Group Employer Lead

Job summary

We are seeking outstanding Group Employer Leads to join the DWP - Jobs and Careers Service (JCS) Scotland and Northern England Leadership Teams.

This is a unique opportunity to influence and lead strategic employer engagement across Scotland and Northern England, building and maintaining strong partnerships with key national and regional employers.

The postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering employer-led solutions that support DWP priorities, improve employment outcomes, and ensure our services respond effectively to current and future labour market needs.

As a senior leader, you will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, providing strategic direction, driving innovation, and influencing decision-making at all levels. Operating within a complex environment, you will be committed to continuous improvement, delivering high-quality outcomes for employers, customers and communities.

This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering outstanding outcomes through collaboration, influence and strategic thinking.

Applicants should only apply for roles where they can reasonably undertake frequent travel throughout Scotland or Northern England. The successful candidate may be based at any suitable site within the area. Please see the attached list of Districts and Sites.

Please note, these vacancies are not currently eligible for new applications for Visa Sponsorship on the Skilled Worker route, for any candidates who do not currently have permission to be in the UK as a Skilled Worker where they were sponsored before 4 April 2024, even if relying on tradeable points (including the new entrant tradeable points option) as they are not included in the published Immigration Salary List.

This information is offered as guidance only, and we recommend that applicants seek specialist advice on their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship (if applicable) when considering whether to apply for any role.

Job description

The Group Employer Lead is responsible for leading strategic employer engagement activity across a large geographical area, developing partnerships that create employment, skills and progression opportunities for customers. The role works closely with employers, business representative organisations, training providers and public sector partners to understand workforce needs and develop innovative employment solutions that support economic growth and social mobility.

The postholder will develop and deliver employer engagement strategies, influence senior stakeholders, and identify opportunities to increase recruitment, skills development and career progression pathways across key sectors. Working as part of a senior leadership team, they will drive continuous improvement, share best practice, and ensure employer activity delivers measurable outcomes for both employers and customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with large employers and industry partners across the region, identifying opportunities to support workforce growth and recruitment needs.
• Design and implement employer engagement strategies that increase access to employment, skills development and career progression opportunities.
• Build effective partnerships with employer representative organisations, business networks and industry bodies, such as Chambers of Commerce and sector groups.
• Lead large-scale employer engagement campaigns and initiatives to increase recruitment outcomes and support organisational priorities.
• Work collaboratively with employers to create tailored pathways into employment and sustainable career progression opportunities.
• Champion inclusive recruitment practices and support initiatives that improve opportunities for under-represented groups, including disabled people and those facing barriers to employment.
• Analyse labour market trends and employer demand to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic planning.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement, promoting effective approaches and sharing best practice across teams and partner organisations.
• Collaborate with senior internal and external stakeholders to deliver joined-up solutions that meet employer and customer needs.
• Provide leadership, influence and strategic direction across a complex stakeholder landscape, ensuring activity is aligned to organisational objectives.

Person specification

Key Criteria:

• Demonstrable ability to develop and communicate a clear, evidence-based strategic vision that delivers measurable outcomes. You can inspire and influence others to achieve shared objectives, drive innovation, and improve performance across a large and complex area of responsibility.
• Proven track record of building, developing and sustaining effective relationships with senior stakeholders across multiple organisations and sectors. You can work collaboratively, influence at all levels, and bring partners together to achieve common goals and deliver outcomes at scale.
• Strong understanding of labour market trends, workforce challenges and employer needs. You can use data, insight and market intelligence to shape strategies, identify opportunities, and align activity to organisational priorities and economic needs.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex or sensitive information clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences. You can adapt your style to suit different stakeholders, build confidence in your proposals and secure commitment to change.
• Experience of leading programmes, projects or strategic initiatives that have delivered tangible business outcomes. You can manage competing priorities, make sound decisions in a complex environment, and drive continuous improvement through effective leadership.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,946, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £16,786 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, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 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 ta