Performance Manager (HEO)
36 High Street, Taunton TA1
New Jobs
Permanent
£38,772 a year
- Manage health and employment contracts, collaborating with local authorities and overseeing significant funding allocations to improve public services.
- Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, contract management experience, and a commitment to diversity and public service.
- Flexible working arrangements in Taunton, Exeter, or Bridgwater, with a comprehensive benefits package including a Civil Service Pension and opportunities for career growth.
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Procurement and Contracts Management
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
- Location
- About the job
- Benefits
- Things you need to know
- Apply and further information
Location
Exeter - Clarendon House, Western Way, EX1 2DA
Bridgwater - Hanover House, Northgate, TA6 3HG
About the job
Job summary
Working towards sustainable futures. Championing diversity in the workplace. At the Department for Work and Pensions, it?s all in a day?s work. From HR to Finance, Policy to Communications, this is work that sustains and supports, where everyone?s voice is heard, and our customers are at the heart of everything we do. For a career packed with possibility, a comprehensive benefits package, where we live by our values and have the opportunity to improve the lives of people across the UK, look no further.
Supporting people who need it most. That?s our purpose. Start your own career today. Find out more and apply here.
DWP is looking to fill 1 Performance Manager role in Contract Management and Partner Delivery (CMPD). The role available will be based in one of the offices below:
- Taunton ? Brendon House, 35-36 High Street, Taunton, TA1 3NY
- Exeter - Clarendon House, Western Way, EX1 2DA
- Bridgwater - Hanover House, Northgate, TA6 3HG
Overview of Contract Management and Partner Delivery (CMPD)
The responsibility of managing health and employment contracts sits within CMPD, as well as supporting and challenging local authorities to deliver Housing Benefit and various types of local welfare provision, allocating and managing billions of pounds in funding.
CMPD sits within Finance Group (FG) and works closely with a wide range of colleagues including DWP Operations, Digital, Estates, Commercial, Finance, Policy, Strategy, Counter Fraud and Compliance, as well as local authorities and contracted suppliers.
CMPD work with professionalism and commitment to be an exemplar in driving third-party performance to deliver the Department?s goal of helping those that can work and supporting those that can?t. Our people are empowered to continuously improve our processes and work in partnership with our providers, local authorities and internal stakeholders. This enables us to drive high-quality outcomes for our customers and value for money for the public. Where relevant, staff working within CMPD will be supported to gain professional qualifications / training.
To find out more about working for DWP: BSL ? Why join the DWP? Watch our recruitment video.
Job description
This exciting opportunity has arisen within Employment Account Division (EAD) which is part of CMPD. EAD is responsible for the Relationship, Performance, Budget, and Compliance Management of DWP?s contracted and grant funded employment provision, delivered by external Suppliers and Local Authority led Accountable Bodies and delivery partners.
The Division performance manages contracts for a range of programmes, including Restart, Work and Health Programme, and Access to Work as well as responsibilities for managing grants in Connect to Work.
As a Performance Manager, you will be required to support delivery of CMPD aims and objectives and actively support and promote the DWP vision.
Key Accountabilities
- Ensure that external partners? service delivery standards are constantly measured, business targets and objectives met in line with original assumptions/contractual obligations.
- Monitor performance against targets and service levels, producing performance reports and briefing material as required.
- Engaging with stakeholders to fully impact performance challenges.
- Challenge and inspire external partners to drive performance improvements where needed, identifying innovative solutions and escalating risks as appropriate.
- Identify ways in which the Department should mitigate and manage potential risks to performance.
- Support Grade 7, Senior Performance Manager (SPM) and other HEOs across the country to optimise cross-programme performance.
- Develop a strong understanding of external partners processes and ensure their requirements are considered in DWP planning activity.
- Project a clear understanding of provision/ or grant requirements to ensure provision aligns with expectations.
- Maintain strong and effective working relationships with a wide range of internal/external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with external partners on opportunities to improve both the performance and value for money.
