Lead Analyst for Digital Transformation Group

• Setting a clear overall vision for the programme of analytical work in the Digital Analytics Directorate and the wider Transformation Group in collaboration with the Director and other Deputy Directors – championing the use of quality analysis so that it has maximum influence over the work of the directorate and across Digital and transformation, whilst maintaining alignment with the DWP data strategy and Department Priorities
• Strong personal leadership, setting a clear vision and objectives for the division, building capability, pride and staff engagement whilst effectively managing performance, continuing to push the boundaries in building a collaborative culture and harnessing expertise from all professions and individuals.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across DWP and wider government and externally to establish a high impact evaluation, research and analysis programme that drives continuous improvement in the way DWP digitises and transforms its services.
• Acting as the senior analytical adviser for major transformation programmes, providing strategic challenge, analytical assurance and insight to executive leaders, programme boards and Ministers.
• Championing the use of customer and colleague insight and evidence to inform Operational Delivery, Policy Development and service transformation to improve outcomes for customers.
• Leading the development of transformation measurement frameworks, including performance metrics, benefits realisation and value-for-money assessments. Championing innovative approaches where appropriate.
• Strengthening the evidence base and developing evidence narratives to support transformation activities. Whilst ensuring decision makers understand both the strengths and limitations of evidence used to support policy, operational and transformation decisions.
• Acting as the accountable senior analytical leader for the quality, integrity and use of evidence across the Lead Analyst area, ensuring appropriate quality assurance, governance, publication standards and adherence to professional best practice. Managing analytical and reputational risk associated with the interpretation and use of analysis, research and data.
• As a member of the Senior Civil Service and Senior Analytical Leadership Team, the Lead Analyst has wider leadership responsibilities across the DWP, visibly leading on activities that support improved diversity and inclusion, talent and capability growth.

Person Specification

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and skills against the following essential criteria:

• Excellent leadership skills with a track record of designing, developing and motivating high-performing and diverse multi-disciplinary teams and ideally experience of setting up new analytical functions and ensuring the work lands with influence and impact,
• Outstanding, broad and interdisciplinary analytical skills, with strong experience of leading large evaluation programmes and scrutinising and challenging methodological approaches, with extensive experience of developing, commissioning and managing complex research/evaluation programmes,
• Excellent communication and influencing skills and proven ability to build highly effective and trusting relationships and to work collaboratively with senior leaders across DWP, Ministers, and wider government,
• Experience providing strategic analytical advice to senior decision-makers, boards and governance forums, translating complex evidence into clear recommendations and business outcomes for both operational and strategic purposes,
• Experienced in building capability and growing talent across teams and professions, using inclusive leadership to build a new division and create a culture of inclusivity and wellbeing, where individuals are valued and diverse talent can thrive and succeed,
• Preferably experience of delivering analytical leadership within large-scale digital, operational or organisational transformation programmes.

The successful candidate will be from one of the government analytical Professions or will need to be suitably qualified to join.

For further details of eligibility requirements and membership please see links below:

• Government Economics Services (GES) - Membership - Government Economic Service - GOV.UK
• Government Statistician Group (GSG) - Joining the GSS and GSG – Government Analysis Function
• Government Operational Research Service (GORS) - Government Operational Research Service - Mainstream Recruitment - GOV.UK
• Government Social Research (GSR) - Government Social Research Membership and Eligibility Guidance - GOV.UK

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Salary and Benefits

Alongside your salary of £86,000, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £24,914 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

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 and flexible working.
• Generous annual leave – at least 25 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.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Application Process

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process outlined below no later than 12 noon on Monday 26th October 2026.

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;
• A personal statement (maximum 1250 words), explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities, and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in