HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER - MSDG Branch Dangerous Goods

Location: VCA Leatherhead
Grade: HEO Pay Band 4
Salary Range: £26,780 - £35,315 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Closing Date: 7 May 2010

Description:

The Department for Transport is responsible for ensuring a regulatory infrastructure is in place to provide for the safe and effective transport of dangerous goods. The use of dangerous goods is critical to the sustainable growth of a modern society. They are vital in many sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, energy supply, food production and the health service.

Through effective regulation the Department of Transport seeks to minimise the risks in transporting dangerous goods ensuring they are packaged and carried in a way that prevents leakage and protects the population, environment and the economy, and, whilst at the same time minimises the burden on industry.

The VCA Dangerous Goods Office (DGO) has been appointed by the Department of Transport to carry out the functions of the UK's Competent Authority for the UN Packaging for Transport of Dangerous Goods Scheme on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, and to provide expert advice on safety of transport of dangerous goods matters, with the exception of nuclear materials, to the DfT, CAA and MCA and industry. The aim of this work is to improve the safety of the transport of dangerous goods.

The main role of the team is the operation of the UK DG Package Certification Scheme. The team evaluates evidence of compliance provided in test reports from approved laboratories and issue UN packaging approvals. In addition they are responsible for operating schemes for the approval of tank and pressure equipment inspection bodies and approving alternatives to the hot water bath testing for aerosols and for giving advice on all aspects of transporting Dangerous Goods by air, road, sea and rail via the DfT help line. The DGO also produces and publishes the Operational Instructions for Test Stations.

The staff comprises of a number of dangerous goods experts. Most funding is from the issue and renewal of DG packaging approvals.

The HEO will report to an SEO in the Dangerous Goods Office. They will be responsible for the day to day operation and development of the packaging database, monitoring the invoicing of certification work, and liaising with the DfT and other agencies regarding packaging approvals.

Main Responsibilities:

Work involves:

Overseeing and/or the issuing of Certificates of Approval for dangerous goods packaging in an accurate and consistent form meeting the Secretary of State requirements and targets;
Ensuring the continued integrity of the existing database and planning for a replacement;
Giving expert advice to the public and opinions to the SEO's regarding DfT papers.

Key Responsibilities:

Management of the UN Packaging approvals data base;
The achievement of targets for the timely issue of good quality approvals;
Supporting the SEO's with research and comments on papers for the DfT;
Developing and maintaining relations with customers, trade organisations and other agencies;
Assisting in the setting of budgets and monitoring performance;
Ensuring that all work is invoiced and liaising with VCA Accounts regarding debtors.

Essential Skills:

A proven ability to absorb and retain detailed information and to be able to impart information in a concise and clear way;
Good presentational and project management skills;
Evidence of ability to manage conflicting priorities whilst maintaining targets;
Evidence of ability to translate regulatory issues into practical solutions.

Desirable Skills:

Experience of either dangerous goods regulations or packaging;
Training in any aspect of dangerous goods, but especially Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor;
Experience of working with regulatory and trade bodies;
Experience in participating in International meetings developing technical text;
Knowledge of transport logistics operations;
Evidence of ability to lead a team and to manage budgets;
Evidence of people and stakeholder management.

Further information:
VCA offers a competitive package including a pension scheme, 30 days annual leave and regular training and development opportunities.

Please contact:

For more information about this post...

Keith White on 01372 226113 (keith.white@vca.gov.uk )

For further general information and a recruitment pack...

(Applications to:) Sarah May - Personnel on 0117 952 4211 (sarah.may@vca.gov.uk)

VCA is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to eliminating discrimination from employment practices. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified people; nationals of EC countries are also welcome to apply.