N5 So2 Coherence

Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) SO2 Coherence in the N5 Division

About COMOPS and the MOC

Based in the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Northwood Headquarters Commander Operations (COMOPS) is responsible for the day-to-day operational output of the Royal Navy as well as being the cohering authority for all operations in the maritime domain. The MOC is the heartbeat of UK maritime operations across the world and in domestic waters and as such is an exciting and dynamic place to work.

About N5

N5 alongside Force Plans (based at Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth) is part of the Plans Alliance responsible for planning and scheduling the Royal Navys future activity. N5 works closely with N3 and N35 in the MOC to conduct operational planning that is campaign driven effects based resource aware and aligned to strategic frameworks. As a division N5 is at the forefront of determining how and where the Royal Navy delivers effect globally in concert with the other services.

About SO2 Coherence

SO2 Coherence sits in the executive team of N5 and is responsible for pulling together and coordinating the Divisions varied and operationally focused workload. Effectively operating as the Divisions SO2 Coord you would be in a privileged position gaining an in depth understanding of the totality of RN and RM operations set at the operational level and in a complex multi domain integrated (MDI) environment. You would develop a deep appreciation of the higher-level management of defence interacting regularly with the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) Navy Command Headquarters (NCHQ) and the Department of State (DoS). Detailed TORs are below but it should be noted that these responsibilities are flexible and some are shared to maintain continuity.

You need not be an expert in any of the areas listed above any enthusiastic staff trained SO2 could fill the role and it would offer an excellent development opportunity for those less experienced. For applicants that may be more experienced there is ample opportunity to diversify the portfolio and push for more responsibility.

Working Environment

The team is collegiate and friendly there is frequent socialising and there is opportunity for some flexible working (noting the requirement to work on Secret and above most days). Northwood HQs accommodation dining medical and sports facilities are excellent and there are plenty of opportunities for adventure training and clubs. Located in NW London the HQ is within walking distance of the Metropolitan line offering travel into central London in under an hour. For those who like the outdoors the Chilterns are only a short drive away.

Accountability

SO2 Coherence works for the N5 Chief of Staff (Royal Marines OF4) then to Captain N5 (Royal Navy OF5).

Responsibilities

• Battle rhythm management including coordinating internal N5 battle rhythm and acting as the lead for tri-weekly N5-N3/5 synchronisation meetings.
• Agile backlog and engagements management. Liaising with the team to maintain the backlog and engagements tracker.
• Track operational planning requirements liaising with staff across the MOC to ensure timely production of orders.
• Force sensing. Tracking force sense requests in Navy N5.
• Act as Plans Alliance information management representative promoting adherence to electronic ways of working protocols and records management.
• MOC learning from experience lead.
• Act as the Navy Plans lead for coordinating RN individual augmented job specs and workforce requirement documents to reflect operational requirements.
• Maintain and develop the Navy Plans Team process guides and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct rotational duty as SO2 Fleet Incident Response Cell and the Joint Commanders Forward Away Team.
• Represent Navy N5 at the Defence Exercise Programme.
• Coordinate quarterly updates to LIGHTHOUSE. This is an online programme that holds all data on the Defence Exercise Programme. You will be responsible for liaising with desk leads and MCC sub-units to keep LIGHTHOUSE up to date.
• With Chief of Staff N5 act as the coordinating lead for finance in support of Captain N5. Responsibilities include:
  • Assist in drafting the annual financial planning initiating directive.
  • Coordinate the drafting process for ABC screening notes annually.
  • Support management of the In-Year Spend Management processes.
  • Be the lead N5 financial desk officer in managing COMOPS activity budget.
  • Routine management of financial authorisation for standing commitments (e.g. MDP KIPION or extraordinary operating costs).

Previous Incumbents Feedback

Having spent years in a specialist world coming to the MOC was an eye opener and in a good way. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the MOC finding it very interesting and varied. The working environment is excellent with a team of highly motivated and experienced individuals with a varied portfolio which has been professionally rewarding.

The lived experience at Northwood has been excellent with base support being the best I have ever experienced good accommodation and base support facilities. I have found working routines to be flexible which greatly enhances the experience. The location is excellent with proximity to central London (40 minutes away) and the M25 with routes in all directions which are easily accessible allowing for relatively stress-free commuting if required.

If you wish to find out more about the role the previous incumbent would be happy to discuss their experience. To be arranged through the RN Res office.