- Identify potential risks to the successful performance and ways in which the Department should mitigate and manage these risks.
- Attend/contribute to governance meetings, providing appropriate challenge to ensure robust scrutiny of external partners? performance.
- To be accredited or prepared to work towards foundation level with the Cabinet Office Operational Supplier Management (OSM) programme.
This is a partnering role and there will be significant travel to visit provider sites and other CMPD and DWP sites as required which may include overnight stays.
This role is 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.
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
Lead essential Criteria:
- Demonstrable engagement and influencing skills with a strong focus on building collaborative working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the team, department and with external providers.
Other essential Criteria:
- Proven ability to lead by example and provide inspiration, direction and support to colleagues and internal/external stakeholders by communicating with clarity and purpose and challenging in a professional manner.
- Demonstrable ability to work flexibly to meet changing demands and manage multiple competing priorities in a complex and challenging environment.
- Proven experience of producing excellent communications with the ability to assimilate and interpret information quickly and explain complex propositions simply and clearly.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Demonstrable engagement and influencing skills with a strong focus on building collaborative working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the team, department and with external providers.
Benefits
DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
- Generous annual leave ? at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro?rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
- Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
- Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year?s continuous service.
- Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
- An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women?s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Selection process details
After submission of the first stage of your application applicants will be asked to provide the following in their written application:
- 250 word Technical statement on the Lead essential criteria: Demonstrable engagement and influencing skills with a strong focus on building collaborative working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the team, department and with external providers.
750 word Personal statement against the remaining other essential criteria as outlined above.
- Candidates will also be asked to provide a short CV listing your skills and experience.
Your CV will only be considered for applications that progress to job offer and will assist the vacancy holders in matching skills to suitable opportunities/locations. It will not form part of the sifting process or be scored.
Sift:
An initial sift will be conducted using the information applicants provide against the Technical criteria outlined on the technical template (250 words) supplied in the application process. Applicants who do not meet the minimum standard at this stage will not have their personal statement assessed. Applicants who reach the minimum standard on the initial sift will be progressed to full sift.
For candidates who meet the minimum standard a full sift will be conducted using the information applicants provide in line with the Essential Criteria within the person specification section of this advert, using the information applicants provide on the Personal Statement template (750 words) supplied in the application process.
Sift is scheduled between: 7th - 11th September 2026.
Interview:
Applicants meeting the agreed minimum standard will be interviewed using the blended approach testing both Behaviours & Strengths. Interviews will be conducted virtually via MS Teams. Further information on what candidates can expect as part of the interview stage will be available as part of the invite to interview.
Interviews are scheduled between: 23rd - 27th September 2026
Please note: Sift and interview dates are approximate only and are subject to change inline with panel availability.
Postings:
Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences and the geographical requirements of the business.
You will be asked for your preferences for up to 2 locations, these will tell us where you would prefer to work if you are successful. Please do not select a location unless you are prepared to accept a role in that location.
Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles here.
Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences, where appropriate, and the geographical requirements of the business. Dependent on your position on the merit list, if none of your location preferences remain at the point we make a job offer, DWP may offer you a role at an alternative advertised location. If we are unable to offer you a role in any of your preferred locations, and you are unable to accept a role at an alternative advertised location, we will add you to the reserve list if one is being held.
Further Information
At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.
Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:
- If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).
- If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.
Disability Confident Scheme
If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.
Reasonable Adjustments
We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ?Reasonable Adjustments? section in the ?Additional requirements? page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you?re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Integrity, plagiarism and Civil Service Principles
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.
Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.
Examples of plagiarism can include:
- Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
- Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own
Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.
To process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant?s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.
Important
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful, you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.
Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP?s Terms and Conditions, and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to accepting a role.
Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.
Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.
Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Laura Jones
- Email : fg.cmpdresourcingandrecruitment@DWP.GOV.UK
Recruitment team
- Email : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.
36 High Street, Taunton TA1
New Jobs
Permanent
£38,772 a year