***THIS JOB VACANCY HAS NOW CLOSED***
Background
The White Ensign Association is an established all ranks Naval Service charity responsible for providing personal help and advice for all serving and former members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, their Reserves and Families. Created over 60 years ago in a collaboration between senior figures in the City of London and the Board of the Admiralty, the makeup of its Council of Trustees today still very much reflects its maritime and financial roots with a mix of influential business leaders from the City and distinguished, retired senior officers from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. They charge the small staff of the WEA with the performance of four key roles:
- Guidance and advice on the transition from a career and life in the Naval Service to one in the civilian world.
- The provision of unbiased and professional guidance on matters of personal finance including financial awareness training for all newly joined sailors and marines.
- Advice and assistance on all matters of civilian employment including career planning, job selection, CV guidance, interview preparation, networking, mentoring, starting or buying a business and self-employment.
- Assistance and support on welfare and personal matters.
The bulk of the Association’s activity is associated with helping sailors and marines make a successful transition from a service to civilian life focusing particularly on the personal finance and second career aspirations of each individual. With assistance from a large number of supporters and professional experts the WEA aims to help servicemen and women start the second stage of their, and their families’, lives on a secure financial footing and in a suitable career or role.
This work is currently delivered through a staff of five who, although based in HMS BELFAST, spend much of their time visiting Royal Navy and Royal Marines units and establishments around the UK.
For further general information look at the WEA Website:
Seven years ago the charity decided to modernize and expand its employment services and currently has a mature model that delivers a high quality service to its Naval Service clients. The current incumbent is due to leave the Association and the WEA is now seeking an experienced individual to run the current service and lead it into the next phase of its development.
The Role
The Director of Employment & Finance (DEF) is responsible through the Chief Executive, to the Council of Management for: 1) The direction, management, development and support of all the Association’s Employment Services and their related aspects to other charitable objectives of the Association, and; 2) For ensuring the Association complies with all governing financial practices and requirements demanded by Charity and Company law. DEF is accountable to the Chief Executive and the role will embrace the following principal work streams and tasks:
Employment Services
- The sourcing, development and management of relationships with commercial organisations and businesses who are interested in providing suitable employment opportunities for Service personnel leaving the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, Reservists and Naval Service Veterans.
- The active management of a database of all individuals who have registered with the WEA for Employment Services, ensuring registrant profiles and CVs are of an appropriate high standard to accurately reflect skills and experience to attract potential employer interest
(http://www.whiteensign.co.uk/how-can-we-help/employment-services)
- The management of the Association’s online Vacancy Notices to ensure a constant source of up-to-date employment opportunities for those with a Service background are available through the charity’s website.
- The promotion and development of the existing Employment Mentor scheme (volunteers – mostly with senior management or HRM experience offering one to one advice on identifying transferrable skills, CV development and interview preparation), ensuring that it remains of sufficient size and breadth of experience to provide meaningful value and support to WEA clients.
- The continued development of the WEA Networking Advisers list, through the maintenance of existing, and the development of new, relationships with volunteers who are prepared to offer insight, guidance and personal experience to those exploring job opportunities within a wide spectrum of employment sectors and levels of responsibility.
- Ensure that the WEA’s Employment Services remain current and relevant, conducting reviews and formulating strategy as required, to keep pace with technological, economic and structural change in the UK and global labour markets.
- Establish and maintain personal contact with all Employment Services registrants to ensure accuracy of information, current circumstances and the level of assistance required, as well as the facilitation of timely advice to such individuals when the Association is made aware of a specific vacancy that matches their skill set, experience or aspirations.
- Source and update material, publications and individuals that offer advice on modern job hunting and interview techniques, CV development and transferable skills.
- Through active account management and relationship building, identify and pursue potential, and consolidate existing, donation or revenue earning opportunities that lie within the Employment Services output of the charity.
- Develop existing relationships with relevant individuals from within the Ministry of Defence, Naval Service and charitable sector whilst expanding the WEA’s linkages with other Service related employment agencies and organisations.
- Work independently or with other organisations to organise careers events, fairs and presentations in and outside military bases and establishments.
