Head of Performance and Planning

Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension 28.97%

Annual leave 25 days

Bank holidays + Privilege Day

Staff discount portal

Career development opportunities

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working

Job summary

Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Southampton is seeking a Head of Performance and Planning to lead the development of organisational strategies, annual business planning and performance reporting across the Agency.

The role provides assurance to senior leaders and supports effective decision making through accurate performance information, working with Data and Analysis and operational teams and the Department for Transport to strengthen planning, reporting and governance.

Qualifications

• Be a credible and authentic leader who can articulate a vision and engage people to deliver results.
• Developing and operating robust Performance Reporting and Management Frameworks for oversight at Board and executive level.
• Developing strategies and business plans with insight into strategic and corporate issues.
• Managing and analysing performance data.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• Organisational skills to deliver against multiple priorities.
• Handling sensitive information with tact and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing the Performance and Planning function, fostering a high-performing team culture.
• Overseeing the performance reporting framework for timely, accurate management information.
• Producing monthly and quarterly performance packs for senior governance forums.
• Collaborating with Data and Analysis and operational directorates to improve data quality and insight.
• Overseeing the annual business planning process aligned with MCA strategy and DfT priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Performance reporting

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Confidential handling

Job description

Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

Salary: £57,515 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Head of Performance and Planning to lead the development of organisational strategies, annual business planning and performance reporting across the Agency. This is a high-profile role within Corporate Services, providing assurance to senior leaders and supporting effective decision making through accurate, timely and meaningful performance information. You will work closely with colleagues across MCA, including the Data and Analysis and operational teams and the Department for Transport to strengthen planning, reporting and governance arrangements, helping the Agency remain focused on delivery and continuous improvement.

As Head of Performance and Planning, you will lead the Agency’s strategic planning and performance reporting function, ensuring robust frameworks, accurate data and clear insight are in place to support delivery, governance and assurance at Executive Committee, Board and Department for Transport level.

Top Responsibilities

• Leading and developing the Performance and Planning function, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
• Overseeing the Agency’s performance reporting framework, ensuring timely, accurate and meaningful management information.
• Producing monthly and quarterly performance packs for senior governance forums, including Executive Committee, MCA Board and Sponsorship Board.
• Working with Data and Analysis colleagues and operational directorates to improve data quality, reporting consistency and insight.
• Overseeing the annual business planning process, ensuring plans align with MCA strategy, DfT priorities and wider government objectives.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Be a credible and authentic leader, with the ability to articulate a vision, and engage people to deliver results.
• Developing and operating robust Performance Reporting and Management Frameworks suitable for providing oversight at Board and executive level including development of tools and processes
• Developing strategies and business plans, providing insight and clear understanding of strategic and corporate issues.
• Managing and analysing performance data
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication and influencing skills with a demonstrable ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders up to a senior level.
• Excellent organisational and management skills with the ability to work proactively and at pace to deliver against multiple priorities.
• Handling sensitive information with tact and maintaining confidentiality.

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on 31st August 2026