Senior Operational Leader

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Operational Leader to manage a large, geographically diverse team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, decision-making capabilities, and a commitment to fostering collaboration and performance improvements. This role requires frequent travel and the ability to motivate and support colleagues in delivering high-quality customer service. The agency values diversity and inclusivity in leadership.

Benefits

Disability Confident employer

Qualifications

• Demonstrable leadership experience in managing diverse teams.
• Ability to make sound, complex decisions quickly.
• Skills in motivating teams and fostering collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead a geographically diverse team of at least 100+ colleagues.
• Oversee business change and drive continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with senior representatives from other departments.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Performance management

Job description

As part of Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt (CFCD) Directorate you will be at the heart of DWP's front line operations, helping to change people's lives and supporting the CFCD purpose of fighting fraud in the welfare system. As a Senior Operational Leader, you will role model excellent senior management leadership, taking responsibility for the flexible, effective, personalised delivery of customer service, quality, and performance. You will provide transformational leadership to a geographically diverse team - leading through others, driving people engagement, and inspiring colleagues to deliver objectives. CFCD is a great place to work where the leadership team are passionate about attracting the best talent whilst nurturing and valuing new and existing colleagues to be the best they can be. We are looking for people who can demonstrate our values and commitment to leadership which are based around collaboration, resilience and inclusivity. We look for emotionally aware leaders who enable teams to be innovative, adaptable and flexible. We want you to be comfortable challenging the norm and finding daring and dynamic solutions that support our values and enable colleagues to shine in whatever role they do.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large, geographically diverse team of at least 100+ colleagues setting strategic business priorities and driving performance.
• Make sound, complex decisions at pace and instil technical knowledge in your team.
• Use initiative to seek solutions to problems; making interpretative judgements where circumstances fall outside of available guidance.
• Oversee business change, lead performance reviews, and drive continuous improvement.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior representatives from other government departments and external bodies.
• Provide visible, effective leadership through regular site visits and clear communication.
• Motivate teams to operate flexibly, seek feedback, and personalise services for customers.
• Encourage creative thinking and collaborative working to drive innovation and service improvements.
• Ensure compliance with DWP policies and procedures, managing risk exposure.
• A large part of the role is dealing with HR policy and procedures and carrying out the decision maker role on sensitive staff related issues.

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

Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .