Job Description

Head of Change - DV Cleared - Outside IR35 - £700-£800 per day - Hybrid 2-3 days a week on site near Bath - 12 Months initial contract length.

My client is seeking an experienced Head of Change to lead and manage complex, high-impact transformation programmes across their organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing governance frameworks, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring value realisation from transformative projects.

Applicants must be eligible to obtain DV clearance.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership & Delivery:

• Lead the design, setup, and delivery of high-value transformation projects to agreed scope, time, cost, and benefit targets.
• Develop and submit Full Business Cases (FBC) and ensure endorsement of technical designs by the Technical Design Authority.
• Establish and deliver an endorsed Operating Model and Service Design to exploit new capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with legal, audit, and accreditation requirements critical to the defence sector.

Governance & Continuous Improvement:

• Implement effective processes, systems, and KPI frameworks to monitor and enhance functional performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and capability development strategies to meet strategic business targets.
• Lead project approval processes, quality assurance, and compliance activities.

Financial & Commercial Management:

• Develop financial models to support industry bids and facilitate contract schedule development.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of the Project Financial Case to secure FBC approval.
• Manage commercial competitions and ensure successful contract negotiations.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, structure, and manage a high-performing team to deliver operational excellence and strategic outcomes.
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, ensuring effective talent management, career development, training, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and continuous learning.

Key Deliverables

• Delivery of agreed transformation projects, including scope, time, cost, and benefits.
• Submission and approval of Full Business Cases and technical designs.
• Delivery of endorsed Operating Model and Service Design.
• Maintenance of business-critical accreditations and compliance.
• Continuous improvement strategies and KPI-driven performance enhancements.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience leading large-scale transformation programmes within the defence, military, or secure government sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in financial modelling, contract development, and negotiations.
• Proven track record of delivering complex projects within highly regulated environments.
• Deep understanding of operational delivery, profit centre management, and financial metrics.
• Experience working with external stakeholders such as regulators, policy makers, and industry partners.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify opportunities for change and drive business performance.
• Demonstrable experience managing high-performing teams and delivering results in challenging, high-pressure environments.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Experience delivering against challenging operational KPIs and driving cost-effective efficiencies.

Desirable Qualifications & Skills

• MBA or BSc in Business Management, Quality, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience leading Category A procurements.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and business performance improvement outside of operational environments.

Why apply for this role?

• Be at the forefront of transformative change within the defence sector.
• Work on high-impact projects that contribute to national security and operational capability.
• Join a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven team.