Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast paced dynamic team working to the Area Director within Central England Universal Credit Operations.
The Area Director has responsibility for the day to day delivery of Universal Credit Operations in Central England via Jobcentres and Service Centres, including the relationship with employers and other external partners.
This role will provide the successful candidate with a wider understanding and knowledge of working in an Area Director�s office, which will see them working closely with senior colleagues and their support teams including Group Director�s, Service Leaders, Ministerial Private Offices, Permanent Secretary�s Office and colleagues across the Department.
Job description
Key accountabilities
1. Drafting communications for the Area Director, including letters, videos, blogs, podcasts, internal communications and briefings.
2. Acting as a key contact across the Area in cascading communications and information from the Area Director.
3. Being confident in providing briefing, views, advice to the Area Director and other senior colleagues.
4. Commissioning and quality assuring and/or producing responses and briefing material on Area Director�s behalf.
5. Providing effective secretariat for the Area Director�s key governance meetings ( senior leadership team) to ensure agendas and papers are issued on time, organising inputs to align with strategic priorities, arranging appropriate presenters, and developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with key stakeholders.
6. Managing and overseeing a portfolio of work on behalf of the Area Director. This will involve ensuring the Area Director�s day to day business is transacted correctly, efficiently and punctually by coordinating actions, tracking progress and providing timely updates.
7. Acting as a key contact for the Director General�s Office and other senior colleagues and stakeholders.
8. Working effectively with the Director General team and other private offices.
9. Handling enquiries and ad hoc requests, including from the Director General, Ministers and the Permanent Secretary.
10. Play a leadership role in the Area Director�s office team to ensure a smooth day to day running of the Area Director�s office, including line management of some colleagues.
Training and support can be provided to help the successful candidate develop their skills to confidently support the Area Director and their Senior Team in shaping the delivery of Work & Health Services in Central England and providing an interface with colleagues and stakeholders.
Location
Applicants should apply for suitable posts where they can travel to and from their home office location daily within a reasonable time.���
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.�
Hybrid Working
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home.� This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Standard promotion rules will apply, and successful candidates will be placed on the pay scale and terms and conditions of DWP.
Candidates should note that if successful in this campaign, you will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before applying for any other lateral moves within DWP.
For more information about the role please refer to the candidate pack.
Person specification
Key Criteria
The post holder will need to demonstrate:�
11. Excellent planning and organisational skills: ability to prioritise and organise workloads effectively and react quickly, take the lead on issues arising in a fast-moving and, at times, pressurised environment working to tight deadlines, demonstrating personal resilience. Lead Key Criteria
12. A proven track record of successfully leading and managing a function and team, ideally in a high profile, fast paced and complex Business Support role or the aptitude to hit the floor running.
13. Building and maintaining excellent working relationships with colleagues and senior leaders across the Department.
14. Communicating and challenging effectively and confidently with people at all levels including Directors and Ministerial Private offices.
15. Analysing and interpreting senior level communications and data.
16. Providing an effective secretariat function and conveying clear messages on behalf of the Area Director.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
17. Making Effective Decisions
18. Delivering at Pace
19. Seeing the Big Picture
20. Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
21. Learning and development tailored to your role
22. An environment with flexible working options
23. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
24. A with an average employer contribution of 27%
25. Generous annual leave, plus bank holidays
26. Competitive maternity, paternity, and parental leave
27. Employee Assistance with emphasis on wellbeing
28. Employee discount schemes