Deputy Director (Finance Business Partner for Digital and Transformation Group) - Department for Work and Pensions - SCS1

Location

Birmingham / Blackpool / Leeds / Manchester / Newcastle-upon-Tyne / Sheffield
Please note that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle, this role will be based at Benton Park View, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027.

About the job

Job summary

DWP is looking to fill a Deputy Director, Finance Business Partner role supporting the Digital and Transformation Group (DTG). You will be part of the Financial Management and Partnering Directorate (FM&P). 

This is a high-profile leadership role within FM&P where you will act as the senior financial adviser on Digital Finance matters. You will lead engagement on complex financial challenges, supporting the development of robust, evidence-based investment plans and spending strategies that align with DWP’s wider strategic objectives.

The role requires you to work closely with the Deputy Director that supports DTG on the transformation part of their remit.  

You will challenge and support the business to ensure affordability, value for money, and effective prioritisation across a complex delivery landscape. You will help shape financial strategy for Digital and Transformation, providing insight on risks, opportunities and resource allocation. You will also work closely with senior stakeholders across Finance Group and wider government, ensuring strong collaboration, consistent financial management, and high-quality forecasting and analysis to underpin decision-making.

This is an excellent opportunity to join as a Senior Civil Service leader in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, leading a high-performing team and playing a key role in supporting major digital and transformation activity across the Department.

Why Join DWP?

Virtual Engagement Session

Date: 07/07/2026 Time: 09:30-10:30

This virtual session is an opportunity for you to find out more about the role and what it's like working as an FBP in DWP.  You'll get the opportunity to hear directly from the vacancy holder, Louise Skelton and Chris Kyte HR who will provide an overview of the role and hold a Q&A. Join here

Job description

This role is Deputy Director, Finance Business Partner for the Digital and Transformation Group (DTG). You will act as the senior Financial Business Partner to the Director General and her Executive Team, leading on Digital Finance matters and supporting delivery of complex, high-profile transformation activity.

You will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy, ensuring robust planning and delivery of investment programmes, and embedding financial discipline, value for money and strong governance across a complex delivery landscape and high-profile portfolio.

This role requires you to work closely with the Deputy Director that supports DTG on the transformation part of their remit.   

The role requires high levels of energy and drive – and excellent stakeholder engagement as well as strategic thinking. We are looking for candidates who can bring diverse experiences and perspectives to help shape the agenda within Financial Management and Partnering Directorate and Finance Group more broadly.

For more information about the key responsibilities for this role please view the candidate pack attached in the advert.

Person specification

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

Strategic financial leadership, translating complex financial information into clear insight to support investment and business decisions, while providing robust assurance on financial models, governance, and investment proposals.

Outstanding interpersonal communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to operate confidently as a senior financial leader and trusted adviser to Director Generals and senior stakeholders, generating trust and shaping strategic decision‑making through high‑quality financial insight.

Strong analytical capability, ability to interpret complex financial and business information, provide clear recommendations, and support decision-making on funding, investment, and financial risk. Experience of working within structured funding and spending frameworks, including engagement on major investment and funding decisions.

Ability to deliver at pace through others, balancing competing priorities while maintaining high professional standards in a complex and demanding environment.

Leadership of high-performing teams, with the ability to build capability, inspire confidence, and foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and effective use of data and digital tools.

Professional financial qualification, with full membership of a CCAB-recognised accountancy body (e.g. ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA or Chartered Accountants Ireland.)

Qualifications

Please provide details of your qualifications

Memberships

Please confirm which of the following full membership you hold (CCAB-recognised accountancy body (e.g. ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA or Chartered Accountants Ireland.)