DE&S Postal and Mail Operative in London inLondon PUBLISHED TUE 15 APR 2025 Jump to job information section

British Forces Post Office, RAF Northolt, Ruislip, London HA4 6DQ

Job Summary

At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes, and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe – for today, and tomorrow.

We offer 25+ days’ holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of 28.97%, to help make work work for you.

Nationality, visas and vetting: We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months.

Job Description

Join us at the British Forces Postal Office (BFPO) and take the first step towards a rewarding career. The BFPO provides postal and courier services to the UK armed forces and is a renowned brand across Defence. You will be based in our purpose-built headquarters at RAF Northolt, where we will provide all the training required to develop your skill set and gain the experience necessary to excel in your role.

As a Postal and Mail Operative, you will assist with the secure, safe, and timely handling of armed forces’ mail. This includes ensuring the accurate receipt, sorting, and dispatching of all types of mail in a secure, logical, and methodical manner. Your daily tasks will involve both physical and desk-based work, such as data inputting, sorting, and processing mail, and loading vehicles for dispatch.

This role will enhance your experience with cargo X-ray machines and provide opportunities to acquire skills and qualifications, including Civil Aviation Authority Air Cargo Security training. You will be part of a large, dedicated team with many opportunities for progression and development within the team and the wider organisation.

This position is 100% site-based in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at RAF Northolt, with typical working hours of Monday to Friday, 07:00 – 15:00. Due to the location, this role also offers a London allowance of £3,300 per annum.

This is a fixed-term role with the potential to become permanent at the end of the 23-month contract.

In addition to gaining Security Clearance, your continued employment will be subject to obtaining a Criminal Record Certificate (CRC) or Overseas Criminal Record Certificate on a tri-annual basis.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Maintaining procedures in accordance with mail handling standards and processes set by BFPO and Royal Mail.
• Maintaining workplace safety standards, responsible for your own safety and the safety of your colleagues.
• Undertaking mail security screening procedures and once trained become an X-Ray machine operator, this will require successful completion and retention of the Digital National X-Ray Competency Test (DNXCT).
• Routinely conduct basic operating procedures on an automated mail sorting machine including basic daily maintenance and cleaning of the equipment.
• Using a combination of bespoke IT, handheld, and manual systems, creating and maintaining mail dispatch schedules following correct consignment and regulatory processes.
• Acting as the driver’s escort, completing timely delivery of mail in accordance with instructions and security regulations.
• Ensuring accurate and secure redirection, location, trace, and personal verification of mail using both computer and local systems.
• Using manual handling equipment, with the ability to lift mail items up to 11kg unaided, 30kg assisted, and working collaboratively with others to move heavier items.
• Always adhering to all BFPO and Civil Aviation Authority Security requirements and maintain the security of BFPO mail. You will be required to adhere to personal security arrangements, complete annual security training and will be required to carry appropriate issued ID whilst at work.
  
  

You will be expected to: take reasonable care for the health and safety of others that may be affected by their acts or omissions at work, and to observe best practice and compliance with legislation in the protection of the environment and the conservation of energy.

Join us at the British Forces Postal Office (BFPO) and take the first step towards a rewarding career. The BFPO provides postal and courier services to the UK armed forces and is a renowned brand across Defence. You will be based in our purpose-built headquarters at RAF Northolt, where we will provide all the training required to develop your skill set and gain the experience necessary to excel in your role.

As a Postal and Mail Operative, you will assist with the secure, safe, and timely handling of armed forces’ mail. This includes ensuring the accurate receipt, sorting, and dispatching of all types of mail in a secure, logical, and methodical manner. Your daily tasks will involve both physical and desk-based work, such as data inputting, sorting, and processing mail, and loading vehicles for dispatch.

This role will enhance your experience with cargo X-ray machines and provide opportunities to acquire skills and qualifications, including Civil Aviation Authority Air Cargo Security training. You will be part of a large, dedicated team with many opportunities for progression and development within the team and the wider organisation.

This position is 100% site-based in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at RAF Northolt, with typical working hours of Monday to Friday, 07:00 – 15:00. Due to the location, this role also offers a London allowance of £3,300 per annum.

This is a fixed-term role with the potential to become permanent at the end of the 23-month contract.

In addition to gaining Security Clearance, your continued empl