Description
The Future Rural Payments Service (FRPS) is one of Defra Group's largest transformation programmes, reshaping how grants and payments are delivered through a simpler, more resilient and adaptable service. With a programme budget of approximately £100 million, FRPS will replace six legacy systems, helping customers access £2.5 billion of funding each year while creating a platform capable of supporting future grants and payments services across Defra Group.
We are seeking a proven leader of major transformation programmes to lead FRPS through its next phase of delivery. Working closely with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) Chief Executive, the programme's Senior Responsible Owner, you will set strategic direction, maintain delivery momentum and ensure that investment delivers lasting benefits.
This is one of the most significant delivery leadership roles in Defra Group. You will bring together leaders from RPA, Defra policy teams and Defra's Digital, Data, Technology and Security group to align policy, operations and digital delivery around a shared objective. You will resolve competing priorities and keep the programme on track while balancing delivery pace with risk, cost and scope. You will oversee implementation and transition from legacy systems while protecting the continuity of payments on which customers depend.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record in major transformation and large-scale digital service delivery, alongside the judgement and resilience to lead through complexity. You will build confidence among Ministers, senior leaders and assurance bodies, establish clear governance and accountability, and lead high-performing, inclusive teams.
Person specification:
- Major programme delivery: A proven track record of leading large, complex transformation programmes and delivering successful outcomes in demanding environments.
- Digital service delivery: Significant experience of leading the delivery of large-scale digital services, platforms or business-critical technology programmes.
- Strategic leadership and judgement: Able to provide clear direction in complex environments, make difficult decisions and balance pace, risk, cost and value.
- Stakeholder leadership: Experience of building confidence and alignment across diverse stakeholder groups, including senior leaders, delivery partners, assurance bodies and government sponsors.
- Implementation and service transition: Experience of leading organisations through testing, business readiness, implementation and transition to live service.
- People leadership: A track record of building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Benefits: Alongside your salary of £105,000, Rural Payments Agency contributes £30,418 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. You will also receive:
- 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%