At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic direction of the Pension Data Platform, ensuring user needs and policy outcomes drive evolution.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on transforming digital services for citizens.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work collaboratively with government and industry to ensure inclusivity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of a vital public service.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic leadership and experience in user-centred design within complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: National with 4 days per month in Bedford
This role is about defining what comes next.
The role involves leading the long-term direction of the platform, ensuring its evolution is driven by clear policy outcomes, user needs and system-level thinking. Reporting to the Service Owner, you will set the strategic roadmap for the service, translating policy intent into a coherent, future-facing plan for how the platform develops over time. You will act as the bridge between government policy, user insight and digital delivery, ensuring that the platform remains relevant, inclusive and sustainable as the ecosystem matures.
What you will be responsible for:
- Strategic vision & roadmap – defining the 3–5 year direction for the platform, aligned to MaPS and wider government priorities
- Policy to service translation – turning legislative change and policy intent into clear service outcomes and roadmap priorities
- User-centred evolution – embedding user research and service design to ensure the platform meets the needs of all citizens
- Ecosystem alignment – working with industry to ensure long-term compatibility between PDP and provider transformation
- Backlog and prioritisation – shaping strategic priorities across product and service backlogs to maximise user and policy value
- Service quality & performance – defining success measures, SLAs and impact frameworks for the live service
Your impact:
- You will ensure that the Pension Data Platform evolves in line with policy, regulation and user needs
- Delivers a coherent, high-quality experience across the ecosystem
- Remains inclusive, accessible and future-proof
- Balances innovation with stability in a live, regulated environment
Who we’re looking for:
- Strong strategic leadership, a user-centred mindset and the ability to operate across complex public and industry landscapes
- Leading strategy for large-scale digital services (ideally within a GDS or equivalent environment)
- Translating policy or regulatory frameworks into digital products or services
- Driving user-centred design and service transformation
- Working across complex stakeholder environments spanning government, regulators and industry
- Strategic thinking with the ability to define and communicate a clear long-term vision
- Strong influencing and alignment skills across senior stakeholders
- Ability to synthesise policy, user insight and technical constraints into coherent plans
- Confidence operating in a high-profile, evolving national programme
Head of Service Strategy in Bedford employer: GatenbySanderson
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to drive meaningful change in the public sector. With a focus on professional development and user-centred design, we offer unique opportunities for growth and impact, particularly in our Bedford location where you can engage directly with key stakeholders while contributing to the evolution of essential digital services. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of citizens across the nation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Strategy in Bedford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like GatenbySanderson, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like GatenbySanderson and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service Strategy in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for GatenbySanderson and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with GatenbySanderson, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for GatenbySanderson.
