Head of Leadership and Talent

Role Description

1. To lead the identification and development of the skills DWP needs to ensure business success, through an appropriate skills strategy.

2. To lead the design of strategy and implementation of policy, products and processes which support the identification and development of the leadership cadre required to deliver current and future organisational strategies

3. To lead the ongoing refinement and implementation of the Talent Management and Succession Planning strategy at all leadership levels

Role Reports to: Director of Organisational Capability

Leads

• Head of Talent Management – G6
• Skills Strategy Manager – G7
• Project Manager – G7
• Leadership Development Manager – G7

PrincipalAccountabilities

• Define and deliver the overarching DWP Skills Strategy.
• Support all HR teams and businesses in the implementation of the DWP Skills Strategy.
• Build the infrastructure to deliver the Skills Strategy. This will include overseeing the design and implementation of Job Families and competency frameworks across DWP.
• Liaise with Cabinet Office and ensure these support the Professional Skills For Government agenda.
• Implement the Professional Skills for Government agenda in DWP.
• Deliver a leadership and management development strategy, with blended learning products to develop the required capabilities.
• Roll out the ‘executive’ talent, ‘emerging’ talent and ‘early’ talent management strategy, providing tailored accelerated development provision to high potential leaders.
• Oversee the ongoing review of senior succession plans, aligning recruitment and development to these.
• Facilitate senior talent forums.§ Account manage /coach the top ‘executive’ talent identified.
• Conduct full talent audits at agreed intervals across DWP.
• Build a holistic view of organisational capability requirements and align all related strategies as this evolves.
• Provide leadership, guidance and coaching to direct reports to build a credible Centre of Expertise.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (to include maintaining budgets) with customers to ensure consistently high levels of service, proactively addressing areas of concern.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement bringing in best practice
• Work flexibly as a member of the Senior HR leadership team in order to maximise personal contribution.

Key SCS Competencies, Knowledge and Skills

KNOWLEDGE

1. Extensive experience specialising in Leadership Development and Talent Management gained in an environment with considerable exposure to executive management teams.

2. Recognised and credible for technical specialist knowledge.

3. Awareness of key external trends and best practice in order to influence DWP’s approach.

4. Knowledge and application of best practice HR processes and systems.

5. Business awareness, from strategy to operational practices.

6. Proven track record of operating effectively within a team-based environment, including group problem-solving techniques and facilitation skills.

7. Highly developed network of contacts in the industry & with other HR expert roles.

8. Strategic capability.

9. Strong communication, influencing and coaching skills.

10. Confidence, drive, diplomacy and personal capability to lead strategic change.

SCS COMPETENCIES

• Giving purpose and direction.
• Making a personal impact.
• Thinking strategically.
• Getting the best from people.
• Learning and improving.
• Focusing on delivery.