Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Embassy in Washington DC has an exciting opportunity for a driven and enthusiastic person to join the United Kingdom Defence Procurement Office (UKDPO) as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Case Manager. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, working at the forefront of international procurement.

The UKDPO is a diverse team of commercial, trade, shipping & licensing officers specialising in acquisition of technology, equipment, data/information, and services from the USA.
The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment, side-by-side with UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

This is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments achieve their individual and shared Defence objectives; through collaboration and negotiation of UK/US procurement of military equipment, platforms and training.

The candidate will be responsible for the management of the UK’s multi-billion dollar FMS portfolio and will provide support and facilitation of new FMS Cases between the UK and US Governments. The FMS Case Manager will be relied upon to provide subject matter expertise to teams on both sides of the Atlantic. The candidate will also have line management responsibilities for two FMS Case Officers.
The ideal candidate will be a team player, and an effective communicator with a strong attention to detail. They will be required to have the ability to manage numerous diverse stakeholders towards a common goal whilst utilising their experienced background in procurement.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Negotiate, agree and manage formal government to government agreements (FMS Cases) between the UK MoD and the United States Department of Defence (DOD).
• Establish, actively manage, and facilitate numerous relationships with a significant number of US DOD and UK MOD Project Teams.
• Develop and agree appropriate procurement strategies with our UK MOD delivery team customer base.
• Understand and interpret the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) against UK MOD Regulations and guidelines.
• Attendance and participation of formal Case reviews including Programme/Project Management Reviews (PMRs), Case Reconciliation Reviews (CRRs) and Financial Management Reviews (FMRs).
• Provide advice to UK MOD Project Teams and Sponsors on the US FMS acquisition and financial processes, including the limitations and constraints.
• Advise on all aspects of procurement including technology release, information exchange, export licensing and shipping.
• Execute their Commercial Delegation in accordance with Commercial Policy.
• Maintenance of Oracle-based Case management information and financial system (o11i); provision of ad hoc management information; management and resolution of any day-to-day issues.
• Administer training to increase awareness of FMS.
• Capture experience and share knowledge of lessons learned.
• Briefing up to 3* level.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The FMS Case Manager has line management responsibilities for two FMS Case Officers. The successful candidate will provide effective line management which includes delegation of duties and workloads, ongoing performance management reviews, personal and professional support and development.

Essential on arrival:

• Working experience and a broad knowledge of commercial and contract management and negotiation, preferably in public sector.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Intermediate understanding of Microsoft Office packages (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc.) in addition to using Oracle based data management systems.
• Experience of leading a team and briefing senior management.

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

Desirable:

• Knowledge and/or experience of working with the United States Department of Defence or the Office of Security Assistance.
• Previous experience working within an Embassy or for His Majesty’s Government.
• FMS experience.
• World Commerce & Contracting (WCC)/International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) qualification or equivalent.

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.

Working patterns:

This role is 40 hours a week but does not require set working hours each day.

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, where appropriate. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

Regular contact with colleagues in the UK is critical to this role, so local time differences must be taken into account with work hours. Some travel within the continental United States and to the United Kingdom will be required.