Our mission is to improve people’s quality of life both now and in the future. 
 

The Department for Work and Pensions touches the lives of every citizen in the country at some point in their life.
 

As the UK government’s largest public services provider and at the heart of the government growth mission, we support people into work, help disabled people live more independent lives, and provide the financial foundations for a secure old age through the State Pension.  

We are passionate about making a sustainable and positive impact on people’s lives every day by providing a modern, fair and affordable welfare system. We seek to be an exemplar of the Modern Civil Service so that we can better deliver for citizens and meet the challenges of tomorrow. 
 

There has never been a more exciting time to work at DWP.

DWP is looking for a Deputy Director, People Programme, Planning and Performance to join the People and Capability team who are responsible for shaping and driving the people agenda.

This is a key senior leadership role within one of the highest profile operational government departments. The Deputy Director, People Programme, Planning and Performance will, as part of the People Strategy, Delivery and Assurance team, be responsible for leading DWP’s people plan and the delivery of people priorities across the departmental workforce. This appointment is key to translating strategic priorities into deliverable actions, whilst also playing a key role in briefing the Director General and other senior leaders on planning and performance priorities. Working with the HR Business Partners and Business Leaders this role is accountable for workforce planning and resourcing to support the needs of the department, the co-ordination of financial planning and good governance and the strategic leadership of compliance and assurance functions. 

You will lead a team of approximately 60 - 70 people, including four direct reports, and be one of three Deputy Directors reporting to the Director of People Strategy, Delivery and Assurance. You will be responsible for delivering the People Transformation Plan in support of the wider design and delivery programme for the DWP People Story 2030. 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to align organisational strategies with overarching goals, monitor performance and ensure adaptability in response to change. They will bring effective governance capabilities, underpinned by clear vision, strategic direction, accountability, transparency and robust risk management. Significant experience in managing statutory and regulatory compliance across complex organisations is essential, along with a proven track record of leading strategic and workforce planning and assurance functions at a senior level. Candidates will be adept at managing financial planning and budgets at a senior level. 

Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills are required, including the ability to influence effectively at very senior levels. The candidate must also demonstrate excellent leadership and people management abilities, supported by a history of developing and sustaining high-performing teams. CIPD Chartered Fellow membership is required, or a willingness to work towards achieving this upon commencement in the role.

If you have a passion for leading change, influencing at the highest levels and want to use your skill set for public service whilst playing a part in helping us tell the DWP People Story, then we would love to hear from you.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Department for Work and Pensions on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OWPG. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by 2 January 2026 at 23:55hrs.