At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and transformation initiatives in a dynamic public sector organisation.
- Company: Join a large, impactful public sector organisation driving significant change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £88k, flexible working options, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work at a senior level with exposure to complex transformation programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by enhancing services and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in senior management, with leadership in strategic areas.
Your new company Hays Accountancy and Finance are currently supporting our client, a large, complex public sector organisation undergoing significant transformation. This organisation plays a central role in delivering critical services across a multi-stakeholder environment and is focused on driving strategic change, performance improvement, and enhanced customer engagement across its operations.
As Assistant Director, you will operate at a senior leadership level, supporting the Director and Executive team to deliver strategic priorities and transformation initiatives. You will lead a broad portfolio covering strategic planning, performance management, customer engagement, governance, and service improvement.
Your new role:
- Leading the development and delivery of corporate and operational strategic planning frameworks
- Driving organisation-wide performance management, including KPI development and reporting
- Developing and embedding a customer engagement strategy and feedback framework
- Overseeing governance, risk, and assurance reporting processes at a corporate level
- Supporting business planning cycles, including annual plans and long-term strategic initiatives
- Leading service improvement and transformation programmes to enhance efficiency and performance
- Managing stakeholder relationships across internal leadership teams and external partners
- Providing strategic insight and briefing to senior leadership and board-level stakeholders
- Leading multidisciplinary teams across planning, performance, and customer functions
- Contributing to financial planning, budget oversight, and business case development
What you'll need to succeed:
- A degree or relevant professional qualification plus at least 3 years' senior management experience, OR At least 5 years' senior management experience
- Experience must include leadership across at least three of the following areas: Strategic planning, Performance management, Service improvement, Customer engagement / customer service, Risk management, Corporate governance
In addition, applicants must demonstrate:
- Proven experience of team leadership and people management
- Experience of financial management and budget oversight
- A strong track record in leading organisational change and service improvement initiatives
- Delivery of performance management programmes, achieving key targets and measurable improvements over a sustained period
- Experience working with a broad range of stakeholders, both internal and external, to deliver successful outcomes
What you'll get in return:
- Opportunity to work at a senior leadership level within a high-impact organisation
- Exposure to complex transformation and strategic programmes
- Competitive salary aligned to senior public sector bands
- Flexible working options available
What you need to do now:
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Interim Assistant Director of Strategic Planning in Belfast employer: HAYS Specialist Recruitment
Join a dynamic public sector organisation that is at the forefront of delivering essential services and driving transformative change. As an employer, we offer a collaborative work culture that values strategic insight and innovation, alongside competitive salaries and flexible working options. With ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to lead impactful initiatives, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful difference in their community.
Contact Details:
HAYS Specialist Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Assistant Director of Strategic Planning in Belfast
✨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 HAYS Specialist Recruitment, 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 HAYS Specialist Recruitment 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 Interim Assistant Director of Strategic Planning in Belfast
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 HAYS Specialist Recruitment 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 HAYS Specialist Recruitment
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with HAYS Specialist Recruitment, 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 HAYS Specialist Recruitment.
