ADJ HQ

A vacancy has arisen for a Flight Lieutenant (Regt) to serve as the XO at 609 Squadron RAuxAF at RAF Leeming on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS). This post is currently being changed from an Adjutant to Executive Officer position. The initial proposed start date is 14 October 2026 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status). 609 Sqn consists of two Flts of RAF Regt and is part of No.2 Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Wg.

The successful applicant will be responsible to OC 609 Sqn for the daily routine management of the Sqn, particularly the Sqn HQ staff. This includes liaising closely with the Wg HQ and the PTVRs to ensure that the Sqn’s C-UAS operational task lines are always filled, inclusive of overseas deployments, MACA tasks, and training support.

In addition, the Sqn XO is responsible for all aspects of the Sqn’s recruiting and marketing activities from identifying opportunities through to the delivery of a sustained campaign plan. The Sqn XO is also responsible for the delivery of media and comms, constantly exploring new and novel methods to message the demographic of people that the Sqn wishes to reach whilst adhering to RAF policy.

The XO also undertakes the role of Unit Employer Support Officer and is expected to attend regional and county Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association meetings and Employer Engagement workshops. The XO is also the key link into the PTVR’s civilian employers, and it is expected that a pro-active strategy is implemented to create and maintain a professional relationship with these. There is substantial latitude to develop this.

The post holder will be expected to work some weekends, when reservist training is taking place, and participate in other Sqn training and recruiting events as necessary with time off in lieu. Applicants must be able to work independently and as part of a team, implementing well considered ideas and concepts in a tangible output. Effective communication skills (written, verbal and presentational) are required for this role.

Must either have been, or currently be, a Flt Lt - Regt.

Evidence of Project Management/Plans experience.

• ECDL
• DTc (or equivalent)
• Currently be a serving member of the RAF or RAF Reserves.
• Familiar with the Employer Support role for reservists.
• Familiar with the administration required for a RAF or RAuxAF Regt sqn.
• Marketing and/or recruiting experience, ideally in a Reserve Forces context.
• Media and Comms experience.
• JOD(P)/(L) or JOCC and ISS (‘qss’ annotation).
• RAF Recruiting Course or RAF Reserves’ Selection and Interview Techniques Course and RAF Reserves’ DRS Course.
• Unit Security Officers’ Course.
• Equality and Diversity Advisers’ Course.
• Evidence of Project Management/Plans experience.

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 3 (for aviators)/4 (for officers) appraisal reports and other evidence as appropriate.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Sqn Ldr Wayne Lovejoy

Email: Wayne.lovejoy197@mod.gov.uk

Tel:  +44 303 368 2830

Applications.  Candidate applications should as a minimum, comprise of a maximum 2-page CV, and copies of last 3/4 appraisal reports (as required). Where candidates have been out of military service and / or have additional civilian SQEP relevant for the role, they should include evidence including qualifications, references, civilian appraisals as deemed appropriate, for use by the Selection Board, and should be sent to:

Wayne.Lovejoy197@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 14 August 2026 and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

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 Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 3 years.

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 substantive 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: this position will not be offered on promotion to sister Services.  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.

Joint Medical Employment Standards. The post is non deployable, non-safety critical, does not involve operational support activity and is sedentary in nature. IBN 94/24 applies.

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 (Vol 3, Lft 207, Annex L, Para 1a).

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) TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB.