DWP helps people lift themselves out of poverty and to stay out of poverty, through work, saving and support. This is a hugely important public service, and our challenge is bigger than ever. As part of Counter Fraud and Compliance Directorate (CFCD) you will be at the heart of DWP’s front line operations, helping to change people's lives and supporting CFCD's purpose of fighting fraud in the welfare system.
As the functional team lead, you will be personally accountable for the strategic direction, professional standards, governance and assurance of decision making. Acting as the recognised subject matter expert, you will provide visible leadership across organisational boundaries, ensure that significant risks and performance issues are escalated and addressed, and support the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based outcomes for customers.
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.
As Senior Leader – Functional Lead Team, you will:
- Set the strategic direction and improvement priorities for the decision-making function, translating departmental objectives into a clear and measurable delivery plan.
- Own functional standards and drive measurable improvements in decision-making accuracy, timeliness, productivity, consistency, rework and customer outcomes.
- Be at the forefront of overseeing business change; leading others through the implementation, and embedding, of new policies and procedures.
- Establish and monitor a clear performance framework, using agreed baselines, milestones and indicators to evidence impact and hold delivery areas to account.
- Use operational data, quality findings and customer insight to identify systemic risks, target interventions and track benefits through to delivery.
- Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders, clearly setting out options, impacts, dependencies and recommendations.
- Be accountable for governance, assurance and the effective escalation and resolution of complex or high-risk decision-making issues.
- Lead through a nationally distributed network of operational leaders and subject matter experts, building capability, fostering innovation and embedding best practice at scale.
Due to the geographically dispersed nature of this team, frequent travel between sites and overnight stays will be required depending on business needs.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Senior Leader - Functional Lead Team
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £58,961 to £69,399 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Sunderland
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 11 Nov 2026
Closing date: 24 Nov 2026
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Senior Leader - Functional Lead Team in Sunderland employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
