Database Manager

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We are seeking a highly talented database manager with extensive experience and success in managing data collection systems, publishing user guidance and documentation, coordinating initiatives to drive improvements in data quality, analysis and visualization, and engaging with stakeholders to create an active community of users and accelerate adoption.

A message from Marcine Waterman, Chief Executive of the SSRO:

"Thank you for your interest in the SSRO.

Working for the SSRO makes a difference. We are a young organisation with an important role to play - assuring value, and building confidence.

As the independent regulator of the UK government’s procurement of non-competed military goods, works and services, we oversee public spending on a large scale. Single source procurement represents around 55 per cent of new MOD contracts and the MOD spent approximately £9 billion on these contracts in 2015/16.

Assuring value: We provide assurance that the single source procurement regime is credible, transparent and provides value for money for the taxpayer in the absence of competition.

Building confidence: As the independent regulator of single source procurement, our work will build confidence in non-competitive procurement, from:

Defence contractors, who will receive clear guidance on Allowable Costs, a fair profit and an independent third-party view.

Our armed forces, who are entitled to receive the operational capability they need, on time and to budget.

Taxpayers, who will benefit from appropriate transparency on costs and assurance that their money is being spent appropriately and effectively.

By working for the SSRO you will be an important part of a dynamic organisation. Our staff have a range of professional skills, and include accountants, bankers, analysts, economists, researchers and military experts.

Through the work of the Regulation and Economics Directorate, we want the SSRO to be fully engaged and considered to be the trusted go-to source on the analysis of the data that we collect. We are well placed and willing to provide useful information to the MOD and the tax payer including data analysis and benchmarking regarding a range of single source contracting issues such as contracting methods, direct and indirect costs, and profits.

Your work will directly contribute to the SSRO’s two aims. The first is to ensure that good value for money is obtained for the UK taxpayer in MOD expenditure on qualifying defence contracts (QDCs). The regime has the potential to deliver significant savings, which can be reinvested elsewhere in defence.

The SSRO’s second aim is to ensure that single source suppliers are paid a fair and reasonable price under QDCs. The regime can help to foster a more efficient and productive defence industry, incentivised to control costs by innovating and so becoming better able to compete for exports, thus contributing to greater UK economic prosperity.

Meeting these aims is a significant challenge. It requires a motivated team with the right blend of skills and experience, and a positive attitude to get the job done. We would like to hear from you, and I encourage you to apply."

What will I be doing?

We have created a new role - Database Manager - to manage the SSRO’s "Defence Contracts Analysis and Reporting System" (DefCARS), which is the central system for the capture, storage and analysis of all data submitted in accordance with the regulatory framework.The contract reports contain a range of data about contract requirements, payments, estimated and actual costs and profit, factors affecting delivery and sub-contracts, while supplier reports provide information about the undertaking’s overheads, engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises and industrial capacity. These standardised reports provide the SSRO with a range of information needed to discharge its statutory functions. The SSRO issues statutory reporting guidance to assist defence contractors with statutory reporting requirements.

The Database Manager will be an integral member of the Regulation and Economics Directorate, providing programme and project management of the SSRO’s work on reporting and DefCARS, including stakeholder and contract management. Data entered into DefCARs will be central to the SSRO’s current and future work programmes, so it needs a consummate professional to ensure that the system can deliver what is required of it.

To meet this challenge, you will have extensive experience and success in developing and managing data collection systems, from specification of the right information, engagement with stakeholders, through to IT-enabled development of systems to capture data. You will have excellent programme and project management skills, which can be applied in a range of settings. In addition, you will need experience as a relationship manager to ensure the key stakeholders are engaged and committed to the system. This is not a pure IT project, but experience of managing a relational database would be desirable. You will be able to combine a strong technical knowledge of databases with an ability to engage with people from junior colleagues through to key senior stakeholders. You will be able to communicate complex ideas clearly, succinctly and persuasively and ensure all key processes are documented. You will have a track record of improving data quality.

You will have a track record of working successfully in complex, dynamic and sometimes fast-paced environments, delivering projects on time and within budget. You will also have experience of working appropriately with data that is confidential or commercially sensitive in nature.

Responsibilities

Reporting to a Senior Responsible Officer, take ownership of the SSRO’s reporting guidance and DefCARS.

Play a key role in engaging with the SSRO’s stakeholders in the MOD and industry on reporting issues to increase awareness and expand the user community.

Act as operational interface between the SSRO and its’ IT developer partner managing the current contract and reviewing performance.

Secure the engagement of end users and stakeholders by ensuring their feedback is sought and incorporated into the evolution and maintenance of reporting guidance and DefCARS.

Lead on the developments and improvements to reporting and the system as required, co-ordinating the work of colleagues from across the SSRO, and making substantial personal contributions to these.

Monitor how well the system is meeting user needs and to liaise with our partners on developing it further if required.

Co-ordinating and assisting with training on the system and promoting its use.

Work closely with SSRO IT colleagues to ensure the security of the system is maintained.

Input to any evolution of contract arrangements ensuring that key learning from the current contract is incorporated.

Provide programme and project management of other SSRO work as required.

Promote the SSRO’s values.

What skills do I need to be effective in this role?

Person specification

Essential

Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Able to maintain and manage a database.

How level of IT and Information management literacy.

Track record of using programme and project management skills to deliver multi-faceted pieces of work.

Experience of leading and co-ordinating the work of a cross-functional team.

Able to successfully communicate technical concepts to non-technical users.

Experienced in developing guidance on data collection.

Track record of successful stakeholder management.

Excellent time and resource management skills to ensure that work and projects are delivered to time and quality standards, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, and a good team player.

Ability to horizon scan and identify the likely need to develop the system to keep pace with technological change, particularly in the defence industry and government.

Desirable

Experience of managing a relational database.

Experience of handling sensitive data (commercial, government, intelligence or military).

Experience of contract management.

Ability to develop or specify suitable training packages capable of meeting the needs of users.

Applying for the position

To be considered, please submit:

A covering letter clearly explaining using suitable examples how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as outlined in the person specification (no more than 2 sides of A4 paper); and

Your CV (no more than 2 sides of A4 paper) setting out your qualifications and experience. This should clearly include the accountancy body (bodies) of which you are a member, or equivalent experience.

Applications that do NOT contain a covering letter will be rejected. Applications in excess of the size guidelines will not be considered.