Assistant Director of Performance and Insight

Samaritans; Ewell; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

Samaritans is seeking an Assistant Director of Performance and Insight to lead the Performance and Insight function within the Corporate Services directorate. The role oversees annual planning, organisational performance and the use of research and data to drive strategic priorities.

The post requires a senior leader with experience in planning delivery, change management and building high‑performing teams. Hybrid working is supported with some evening/weekend duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Senior leader in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience of planning and reviewing delivery of services for sustained improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership to the Performance and Insight function.
• Manage the business planning cycle, coordinating business planning activities alongside change activity.
• Oversee the development of a performance management framework.
• Ensure effective change management in organisational projects and key work.
• Oversee organisational data, impact, research and evaluation teams.
• Lead the organisation in integrating data, lived experience and evidence into decision making.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Performance management

Data analysis

Stakeholder influence

Team development

Job description

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

Are you a strong leader with expertise in strategic business planning? Samaritans is looking for an Assistant Director of Performance and Insight to join our Corporate Services directorate.

In this important role you’ll provide leadership and oversight of the Performance and Insight function. You’ll be responsible for the annual planning cycle, organisational performance and ensuring we maintain a focus on achieving our strategic priorities through championing the use of research, evaluation and data to inform all that we do.

If you have experience of leading and developing high performing teams, with knowledge of planning and reviewing the delivery of services for sustained improvement, we’d love to hear from you.

Contract terms:

• 12-month fixed term contract
• 35 hours per week (full-time)
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences. Due to the nature of our work, some evening and weekend working may be required with time off in lieu given
• Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office, with a blend of home working and access to offices in Ewell and London Bridge
• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

What you'll be doing:

Provide strong leadership to the Performance and Insight function

Manage the business planning cycle, coordinating business planning activities alongside change activity

Oversee the development of a performance management framework

Ensure effective change management in organisational projects and key work

Oversee organisational data, impact, research and evaluation teams

Lead the organisation in integrating data, lived experience and evidence into decision making

What you’ll bring:

Experience working as a senior leader in a large and complex organisation

Experience of planning and reviewing the delivery of services for sustained improvement

Technical knowledge of organisational performance management approaches, benchmarking and service improvement

Experience of leading and developing high performing teams, with the ability to inspire and motivate colleagues at all levels

Knowledge of programme and project management

Ability to negotiate and influence at senior levels

Ability to analyse data to provide options and solutions for complex matters

Ability to use and share, insights, and evidence to deliver impact

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

Applications close: 09:00am on Wednesday 21 October 2026

Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date.

If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.