At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a major government contract, ensuring high-performance operations.
- Company: Join Pearson, a leader in education with a commitment to public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive rewards, diverse workplace programmes, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for executive exposure and transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on education while shaping operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex operational programmes and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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.
Ready to make an Impact? Apply now and help shape the future of learning.
Director, Government Contract Delivery in London employer: Pearson
Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Government Contract Delivery in London
✨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 in London
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.
