This is one of UKEFs most influential G6 roles.
As Head of the Delivery Unit, you will lead the function responsible for turning UKEFs ambitions into results. You will work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Committee and senior leaders to identify the priorities where additional pace, coordination or challenge can make the greatest difference.
You will lead a portfolio of high-profile projects spanning economic growth, support for SMEs, mobilisation of bank finance, defence and international financing, improvements to transaction processes, and emerging ministerial and government priorities. Over the last twelve months this has covered:
-
Designing a delivering a new £50 billion defence facility announced by the Prime Minister.
-
Overseeing UKEF's support for Ukraine, including £200m of finance supporting export of enriched uranium from the UK to keep Ukraines energy grid functioning, signed by the Foreign Secretary.
-
Developing an £11 billion fund with the major high street bank to support SMEs, including designing the scheme and leading negotiations with the banks.
-
Leading a technical project, working to the CEO, to speed up transaction execution and deal-flow for UKEF's international finance.
The role combines strategic judgement with hands-on delivery leadership. You will create clarity where objectives or ownership are uncertain; establish practical plans and accountabilities; use data to identify problems; and bring together colleagues from across UKEF and government to overcome barriers.
Some projects will require you to lead directly. On others, you will enable senior owners and multidisciplinary teams to deliver by providing the right structure, evidence, governance and constructive challenge.
You will also shape the Delivery Units future, building a team known for pace, impact, and the ability to make difficult things happen.
Main Activities:
Leadership
-
Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing Delivery Unit, setting a clear purpose and creating an outcome-focused culture. Managing a team of 4 and providing broader visible leadership across the department.
-
Work with the Deputy Director for Strategy, Chief Executive, Executive Committee and Ministers to identify where the Unit can add the greatest value.
-
Set and manage the Units portfolio, balancing sustained delivery of major initiatives with rapid responses to new priorities.
-
Support the Deputy Director in planning activities over the longer term to achieve strategic goals.
Delivery
-
Lead support for delivery of UKEFs Business Plan, translating major commitments into clear outcomes, milestones and accountabilities.
-
Lead a portfolio of UKEFs highest-priority cross-cutting projects, from initial concept through to implementation and measurable results.
-
Lead rapid reviews of difficult delivery problems and provide senior leaders with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
Speed of execution
-
Lead work to make UKEF faster, simpler and more effective, particularly where processes or responsibilities cross several divisions.
-
Diagnose the causes of delay or underperformance and bring together operational, risk, policy, finance, legal, digital and commercial expertise to resolve them.
-
Challenge unnecessary complexity and administrative burden while ensuring appropriate controls and accountabilities are maintained.
This list is not exhaustive; you may be required to carry out additional duties according to business need.
