Operational Leaders - Central

Government Recruitment Service; Coventry; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Coventry is seeking passionate leaders for Higher Executive Officer roles to inspire teams and improve operational performance in Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt. This role involves driving efficiencies, leading investigations, and ensuring compliance with professional standards, contributing to the integrity of the welfare system. The ideal candidates will display adaptability and a commitment to results, with opportunities requiring occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in leadership roles, preferably in a public service environment.
• Proven ability to manage operational teams effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills to inspire and motivate colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership in operational teams, driving performance and customer service.
• Lead complex fraud investigations and ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Drive efficiency and value for money across operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Operational Efficiency

Customer Service Improvement

Investigative Skills

Job description

Do you have a passion for public service? Would you like to make a real difference? If so, we would like to hear from you.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for helping people move into employment, supporting pensioners, and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society. Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt (CFCD) plays a critical role in safeguarding the welfare system by reducing fraud, error, and debt.

We have two distinct Higher Executive Officer (HEO) leadership roles within CFCD:

• Operational Leader

Provide strong leadership in operational teams, driving performance, quality, and customer service. You will inspire colleagues, manage resources effectively, and deliver improvements that make a real difference to people’s lives.

• Investigations Operational Leader

Lead complex fraud investigations, including interviews under caution, evidence handling, and court attendance. This role requires technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.

Each role offers an opportunity to contribute to protecting the public purse and maintaining trust in the welfare system. If you are adaptable, motivated, and ready to take on a leadership challenge, CFCD is the place for you.

CFCD Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Team Leaders support the flexible, effective, personalised delivery of customer service, quality and performance across sites. HEO Team Leaders inspire colleagues through difficult situations, transform performance and are accountable for the effective utilisation of operational resources, delivering improved value for money and driving out inefficiencies.

Successful candidates will be posted to either CFC Operational Teams or into our Investigations team. All our leaders will be leading and driving performance as per the key tasks below but it’s important to state that CFC Operational leaders primarily work in a case work environment. Whereas in Investigations the setting is different as outlined below.

As part of Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt (CFCD), you will play a vital role in protecting the integrity of the welfare system. These leadership roles involve managing teams, delivering operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with legal and professional standards. While each role has its own focus, all share the common goal of reducing fraud, error, and debt.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership and Team Management
• Provide clear, visible leadership and inspire colleagues to deliver high performance and quality.
• Create an inclusive team environment, embracing diversity and promoting respect.
• Undertake regular performance reviews, coaching, and development to build capability.
• Operational Delivery
• Drive efficiency and value for money across operations.
• Monitor and improve customer experience, ensuring “one customer, one service, one business” becomes a reality.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Specialist Functions
• Investigations: Direct investigations, conduct interviews under caution, review prosecution cases, attend court, and manage disclosure in line with legal standards.
• Operational Leadership: Lead casework teams, improve processes, and manage resources effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Compliance and Standards
• Ensure adherence to departmental policies, legal frameworks, and security requirements.
• Promote fraud awareness and maintain professional standards at all times.

These roles require adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to delivering results in a dynamic environment. You will need to balance operational priorities with strategic objectives, ensuring that CFCD continues to protect the public purse and maintain trust in the welfare system.

Due to the geographically dispersed nature of this team, this role will require occasional / frequent travel and overnight stays.