Director of Services and Innovation

The Defence Medical Welfare Service; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 30 days

Pension scheme

Death in service

Flexible working

Parking allowance

Enhanced sick pay

Staff recognition

Personal development

Eye test allowance

Job summary

The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) invites applications for a Director of Services and Innovation to lead designated services across England and Wales. You will shape strategy, ensure high-quality care, and build influential partnerships to drive sustainable income growth.

You will manage senior teams, oversee multi-site operations, and champion innovation, performance, and governance. Demonstrated cross-sector leadership and strong financial literacy are essential to deliver impact for

Qualifications

• Substantial director-level or executive leadership experience.
• Experience leading multi-site, regional or national services.
• Strong financial literacy and commercial judgement.
• Credibility with commissioners, funders and senior stakeholders.
• Experience across at least two relevant sectors such as Defence, policing, NHS, charities, local government or commercial development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational performance, quality, safeguarding and service assurance.
• Lead senior managers and dispersed teams across regions.
• Drive product, service and commercial innovation.
• Build partnerships, bids, contracts and income diversification.
• Manage budgets, risk, governance and inspection readiness.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder credibility

Cross-sector experience

Job description

DIRECTOR OF SERVICES AND INNOVATION

Lead safe, sustainable services. Build influential partnerships. Turn strong ideas into measurable impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY

DMWS provides independent, confidential and person-centred welfare support and clinical services across defence, health, social care, policing and wider frontline services.

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Director to lead designated services, regions and portfolios across England and Wales, while contributing to wider UK objectives. The role combines operational assurance, people leadership, partnership development, innovation and sustainable income growth.

WHAT YOU WILL LEAD

• Operational performance, quality, safeguarding and service assurance
• Senior managers, dispersed teams and organisational change
• Product, service and commercial innovation
• Partnerships, bids, contracts and income diversification
• Budgets, risk, governance and inspection readiness

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Substantial director-level, executive or comparable leadership experience
• Leadership of complex multi-site, regional or national services
• Strong commercial judgement and financial literacy
• Credibility with commissioners, funders and senior stakeholders
• Experience across at least two relevant sectors, such as Defence, policing, NHS, charities, local government or commercial development

THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You will combine strategic thinking with a strong focus on delivery. You will lead and challenge senior professionals constructively, make sound decisions under pressure and balance opportunity, impact, affordability and risk. A collaborative, inclusive and values-led approach is essential.

WHY JOIN DMWS?

Shape services and partnerships supporting the Armed Forces Community and other frontline settings, while helping a purpose-led charity grow safely and sustainably.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

DMWS reserves the right to close this advert early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

DMWS is committed to fair, inclusive recruitment and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

Applicants will require a full driving licence and access to a car.

Benefits

We recognise that our staff are the most important asset that we have. We offer employees the following benefits in recognition of their work:-

• Annual Leave. We give employees 30 days a year annual leave plus Public Holidays (pro-rata'd for part-time employees).
• Pension. Auto enrolment onto DMWS workplace pension scheme – subject to eligibility. You will make a minimum contribution of 5% which DMWS will match. Contributions will be matched up to 6% by DMWS.
• Death in Service Scheme. Three times your annual salary to nominated beneficiaries - subject to eligibility
• Flexible Working. All flexible working requests are considered - many of our staff work flexible hours and work wholly, or partly from home.
• Work-based Parking/Mileage. For those who pay to park at their work-base, fees are repaid through expenses. Mileage claims are reimbursed in line with HMRC guidelines.
• Enhanced Sick Pay. Enhanced sick pay scheme for all employees upon completion of their probationary period.
• Staff Recognition. Staff are regularly recognised for their work by the leadership team and their peers, via internal events, social media, and industry awards.
• Personal Development Programme.
• DMWS supports employee continuing professional development and training.
• £25 contribution towards eye tests and a contribution of £50 towards glasses. (As long as they are only needed for DSE use and not otherwise needed on a standard prescription).