Organisational Design Lead – Outside IR35 (6 month, possible extension)
Hybrid working (2–3 days per week on site in Bristol, Abbey Wood, and as required, with remaining WFH).
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the UK’s central government department responsible for protecting the country’s security and independence.
About the role
The DNE is focused on delivering improved outcomes while contributing to wider Defence measures to address resource challenges. This includes the formation of the Submarine Delivery Group (SDG) from 1 April 2026, and the establishment of a minimum viable organization design solution for SDG.
The Portfolio Optimisation Lead will be responsible for driving the coordination needed to deliver efficiencies and implement consistency across the DNE.
Key Responsibilities and Qualifications
* Lead and coordinate the People Workstream within the Submarine Delivery Group transformation programme, ensuring that all organisational design (OD) activities comply with government functional standards and align with the department’s overarching strategic business objectives.
* Provide expert strategic challenge and counsel as an HR Business Partner to senior leadership teams (SCS level), influencing high‑level decisions on operating models, structural shifts, and cultural interventions to drive organisational effectiveness.
* Navigate a complex political and governance landscape of an MoD Area, brokering solutions across organisational boundaries and ensuring that people‑related risks are identified and mitigated in line with the Civil Service Management Code.
* Design and implement evidence‑based organisational structures and workforce plans, using data and behavioural insights to ensure the business is “fit for purpose” and capable of delivering crucial public services.
* Manage stakeholder relationships, including consultation with Trade Unions and staff networks, to foster an inclusive environment and maintain employee engagement during periods of significant structural transition.
* Apply robust Project and Programme Management (PPM) methodologies to track workstream milestones, manage dependencies, and ensure the timely delivery of people‑focused transformation outcomes.
* Develop comprehensive workforce transition strategies, including competency mapping and the design of recruitment campaigns using the Success Profile Framework, to ensure a merit‑based and fair migration to new operating models.
* Design an evaluation of the efficiency, effectiveness and agility of new structures post‑implementation, ensuring that changes remain resilient and aligned with long‑term Defence Nuclear Enterprise and Submarine Delivery Group priorities.
* Proven track record of leading and delivering large‑scale business change programmes in complex, matrixed organisations.
* Significant experience in organisational design (OD), restructuring, and workforce transformation.
* Strong blend of project/programme delivery expertise alongside a credible HR/people strategy background.
* Demonstrated ability to develop and implement change management strategies that drive organisational effectiveness and adoption.
* Experience operating within large, complex environments (e.g. public sector or private sector organisations with 5,000+ employees).
* Established leadership capability, with experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and delivering outcomes at pace in high‑pressure environments.
SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role; candidates must be willing and eligible to undergo checks, and preference may be given to those who hold active security clearance.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the MOD guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates with a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we interview the best candidates from within that group.
The MOD guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates / military spouses or partners who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
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