Civil Servants from outside the MOD may apply but will only be considered on a loan basis.
Prior agreement to be released on loan must be obtained before commencing the application process.
Accredited NDPB Applicants
Applicants from accredited NDPBs may apply but will be considered on a secondment basis.
Hybrid Working
Where business needs allow, some roles may support a combination of office and home working under a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement.
Office-based employees are generally expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office, subject to site capacity and workplace adjustments.
Employees may also be required to attend other locations for official business or work from another MOD workplace.
Applicants requiring clarification about working arrangements should contact the vacancy holder.
Visa Sponsorship – Important
This vacancy does NOT offer visa sponsorship.
The Ministry of Defence states that, following changes to UK immigration rules, sponsorship for Skilled Worker visas is limited to roles considered business critical.
This position does not meet that category.
Therefore:
Applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should not apply for this position.
If an applicant is found to require sponsorship, the application may be rejected and any provisional offer withdrawn.
Security Requirements
Successful candidates will be required to undergo security and pre-employment checks.
Requirements include:
- Basic or equivalent criminal record check.
- Meeting the required security standard before appointment.
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks where applicable.
- The required security vetting process.
Nationality Requirements
The position is broadly open to eligible:
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
- Eligible EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals and qualifying family members with settled or pre-settled status
- Certain individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who meet the applicable EUSS requirements
- Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Applicants should review the official nationality requirements before applying.
Other Important Information
Outside Interests
Successful candidates will be required to declare any outside interests.
These will be discussed after interview and before a formal employment offer is made.
The purpose is to identify and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
Standards of Conduct
The Ministry of Defence operates a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour, including:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination
- Victimisation
Applicants who have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviour within the previous five years may not be eligible for appointment.
Pre-employment checks will be conducted.
Relocation and Interview Expenses
Relocation expenses are not offered for this position.
Travel expenses for attending interviews will also not be reimbursed.
Smoking and Tobacco Policy
The MOD operates a Smoke-Free Working Environment policy.
Smoking and the use of tobacco products are not permitted within Defence working environments, subject to applicable exemptions and local guidance.
Great Place to Work for Veterans
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Application Deadline
Closing Date:
Sunday, 20 September 2026
Deadline:
11:55 PM
Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the CSM Programme Support Officer position should apply through the official Civil Service Jobs application process.
Before submitting your application, carefully review the vacancy requirements and ensure that your CV and Statement of Suitability accurately reflect your own experience.
Job Reference: 479411
Salary: £37,720
Location: Bristol or London
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term
Closing Date: 20 September 2026 at 11:55 PM
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Job Summary
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | CSM Programme Support Officer |
| Employer | Ministry of Defence |
| Reference | 479411 |
| Grade | Higher Executive Officer (HEO) |
| Salary | £37,720 |
| London Allowance | £3,300 may apply |
| Contract | Fixed-term |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Location | Bristol, London |
| Working Pattern | Full-time |
| Flexible Options | Flexible working, job share, compressed hours |
| Business Area | MOD – National Armaments Directorate |
| Role Type | Project Delivery |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Visa Sponsorship | No |
| Closing Date | 20 September 2026, 11:55 PM |
Important Eligibility Notice
This is not a visa sponsorship vacancy.
The Ministry of Defence has specifically stated that this role does not meet its criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants who require sponsorship should therefore not apply.
Apply through the official Civil Service Jobs vacancy before the deadline.