Head of Departmental Planning and Performance
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
London, England, United Kingdom · Part Time
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- Experience
- 5+ yrs
- Salary
- GBP 86,000 – GBP 86,000 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 2 days ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Applications are open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein and their family members.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Overview
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is one of the largest UK government departments, dedicated to delivering crucial services nationwide. The Strategic Finance and Business Strategy (SFBS) team plays a central role by providing leadership, shaping priorities, and fostering relationships with HM Treasury. This senior role as Head of Departmental Planning and Performance offers a significant opportunity to influence departmental strategy and enhance performance governing ministerial objectives.
Role Responsibilities
You will lead DWP’s strategic planning and performance management, ensuring executive and ministerial teams possess transparent, trustworthy insight into performance and risks. Overseeing the Departmental Quarterly Performance Report and refreshing the Strategic Plan, you will underpin government reporting. Advising during fiscal events, such as Budgets and Spending Reviews, you will provide high-caliber analysis and assurance to maintain focus on efficient delivery of outcomes.
Candidate Profile
- Proven strategic leadership capable of guiding multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams that combine generalist and specialist functions, with an emphasis on performance assessment and continuous organisational improvement.
- Strong strategic analysis and problem-solving aptitude, adept at interpreting complex organizational contexts, and translating strategic goals into practical frameworks supporting departmental aims.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills to foster trust-based relationships with senior leaders across corporate functions; skilled in balancing competing priorities and influencing collective strategic outcomes through clear communication.
- Demonstrable experience delivering complex, high-impact initiatives in fast-paced environments, managing long-term transformations alongside immediate operational priorities.
- Comfort operating within highly regulated and governing structures, with a familiarity of governance, corporate culture, and interdepartmental collaboration. Able to lead teams in adopting digital tools and leveraging data insights to support transparency and quality.
Behaviours Assessed
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
Compensation and Benefits
The role comes with a salary of £86,000, alongside a £24,914 employer contribution towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The department offers flexible working patterns including job sharing and compressed hours, generous annual leave starting at 25 days (pro-rated for part-time), plus public holidays, alongside supportive schemes for financial wellbeing, health, and family-friendly policies. Personal and professional development is strongly supported including funded qualifications, mentoring and coaching, within an inclusive workplace culture.
Additional Information
This position is available in multiple UK locations including Birmingham, Blackpool, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle (initially at Benton Park View then relocating to Newcastle city centre by 2027), and Sheffield. There is a minimum expected assignment duration of three years to enable achievement of key outcomes, though this is not contractually binding. Successful applicants must undergo enhanced security checks and meet nationality eligibility requirements including UK nationals and citizens from certain other countries with UK work rights. Reasonable adjustments are encouraged to support diverse needs during recruitment.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a detailed CV outlining career history, responsibilities, and achievements, plus a personal statement (maximum 1250 words) demonstrating suitability based on essential criteria by the application deadline. Diversity monitoring data is optionally collected confidentially. A reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months for future vacancies. Feedback is provided upon interview attendance.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
While AI tools may assist in preparing applications, all submitted content must be truthful and original, reflecting personal experience. Plagiarism or misrepresentation will lead to withdrawal or disciplinary actions.