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'.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
Monday 31 August 2026 at 23:55

Long listing
Tuesday 8 September 2026

Preliminary interviews
Thursday 10 to Thursday 17 September 2026

Short listing
Monday 21 September 2026

Assessment
Week commencing 28 September 2026

Final panel
Wednesday 14 October 2026

How to apply

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the the following by no later than 23:55pm on Monday 31st August 2026 :

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;
• A personal statement (maximum 1250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities, and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in the person specification.

Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.

For a confidential initial discussion about the role, please get in touch with our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson:

Sophie Hester, Researcher | E: sophie.hester@gatenbysanderson.com

Hilda Gjika, Delivery Consultant | E: hilda.gjika@gatenbysanderson.com