Deputy Director of Departmental Planning and Performance

Department for Work and Pensions

Flexible across the UK

  • Location Flexible across the UK
  • Sector Central Government
  • Client Department for Work and Pensions
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £86,000 – £99,600 per annum [SCS1]
  • Reference GSe134302
  • Closing Date Monday 31 August 2026 at 23:55

Help shape the strategy and performance of one of the UK’s largest government departments

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) delivers vital services to millions of people across the UK. At the heart of this work sits Strategic Finance and Business Strategy (SFBS), providing financial and strategic leadership, shaping departmental priorities and maintaining DWP’s critical relationship with HM Treasury.

We are seeking an outstanding leader to join as Head of Departmental Planning and Performance. This is a high-profile role with significant influence across the Department, offering the opportunity to shape strategic decision-making, drive performance improvement and provide assurance on the delivery of ministerial priorities.

The Role

You will lead DWP’s strategic planning, performance management and assurance function, ensuring ministers and the Executive Team have a clear, credible view of performance, risk and deliverability. You will oversee the Departmental Quarterly Performance Report, lead the refresh of DWP’s Strategic Plan and support performance reporting to the centre of government.

A key part of the role will be advising on departmental deliverability during fiscal events, including Budgets, Spending Reviews and Spring Statements. Through high-quality analysis, insight and assurance, you will help DWP stay focused on delivering outcomes efficiently and effectively.

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative leader who can operate confidently in a complex, high-profile environment. You will bring experience of strategic planning, performance management, assurance, governance or corporate strategy in a large organisation, together with strong analytical judgement and the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical advice.

You will be a confident influencer with excellent stakeholder management skills, able to work across organisational boundaries and with senior leaders. You will balance strategic thinking with delivery focus, build capability in others and lead a high-performing, inclusive team.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the delivery of government priorities and public services that matter to millions of citizens. Working at the centre of departmental decision-making, you will help shape the future direction of one of the largest and most complex organisations in government.

Join us and play a pivotal role in ensuring DWP delivers its objectives efficiently, effectively and with lasting impact.

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Continue to full details and apply

Share this job

Featured jobs

Corporate Director - Commercial

Money and Pensions Service

4 days per month in Bedford

Chief Financial Officer

Leonard Cheshire Disability

National/Hybrid

Chief Executive, Active Travel England (SCS2)

Department for Transport

York, with regular travel to London and across England

Chair

Plymouth Community Homes

Plymouth