Executive Officer 614 Squadron

Task requirements

Subject to formal establishment amendment, a vacancy may arise for a Sqn Ldr (any profession) to serve as the Executive Officer (XO (2IC) at 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron (Sqn) RAuxAF in Cardiff on Additional Duties Commitment (150) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 25 August 2025 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status and formal establishment).

The XO is responsible for the unit’s operational, support and administrative functions encompassing both the Operations Flight (PTVR officers and aviators) and the HQ Flight (1x Flt Lt and 7x Full-Time Reserve Service NCOs) reporting to OC 614 Sqn (Wg Cdr, Part-Time Volunteer Reservist (PTVR)).

614 Sqn has a rich heritage that started in 1937 and achieved a distinguished operational record, firstly as Army co-operation and then as a bomber and pathfinder squadron, during World War II achieving 7 Battle Honours throughout Europe and North Africa. 

The Sqn is now a General Support Sqn, encompassing 9 different professions, that provides dedicated support at RAF Brize Norton - the RAF’s largest main operating base - to enable the Air Mobility Force to ‘prepare for and deliver global operations’. 614 Sqn is Wales’ only RAF Reserve sqn and recruits from across South Wales and the West of England.

We are looking for a proactive, energetic, results-focused and highly professional officer who will fit into an established team quickly and be tireless in improving the ‘lived experience’ of our PTVR officers and aviators. The XO will be expected to:

We are looking for a proactive, energetic, results-focused and highly professional officer who will fit into an established team quickly and be tireless in improving the ‘lived experience’ of our PTVR officers and aviators. The XO will be expected to:

• Develop how the Sqn operates and the annual training programme.
• Seek new and varied opportunities for our Reservists.
• Strengthen external relationships across the Armed Forces.
• Exploit their network to benefit this thriving and busy sqn.

The XO is also responsible for:

• Producing the annual management plan.
• Overseeing the planning and delivery of the Annual Camp and Force Development activities (adventurous trg and staff rides).
• The professional development of the Sqn’s junior officers and FTRS cadre.

Regular attendance at Ty Llewellyn Reserves Centre in Cardiff and at Sqn duty weekends is expected, although remote working is encouraged outside of formal working days and training events. There will be routine UK travel, including an opportunity to participate in overseas expeditions and staff rides.

Essential competencies

Must either have been, or currently be, a Sqn Ldr (any profession) or a Flt Lt (any) eligible for promotion in accordance with AP 3393 Vol 1 and AP 7000. All Promotions will be ratified by means of a Promotion Board. If an applicant has been out of full-time military service and is applying for a post on promotion, they will also need to send their civilian appraisals or equivalent to evidence recent skills, knowledge and experience to be considered by the Promotion Board.

• Demonstrable ‘people skills’, especially with engaging with senior officers across the 3 Services and employers.
• Confident oral and written communications delivery with a sound working knowledge of Defence Writing formats.
• Confident in using all Microsoft 365 applications.

Desirable competencies

• Experience of being mobilised on overseas operations.
• Proven managerial, leadership and project management credentials having served in a leadership role on a RAF or RAuxAF sqn.
• Intermediate Officer Development Course C-qualified.

Selection Process

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 4 appraisal reports as required.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Wg Cdr Matthews, CO, 614 Sqn

Email: lee.matthews496@mod.gov.uk

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 4 appraisal reports as required) should be sent to:

lee.matthews496@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 15 April 2025 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place shortly afterwards.

Additional information

Unless already commissioned in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be commissioned in the Royal Air Force Reserves with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Additional Duties Commitment TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of up to 31-MAR-2028.

Confirmation of appointment will depend on successful completion of a RAF Medical Board.  Personnel who do not meet the Age/Permanent Joint Medical Employment Standard (PJMES) may apply for the appointment but will only be considered subject to an executive waiver process on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates must be attested before their 61st birthday. However, suitably qualified personnel may be considered but a waiver must be sought from SO1 Res Spt prior to interview.

Candidates who have been out of regular or reserve service for more than 5 years may be considered for this appointment.  Prior approval must be sought from the relevant Professions Advisor to confirm current and past experience prior to being invited to interview.

Applicants of an equivalent rank from sister Services may apply but will only be accepted into the Royal Air Force Reserves if an appropriate Professions advisor can be identified to sponsor the applicant.  The relevant Profession’s advisor approval must be agreed before the interview.

Regular Service Applicants.  Personnel currently serving in the Regular Royal Air Force should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391.

Pension Issues.  Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans and MMP116 - Re-employment. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment’ on Commutation and, for those leaving on a ‘preserved’ pension, the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TCoS.  Personnel taking this appointment from other TCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TCoS. 

Flexible Working Arrangements.  In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager.  Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Individual Reinforcement Training (IRT) (Module 1) and RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT).  Reserve personnel are required to maintain currency in IRT and the RAFFT iaw the relevant TCoS.  The successful applicant will be expected to undertake IRT and the RAFFT within 6 months of commencing employment (if required).

Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the reserve air forces.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS(LC/HC)/ADC TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB. However, please be aware that there is no accommodation in Cardiff.