Change and Implementation Lead

EAD is responsible for the Performance, Budget, Relationship and Compliance Management of DWP's contracted and grant funded employment provision, delivered by external Suppliers and Local Authority led Accountable Bodies and delivery partners. About DCBS DCBS leads on changes/continuous improvement to health and employment contracts require the individual to be mindful of DWP's objectives in terms of delivering quality services for our customers and value for money for the taxpayer. DCBS also includes business support roles which are integral across all of the directorate; they include recruitment and workforce planning, governance, business management, learning and development as well as supporting senior leaders in the delivery of Directorate priorities. The work of Business Management is the glue that holds the directorate together. We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate: An understanding of contracted or grant funded programmes including setting performance levels, payment mechanisms, continuous improvement and volume management. Key Requirements You will be an active member of the divisional senior leadership group, communicating a clear and compelling vision to teams, partners and suppliers. You will support delivery of CMPD and DWP aims and objectives, role modelling a culture that strives for excellence. The roles will be as a Change and Implementation Lead within our Employment Account Division (EAD) or Design Change and Business Support (DCBS) Senior Leadership Team, driving forward the design of new provisions, impact changes, introduce and implement change including new programmes You will be required to operate with autonomy, whilst ensuring you remain coordinated with other teams within the Organisation by building and sustaining effective relationships across CMPD, Finance Group and the wider Department as well as gaining the confidence of external stakeholders including Providers, Local Authorities 3rd parties and other government departments. As a senior leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-impact health, and employment programmes and processes to implement, manage and assure them. Your key accountabilities and responsibilities may include:

• Leadership & Culture
Provide visible, inspirational leadership to geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders. Foster a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and continuous improvement, ensuring high performance and staff development.
• Programme & Service Delivery
Lead the design, implementation, and assurance of new health, employment or locally delivered programmes. Ensure delivery readiness, quality assurance, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Performance & Assurance
Oversee the planning and execution of assurance reviews across a diverse supplier base. Monitor provider performance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and driving continuous improvement.
• Commercial & Contract Management
Collaborate with commercial and operational teams to shape procurement strategies, develop robust contract terms, and ensure value for money across all service delivery.
• Governance & Risk Management
Contribute to governance forums, providing challenge and scrutiny to support effective decision-making. Identify and mitigate risks associated with programme delivery and organisational change.
• Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong, influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including local authorities, suppliers, and partner organisations.
• Strategic Contribution
Support the organisation's strategic goals and contribute to a high-performing leadership culture. Promote innovation, knowledge sharing, and adaptability in response to evolving priorities. This is a corporate role which will include travel to external partner sites and other DWP sites as required. Key Relationships
• DWP Operations/Commercial/Policy/Information Technology/Finance.
• CMPD Directorate.
• Providers of Contracted Employment Provision.
• Local Authorities
• Grants Centre of Excellence.
  Disability Confident
About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .
Working towards sustainable futures. Championing diversity in the workplace. At the Department for Work and Pensions, it's all in a day's work. From HR to Finance, Policy to Communications, this is work that sustains and supports, where everyone's voice is heard, and our customers are at the heart of everything we do. For a career packed with possibility, a comprehensive benefits package, where we live by our values and have the opportunity to improve the lives of people across the UK, look no further. Supporting people who need it most. That's our purpose. Start your own career today. Find out more and apply here. DWP is looking to fill 2 roles in Contract Management and Partner Delivery directorate. The roles available will be based in. Birmingham 3 Arena Central, Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2AXBlackpool Peel Park, Brunel Way, Blackpool FY4 5ES.Glasgow Atlantic Quay, Glasgow G2 8SPLeeds Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UA. Manchester 2 St Peter's Square, Manchester, M2 3AA. Newcastle Benton Park View, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA. (Please note: that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle, this role will be based at Benton Park View from September 2025, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027) Sheffield Hartshead Square, Sheffield, S1 2FD. Treforest, Ty Taf, Main Avenue, Treforest, Pontypridd, CF37 5YN. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for Welfare, Pensions and Child Maintenance Policy. As the United Kingdom's (UK) biggest public service department, we operate on a scale that is almost unmatched anywhere in Europe and most people in Britain come into contact with us at some point in their lives. At DWP we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, and we offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career at DWP accessible to you. DWP recruitment video (link is external) The roles on offer are within our Employment Account Division (EAD) and Design Change and Business support (DCBS) divisions which form part of CMPD.