Working for DE&S

Equipping the UK Armed Forces with the edge to protect our nation now and in the future.

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) is a specialist procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

DE&S employs around 12,500 people, operating at sites throughout the UK and around the world. We negotiate and manage contracts with the UK and global defence industry, developing, supplying and maintaining equipment for the UK Armed Forces.

It takes all kinds of people from all kinds of specialisms to deliver this, including those with skills in:

  • commercial negotiation
  • project management
  • engineering
  • information technology
  • finance
  • procurement
  • operations management
  • logistics.

You can find all of our current job opportunities under ‘Ministry of Defence’ on Civil Service Jobs.

What we offer

Our careers offer a meaningful role supporting national defence. But they’re rewarding in more ways than one.

Pay and pension

We offer:

  • a comprehensive, competitive salary
  • support that emphasises career development, job security and healthy work-life balance
  • an exceptional benefits package
  • a marketing-leading employer pension contribution of around 27 percent

Enhanced benefits

These include:

  • a holiday allowance of 25 days a year, increasing by one day a year to a maximum of 30 days’ leave after five years
  • an additional day off in honour of the sovereign’s birthday
  • enhanced parental and adoption leave schemes
  • leave for examinations, approved studies, public duties, special or reserve forces, environmental work, trade union representatives, and health and safety representatives
  • a family-friendly approach to flexible and hybrid working to support your work-life balance
  • a wide variety of staff networks

Health and wellbeing

The facilities at our headquarters at MOD Abbey Wood in Filton include a fully equipped gym, on-site nursery, restaurants and coffee shops, and a convenience store. The site also has plenty of scenic outdoor spaces, including ponds, woods and a nature trail.

We also offer:

  • a 24/7 employee assistance programme
  • a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders, to listen and signpost the most suitable support or service
  • savings on sight tests and private healthcare
  • a range of wellbeing activities and workshops throughout the year
  • a cycle to work scheme
  • many other rewards, including shopping, leisure, fitness, finance, and travel benefits and discounts

Culture and inclusion

We believe in creating an environment where all our people can grow, thrive and be their best selves. Whether you’re looking for a next step, a fresh start or a helping hand as you return from a career break, at DE&S you’ll join a supportive, family-friendly organisation.

Diversity is one of our core values. We are creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and represented. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, in an environment where everyone feels confident to speak up, we can innovate and succeed.

Video: Support. It’s in our name

Read more about equality and diversity in the MOD

Apprenticeships and graduate schemes

Whether you join us as a graduate or an apprentice, a career changer or a school leaver, we’re here to help you find your speciality and launch a successful career in defence. We offer a variety of comprehensive graduate and apprenticeship opportunities, providing hands-on experience across a wide range of projects.

Here, you’ll be supported and encouraged to bring a fresh perspective, ask questions and put positive change in motion.

Learn more about graduate and apprentice opportunities at DE&S.

Military leavers

As a highly specialised part of UK Defence, we’ve been supporting military leavers on their journeys into civilian life for decades. We value the skills and experience of service leavers, and are proud to offer rewarding and secure employment to our veterans.

People who join us with a break in service of less than five years, having completed at least five years of service, have their military leave allowance preserved and will be awarded 30 days of leave.

Ready for life after the Armed Forces? Join us and help deliver the best service possible to those still serving on the front-line.

Visit our Military Leavers website to learn more

Hear more from us

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Still looking for the right role? Register for Ministry of Defence job alerts on Civil Service Jobs to hear about our upcoming job opportunities.

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