- Represent the WEA at events, awards ceremonies and other engagements to maximise exposure of the brand, increase awareness of its work and promote advocacy.
- Be responsible for wider employment and non-employment related WEA services promotion through the WEA’s blog and periodic Newsletter. Contribute to the content and publication of the Annual Review as required.
- Other tasks as required related to the management, administration and charitable work of the Association, as directed by the Chief Executive.
Financial Management
- To be responsible for the provision, control and management of all the Association’s financial accounting functions, as well as overall management of payroll and investment policy. Also responsible for the flow of financial information to the Chief Executive, Council of Management and, where necessary, external parties and financial institutions.
- Responsible for the authorisation and management of all financial transactions and accountancy matters, including audit systems and for ensuring that the regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met regarding the company’s financial affairs.
- For liaison and regular contact with the Finance Staff at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) who conduct the functional aspects of the WEA’s payroll and transaction payments and receipts, as well as producing the Association’s periodic financial statements.
Please note – Candidates are not required to be accountants or hold financial management qualifications.
Other Duties
- To act as Deputy Chief Executive in the event of an unexpected and prolonged absence by the Chief Executive.
- To act as Membership Secretary.
- To act as Support Services Manager.
- To act as Business Continuity Manager.
The Candidate
To merit serious consideration candidates will need to demonstrate the following experience/competencies (Essential/Desirable)
- Knowledge and experience of the Armed Forces, resettlement and transition processes. (E)
- A successful career background in Recruitment, Executive Placement, Account Management and/or coaching and mentoring. (D)
- Have an understanding of budgeting, budget management, forecasting, financial statements and cash flow (E)
- Business development experience. (D)
- Strong partnership working and relationship building abilities. (E)
- Be a highly motivated self-starter (E)
- Highly developed organisational, administrative and communication skills – both written and verbal. (E)
- The ability to listen and gain the confidence of others. (E)
- Personal integrity and a natural confidence in dealing with all levels of public sector, and commercial organisations. (E)
- Experience in, or understanding of, working in the Armed Forces environment. (D)
- Hold a UK Driving Licence and be prepared to undertake significant national travel. (D)
- Be proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite. (E)
- Have knowledge of CRM/CMS, in particular MS Dynamics (D)
This role requires an individual that understand the needs and requirements of those leaving, or who have left, the Naval Service and are looking for a new career, across the rank spectrum and who is able to spend significant amounts of time with clients, delivering in-depth, one to one, highly personalised assistance when necessary.
Terms and Duration of Employment
The Director of Employment Services’ appointment will be full time, initially on a 6-month probationary contract. One month’s notice may be given by either side during the probationary period. 28 days paid leave may be taken in the year, in addition to Public Holidays.
Workplace
This is a hybrid role. The Director of Employment Services will work from the Association’s offices onboard HMS BELFAST regularly but will be provided with a lap-top, and mobile telephone to allow for remote working when WAH or travelling.
Remuneration
The appointment will attract a basic salary of £60K on appointment. In addition the role attracts a non-contributory personal pension contribution of 8% of basic salary and a bonus scheme based on the successful delivery of an agreed set of targets.
Application and Timing
Prospective applicants are invited to discuss the role with the Chief Executive, John Lavery, Tel: 020 7940 8131 Mob: 07789 074914 E-mail: john.lavery@whiteensign.co.uk.
The current Director of Employment & Finance, Dom Hill, may also be approached for an informal chat if required and can be reached on 07827885514 or at Dom.hill@whiteensign.co.uk
The Association is looking to fill this vacancy at the beginning of July 2022, but has a degree of flexibility with the joining date for the right person. Applications may be made from the date of this notice and should be in the form of a covering letter and CV. The covering letter should address the competencies covered in the brief and explain why you would be a compelling candidate for the post. The letter and CV should be forwarded via email to the Chief Executive or posted to the Association at the following address.
The Chief Executive
The White Ensign Association
HMS BELFAST
Tooley Street
London SE1 2JH
Envelopes should be marked ‘Director of Employment & Finance’ and e-mails should be titled similarly. Applications must arrive by Friday 22 April 2022.
Further Information
Further information on The White Ensign Association can be found on the charity’s website (www.whiteensign.co.uk).
