At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and performance improvement for the digital function at DfT.
- Company: Department for Transport, committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, performance management, and transformation.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- 472892 Head of Strategy, Performance and Improvement
- Department for Transport
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 9th August 2026
- Location: Birmingham, Hastings, Leeds, Swansea (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
- Salary: £69,501 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
The Digital Performance and Capability team ensures DIS has the people, resources, governance and insight needed to deliver its strategic objectives.
As Head of Strategy, Performance and Improvement, you will lead the Business and Strategy team and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the digital function across Df T.
Working closely with Directors, Deputy Directors and senior stakeholders, you will lead the development and delivery of strategic plans, performance frameworks and governance arrangements that drive organisational success.
You will provide a clear view of performance across operational, financial, workforce and supplier activity, using data and insight to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Top Responsibilities
- Ensuring the directorate and digital function at Df Tc has the right resources (finance, contracts, people) and the right capabilities (skills, development) with sufficient forwards planning and controls, and a governance framework that enables so that the directorate is able to work effectively.
- Setting strategy that is aligned with the Modern Digital Government Blueprint, creating business plans, performance managing and monitoring delivery ensuring risks are managed appropriately, successes are celebrated and early interventions are identified and managed to prevent issues.
- Ensuring appropriate reporting to
- Leading transformation and improvement for the directorate and digital function within Df Tc; in particular, leading the implementation of a new Target Operating Model which requires liaison with HR, HROD, TUs, the Director and Deputy Directors, external suppliers and multiple internal stakeholders.
- Working across the Df T Group on behalf of the digital function to develop strategies, plans and conduct reviews.
- 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:
- Leadership and management
- Performance Management
- Budget and Contract Management
- Transformation
- This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 9th August 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Strategy, Performance and Improvement in Birmingham employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
Join the National Transport Casework Team and experience a fulfilling career where your contributions directly impact the UK’s transport network. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer excellent career development opportunities, including funding for professional qualifications, alongside a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and support, ensuring you thrive in a dynamic environment while making a meaningful difference.
Contact Details:
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy, Performance and Improvement in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy, Performance and Improvement in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
