Head of Enterprise Performance

Job Description

Details

Reference number

471290

Salary

£67,730 – £81,535

National: £67,730 – £75,480 London: £73,165 – £81,535 For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading ‘Salary’.

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Grade 6

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

DEFRA – DGCS – Portfolio

Type of role

Analytical Operational Research

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time, Compressed hours

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York

About the job

Job summary

You will join the Data and Analysis for Delivery (DA4D) Division in Portfolio Directorate in Defra’s Strategy and Change Director General Group.

DA4D is a team of 20 performance, risk, digital and data professionals. We’re a fun, ambitious and welcoming team working to put quality data, information, advice and support at the heart of how Defra delivers outcomes. We are one of the core strategic teams helping Defra deliver some of government’s most ambitious and exciting work and outcomes: water, food, land and nature are the infrastructure upon which everything else depends and the foundation for our economic way of life and a thriving farming sector, clean water, productive seas and reduced trade barriers with the EU are all contributions to a growing economy. We are also a national security and resilience department leading work on biosecurity, flood resilience, food security, protection from environmental hazards and emergency preparedness which are all central to keeping the people of this country safe.

As Head of Enterprise Performance, you will sit at the heart of Defra’s strategic centre, where you will advise and support teams, Directors, Directors General, and the Permanent Secretary on the extent to which Defra is on track to achieve its outcomes. This is a moment of change for Defra: you will be responsible for a step-change in Defra’s ability to know the extent to which we are on track, instrumental in building the performance capabilities Defra needs to do this and to course correct when needed.

Job description

You will be an experienced analytical leader who is happy engaging with people and teams. You’ll be at home leading ambitious analytical work and know how to lead the change needed in the business. You’ll know how policy delivery works in practice, and with that knowledge and experience, you’ll help policy delivery teams improve how they’re monitoring and using performance data. You will provide great advice and will lead teams and the organisation through acting on that advice, improving outcome delivery as a result.

You will do so by:

• leading efforts to improve the monitoring and measurement of Defra’s outcomes and corporate functions;
• Using data and analysis to identify and take collaborative action to resolve performance issues, and
• build performance capability across the wider organisation, whilst
• ensuring high quality published performance contributions to the annual fiscal, accountability and governance cycle

You will shape the performance conversation at the most strategic level and use your analytical expertise to identify and exploit the most appropriate data and information, so that we’re ‘measuring what needs to be delivered’ and delivering it as a result. You will derive performance insight and support enterprise-level performance management from that data and information, and from the relationships that you build and cultivate across outcomes delivery teams.

You will oversee the development and consistency of a performance measurement framework across the department, working to align frameworks and approaches across the wider Defra group where possible and desirable. In doing so you will build communities and capability across teams to embed performance management where it matters. You will collaborate with analytical (and policy?)colleagues embedded in outcome and delivery areas right across the department, working in matrix ways, to support them to identify and improve performance measures.

To achieve all this, you will empower and motivate a small analytical team while building coalitions and capabilities in the wider business through which you will improve performance measurement? at scale.

Does this sound interesting but like you might not be quite right? Please read on and consider applying! We’re looking for applicants from people with diverse experience and perspectives.

Person specification

You will be able to demonstrate the below skills and experience:

• You will have the ability to develop a multidisciplinary analytical team to deliver high-quality analysis at pace, and using the analysis to drive change in an organisation;
• You will influence colleagues at all levels of seniority, identifying capability needs and supporting capability improvement
• You will be an inclusive and collaborative leader. You’ll be able to support and guide your team, looking after their wellbeing and leading them through change
• Deep understanding and a proven track record of using data and analysis in decision-making and using data and analysis to influence senior officials.
• Excellent strategic thinking and data communication skills, including effective presentation of complex, incomplete or ambiguous information for senior audiences
• Experience of automating analysis and/or developing data dashboards, and data visualisation.

Applicants must be either members of the Government analyst professions (Government Economic Service, Government Statistical Service, Government Social Research, Government Operational Research Service) or meet the entry requirements for one of these professions.

If you are not currently a member of a government analytical function (for instance, if you are applying as someone outside of the civil service), please familiarise yourself with one or more of:

Membership – Government Economic Service – GOV.UK

Joining the GSS and GSG – Government Analysis Function

Government Social Research Membership and Eligibility Guidance – GOV.UK

Government Operational Research Service – Badging Process – GOV.UK

Memberships

This role requires the successful candidate to be a member of one of the following professions: 1. Government Economic Service 2. Government Statistical Service 3. Government Social Research 4. Government Operational Research Service If you are an existing members of one of the listed professions: Include details of your profession in your application. If you are not an existing member of one of these professions: Choose a profession and provide details of your qualifications and experience that enable you to meet the eligibility criteria. If you have any questions about this, please contact [email protected]

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership

Technical skills

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Your technical skills will be assessed at interview via a presentation and an assessment of technical skills related to your profession. Details will be provided to you by the hiring team for your completion and return ahead of your interview.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £67,730, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £19,621 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 24th August 2026. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 24th August 2026..

While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.

It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.

Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits; for further information visit the Reasonable adjustments for online tests – a candidate guide

Online Test Maintenance

Our online test supplier will be performing scheduled maintenance between 4pm to 7pm on 23rd August 2026. You will be unable to access tests during this period.

If you are in the middle of a test when the maintenance begins, your progress will be paused. You will be able to resume your test from where you left off via your application centre once the downtime has ended. Please note that you will not be able to launch any new tests while the system is offline.

You will be directed to the Talogy – True Talent – Scheduled Maintenance Window Webpage for online tests during an outage.

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a Civil Service behaviour, CV and Personal Statement to demonstrate your experience relating to the Essential Requirements listed in the job advert.

• A name-blind (anonymous) CV covering your previous job history, qualifications and experience.
• A Personal Statement should be no more than 500 words to align with the essential criteria listed in the advert.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Candidates will be assessed at the initial sift stage on their CV, Personal Statement, and the lead behaviour. The lead behaviour is Leadership.

Candidates successful at sift will be invited to interview. The interview will consist of:

• A presentation
• An assessment of technical skills related to their profession
• Four behaviour based questions

Details of the presentation and technical skills assessment will be emailed to candidates directly by the hiring team in advance of their interview.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.

Further Information

Location

As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).

Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.

The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.

Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to DEFRA 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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ 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.

Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Merit Lists

Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be appointed in merit order for each location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.

Criminal Record Check

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

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 [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Internal Fraud Database Check

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.

Higher Security Clearance

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check . See our vetting charter .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Andrew Cleary
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here