Job Description

The National Distribution Centre (NDC)

The Ministry of Justice Transport Unit is made up of three core business areas and sits within Commercial directorate.

The National Distribution Centre (NDC) is based in Branston, Staffordshire. It was purpose built in 2003 and the operation is responsible for the collection, storage and delivery of internally manufactured goods, raw materials, prisoner property, mattresses, footwear and a small amount of document storage. The site is also used to support other MoJ activities as and when required.

The warehouse is a modern, 135,000 sq. ft. ‘high bay’ facility which can accommodate 16,500 pallets / stillages in both wide and narrow aisle configurations. In addition there is in the region of 6000 sq. ft. of office space.

The in-house NDC fleet comprises 22 rigid / drawbar vehicles providing a scheduled agreed service of 500 visits per month. The fleet is designed to operate on a specialised demount system and this is largely governed by the problems that arise from physical access restrictions in prisons, necessitating a mix of vehicle types. The fleet delivers to the Prison Service estate on a national 5 day week basis, operating a single shift system, supported by ‘nights out’ as and when required.

The Transport Unit is responsible for providing a transport management service to the Ministry of Justice. The unit is also responsible for a specialised vehicle workshop based in Branston, with an engineering and administrative staff. The primary functions include the development of transport policy, provision of technical advice and to administer the Crown Indemnity Insurance Policy and commercial insurance requirements.

Fleet Engineering Services (FES) operates out of Building 50 of the Branston site and is situated near the NDC. The facility has been occupied by FES since the late 1980’s. It provides services to HM Prisons. It undertakes a wide range of engineering activities which include

The provision of first line servicing for the National Distribution Centre (NDC) fleet of heavy and light commercial vehicles, as well as second line repairs, bodywork and vehicle modifications.

Design, develop and carry out conversion work on behalf of HMPPS tactical units as per their specifications. FES also undertake work at the start and end of a vehicle’s fleet life for the purchased fleet. This can involve an inspection or necessitate the removal of sensitive equipment before the disposal of a tactical vehicle. FES also inspect all vehicles returned to Branston to establish if they can be re issued to a unit where the requirement does not warrant a new vehicle. For these units FES inspects, costs the parts required, and on agreement with the establishment, undertake the repairs needed to bring the vehicle to a roadworthy legal condition.

The workshop also provides support to the wider MOJ fleet.

Role Summary

We are looking for a dependable and hardworking Workshop Engineer to join our team. This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in their work, physically fit, and thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

This role entails providing a repair, maintenance and vehicle conversion service to the Ministry of Justice fleet. Ensure best practise is employed in the vehicle conversion, servicing and maintenance. Ensuring that the fleet is legally compliant prior to issue to fleet users or on its return to the facility and after any repair or conversion activity.

The contracted hours will be:

• Monday to Thursday: 0800hrs to 1600hrs

• Friday: 0800hrs to 1530hrs.

On occasions, you might be required to work weekends and some days overtime dependant on the workload demands in Fleet Engineering.

The job holder will require a good knowledge/skills base to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post and will be required to undertake specific training in these work areas. Full training/guidance will be given on all duties as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

The duties, activities and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations, and additional tasks of a similar level that may, from time to time, be required. Where necessary, appropriate training and instruction, will be provided.

General Tasks

• Through sound technical knowledge to provide a vehicle service function including the replacement of failed components.

• The maintenance of a range of vehicle types from small cars to commercial vehicles, including occasional mechanical handling equipment and on vehicle plant ancillaries as appropriate.

• Undertake vehicle conversion work to recognised standards and legal constraints on a range of vehicles. Utilising a varied range of technical skills including welding of both ferrous and nonferrous metals. Woodworking, electrical installation, CCTV installation and painting. (Desirable. Training will be provided for unfamiliar skills).

• Assisting the Workshop Manager and other technical mangers in the design and development of special vehicles and to participate in research on design changes as needed

• Undertake diagnostic work on all vehicle types, both mechanical and electrical fault diagnosis, and utilising technical experience to affect repairs.

• Vehicle inspection to published legal standards for all fleet vehicle types.

• Fully engage with the Health, Safety and Training Manager, Workshop Management and Transport Unit Managers in terms of policy, risk assessment, safe systems of work and training.

• Build up and maintain relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders and actively promote a culture of excellent customer service.

Health, Safety and Welfare

• Report hazards. Support the Workshop Manager in creating a safe working environment for staff, visitors, and contractors by adhering to Health and Safety legislation, ensuring Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) and Risk Assessments (RA) are followed, and by reporting any incidents to the Workshop Manager.

Essential Criteria

• Be technically qualified to a QCF level 3 standard in a Motor Vehicle repair discipline

• Full Clean driving licence

• Physically fit as this is a physical role which involves heavy lifting

• Excellent team-working skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Great organisational and record-keeping skills

• Ability to work effectively under limited supervision

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of Welding

• Hold a valid Class 1 or 2 Licence or be willing to work towards obtaining the required level

Application Stage

An initial sift will be performed against the following elements and will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework:

Experience

• CV

• Statement of Suitability (250 words): This should be based around the key responsibilities and essential criteria

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview and will be assessed on the selected success profile elements at the interview stage.

Interview stage

The interviews will be held at National Distribution Centre, Burton Road, Branston. DE14 3EG.  The site is shared with B&Q distribution. As you turn on to the site Fleet Engineering is the first building on the left-hand side. Follow the directions to reception where you will be asked to sign in.

Behaviours

We will assess your application on the following behaviours

• Managing a Quality Service

• Delivering at Pace

• Working Together

To learn more about the Civil Service success profiles framework and how they are assessed please click here.