At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a major government contract, ensuring high performance and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits tailored to diverse needs, including hybrid work options.
- Other info: Gain executive exposure and influence in high-stakes government programmes.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on education while shaping national assessment delivery.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex operations, ideally in public-service environments.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
- Director, Government Contract Delivery
- Reports to: Managing Director, Pearson Qualifications
The Role
In this high-profile leadership role, you'll own the end-to-end delivery of a major multi-year government contract, ensuring secure, scalable and high-performing operations across logistics, workforce, digital platforms, marking and data delivery.
You'll be the senior relationship owner with government stakeholders, building trust through clear governance, operational resilience and transparent issue resolution.
This is a role for someone who can lead calmly through complexity, align teams around the successful delivery of a high-profile government contract, building confidence with stakeholders and strengthening Pearson's reputation through delivery excellence.
- What You'll Own
- Lead the full delivery lifecycle, from mobilisation and readiness through live test delivery, results release and post-cycle close-down.
- Own an integrated operating model spanning print, secure logistics, script collection, scanning, marking operations, quality assurance, customer support and results delivery.
- Set and execute the workforce strategy for large contingent teams, including the recruitment, onboarding, training and performance of thousands of temporary markers.
- Partner with technology, operational and supplier teams to strengthen platforms, automate processes, improve data confidence and build resilience across peak delivery windows.
About You
You'll bring proven leadership of large-scale, complex operational programmes, ideally in high-stakes, regulated or public-service environments.
You're confident operating with executive and government stakeholders, leading supplier ecosystems, and turning complex programme objectives, operational flows, stakeholder expectations and data outputs into clear priorities and decisions.
- You have experience delivering multi-channel operations across physical logistics, digital platforms and people-led services.
- You can lead through ambiguity and pressure, creating the governance, controls and assurance needed for high-profile delivery.
- You are comfortable interrogating data outputs, identifying anomalies and insisting on evidence, controls and reporting integrity.
- You champion continuous improvement and modern tools, including AI, to raise quality, pace and resilience.
- What You'll Get
This is a rare opportunity to lead nationally significant assessment delivery at scale, with high visibility across Pearson and with government stakeholders.
You'll shape an operating model that directly supports schools, pupils and the wider education system, while building organisational capability in complex programme delivery.
- Meaningful public-service impact through delivery that supports schools, pupils and national assessment confidence.
- Executive-level exposure and the chance to influence how Pearson delivers complex, high-stakes government programmes.
- The opportunity to lead transformation, automation and continuous improvement across a complex operational ecosystem.
- A leadership role where quality, accuracy, resilience and reputation genuinely matter.
Your rewards & benefits
We know you'll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business.
We know one size doesn't fit all, so our workplace programmes meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families too.
Please see our attractive UK benefits here: Pearson Jobs - Benefits.
Who we are
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning.
We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough.
We are the world's lifelong learning company.
For us, learning isn't just what we do.
It's who we are.
To learn more: We are Pearson.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify.
Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law.
We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing .
- Schedule: FULL_TIME
- Workplace Type: Hybrid
Director, Government Contract Delivery employer: Pearson
At Pearson, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead significant government contract delivery in a dynamic and supportive environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package and a culture that champions continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on education. Join us in shaping the future of learning while enjoying executive-level exposure and the chance to influence high-stakes programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Government Contract Delivery
✨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 Pearson, 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 Pearson 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 Director, Government Contract Delivery
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 Pearson 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 Pearson
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Pearson, 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 Pearson.
