12847 - Director, Planning, Performance and Risk

Ministry of Justice; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the United Kingdom seeks a Director of Planning, Performance and Risk to enhance internal performance management. This role involves leading the Justice Performance Board, developing the Justice Delivery Plan, and overseeing the performance process for ExCo and ministers. The ideal candidate should have experience in leading high-performing teams, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage risks while ensuring quality assurance.

Qualifications

• Credible senior leader with a strong track record in strategic outcomes.
• Experience leading inclusive teams through organisational change.
• Excellent understanding of performance management in complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee departmental-wide performance and improvement plans.
• Develop measurable outcomes in the Justice Delivery Plan.
• Produce insight-driven performance reports for ExCo and ministers.

Skills

Leadership

Performance management

Communication

Collaboration

Risk management

Job description

We are seeking a Director of Planning, Performance and risk to deliver a step-change in how the department undertakes internal performance management and to set high standards and innovate to improve delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• An intelligence‑led, end‑to‑end process that oversees departmental‑wide performance and improvement plans via the newly‑established Justice Performance Board.
• Development of the Justice Delivery Plan, translating ministerial priorities into measurable outcomes and supporting their delivery.
• The performance process for ExCo and ministers, including ownership of the MoJ's performance dashboard and producing regular, insight‑driven reports.
• The Departmental Operations Centre (DOC), ensuring business continuity, resilience and preparedness for major incidents.
• The Risk Management and Governance Centres of Expertise, facilitating a continuously improving approach to risk management and information flows throughout the department, ensuring that our decisions are well‑informed.

Essential Criteria

It is important through your CV and Statement of Suitability that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the below essential criteria:

• A credible and experienced senior leader, with a strong track record of delivering strategic and operational outcomes and systems leadership across complex, multi‑agency delivery landscapes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high‑performing inclusive teams through change, including during periods of organisational review, transition, or uncertainty.
• Excellent understanding of performance management, planning and delivery assurance in complex organisations.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex information credibly and clearly to ministers and senior stakeholders, inspiring confidence and securing buy‑in across all levels of the organisation.
• Proven ability to work across organisational boundaries, building collaboration and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Sound judgement and resilience in managing risk and balancing pace with quality assurance.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of leading major business planning or performance improvement functions in the public sector.
• Familiarity with central government governance and performance and risks reporting frameworks.