Planning and Performance Manager

Make strategy count. Turn insight into impact. Drive change.

Are you ready to turn strategy, data and insight into meaningful transformation?

If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are looking for a Planning and Performance Manager to join our People and Organisational Development (OD) Department. This is a newly created role, offering the opportunity to shape how the division operates, performs and continuously improves.

What You'll Be Doing

Working closely with the Director of People and OD and the wider leadership team, you will play a central role in driving strategic planning, performance and continuous improvement across the service.

You will lead the development and delivery of business planning, performance frameworks and quality assurance processes, ensuring priorities are clear, aligned with objectives and delivered effectively. You will also take ownership of key programmes and projects, driving transformation and service improvement initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.

A key part of the role will be strengthening how we use data, insight and evidence to inform decision-making. You will lead the analysis of complex performance and workforce data, translating this information into clear, actionable insight for senior leaders.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone with expertise in at least one of the following key areas: programme management, project management or performance management.

You will have a proven track record of delivering strategy, transformation or performance improvement within a complex public sector environment, and the ability to turn strategic priorities into clear, deliverable plans and outcomes.

You will be confident working with senior leaders and able to provide constructive challenge, shape thinking and influence decision-making. You will also bring strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and present it clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.

Equally important is your approach. You will be collaborative, values-driven and committed to inclusive leadership, while maintaining a clear focus on delivery and high-quality outcomes.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please refer to the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Details:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ben Plant at [email protected]

Additional Information:

• Pay scale: Grade 14, £59,526 - £74,040 per annum
• Working hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH
• Benefits: The role includes a JNC benefits package to the value of £2,724 per annum. A full list of benefits can be found here:

To be considered for interview, you will be required to upload your CV and respond to four key questions based on the person specification. Your responses should demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

Recruitment Timelines

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 10th May 2026
• Shortlisting: Week commencing 11th May 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 1st June 2026

The interview process will include a presentation followed by questions from the interview panel, as well as a stakeholder panel. The stakeholder panel will likely take place on either 1st or 2nd June, with the presentation and interview scheduled for the following day, Wednesday 3rd June.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation that is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative . We particularly welcome applications from members of black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

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