HEO Manager within Contract Management and Partner Delivery (Generalist)

Government Recruitment Service; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Manchester is looking for a Higher Executive Officer to lead on crucial projects and engage with stakeholders to support departmental goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Frequent travel may be required between various DWP sites.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional qualifications/training

Qualifications

• Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong leadership skills to guide team members.
• Ability to communicate effectively in various formats.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver projects that support departmental priorities.
• Engage with stakeholders to maintain momentum and support delivery.
• Scope and plan activities for progress in workstreams.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Effective communication

Planning and analysis

Job description

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.

Overview of Contract Management and Partner Delivery (CMPD)

The responsibility of managing health and employment contracts sits within CMPD, as well as supporting and challenging local authorities to deliver Housing Benefit and various types of local welfare provision, allocating and managing billions of pounds in funding.

CMPD sits within Finance Group (FG) and works closely with a wide range of colleagues including DWP Operations, Digital, Estates, Commercial, Finance, Policy, Strategy, Counter Fraud and Compliance, as well as local authorities and contracted suppliers.

CMPD work with professionalism and commitment to be an exemplar in driving third‑party performance to deliver the Department’s goal of helping those that can work and supporting those that can’t. Our people are empowered to continuously improve our processes and work in partnership with our providers, local authorities and internal stakeholders. This enables us to drive high‑quality outcomes for our customers and value for money for the public. Where relevant, staff working within CMPD will be supported to gain professional qualifications / training.

You can find out more about working in DWP here: DWP recruitment video (link is external)

As a Higher Executive Officer (HEO), you will play a key role in leading and delivering work that supports departmental priorities. You will be responsible for managing projects or workstreams, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to strategic planning and decision‑making. This role requires confident communication, effective leadership, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

More information on our individual Divisions can be found within the candidate pack, and successful candidates can expect to be involved in:

Leadership and Delivery

• Lead on specific areas of work, ensuring progress against objectives and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities, demonstrating flexibility and resilience across different business areas.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. (Note: not all roles will include formal line management.)

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at various levels.
• Manage differing stakeholder views constructively to support delivery and maintain momentum.

Strategic Thinking

• Understand and articulate how your work contributes to wider departmental and government priorities.
• Demonstrate awareness of external factors and broader policy context when making decisions.
• Influence and negotiate with stakeholders to support strategic objectives.

Effective Communication

• Communicate confidently and clearly, both verbally and in writing, to influence decisions and support delivery.
• Draft formal documents including policy papers, board submissions, and responses to ministerial requests, ensuring alignment with legal and commercial standards.

Planning and Analysis

• Scope and plan key activities required to progress workstreams, contributing to wider planning and design processes.
• Use evidence from various sources—such as performance data, supplier feedback, and analysis—to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Please note: These roles will require frequent travel between Partner and other DWP sites in line with business demand and may include overnight stays. Specific travel requirements for each role will be discussed with successful individuals at the point of offer.