The post-holder will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of and embedding the APHA Sustainable Futures Strategy setting out its vision for the future. A key part of this vision is for APHA to become an organisation that is enabled and strengthened by its use of data that will ensure its ability to identify and respond to new and emerging threats, to manage risk and to deploy our people and resources effectively and sustainably.
You will work with senior leaders to transform the way APHA develops, delivers, promotes and supports the Agency’s Vision, Mission and strategic objectives, by providing high-level oversight of and support for the delivery of supporting strategies, plans, services and projects.
Reporting to the Head of APHA Strategy and Planning you will:
Support the development and implementation of the Agency’s strategic and business planning processes, setting clear standards and expectations, in line with APHA’s policies, people and business objectives.
Collaborate with others across APHA eg. Directorates, other strategy leads and Defra Group Corporate Services to ensure alignment and implementation of the Agency’s strategies and business plans.
Lead the development and embed a business excellence ethos across the organisation building in systems thinking, productivity and efficiency plans.
Lead the business performance management function ensuring the right information is provided to boards, ministers and Directorates, as needed.
Ensure processes are in place for the systematic collection, analysis, and evaluation of data and information and define metrics against which the Agency can assess and measure its performance and the delivery of its strategic aims and objectives.
Support a professional network / community of practice for those involved in strategy innovation and business planning activities across the Agency.
Drive forward the use of business analytics focused on improving productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.
Please see the attached Job Description for further information about this role.
Person specification
The post holder will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:
A successful track record of leading change in a strategy, planning or business management function and of managing, developing, and building organisational and team skills and capabilities.
Experience of building, motivating, developing, and retaining high-performing teams, including experience of working within and leading multi-disciplinary and geographically dispersed teams.
Experience of leading and managing change and programmes of work or projects.
Experience of working in a complex customer driven delivery operation providing a quality service to customers.
Experience of communicating complex data or information to senior leaders clearly and concisely where the level of understanding will vary and barriers to understanding will exist.
Experience of assessing risks, scoping resource requirements, managing budgets and operating costs to ensure value for money and sustainable development of teams and services.
Strong budget and performance management skills with the confidence to make timely and sometimes tough decisions.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a track record of managing and developing relationships with senior leaders to build alliances and enable collaborative working within and across organisational boundaries.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to confidently explain and present complex issues / data in a clear, structured, objective, and personable manner to a range of audiences.
Excellent organisational skills, including team level business planning, prioritisation, delegation and delivery to time and quality standards.
Resilient with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced and complex environment.
Ability to analyse and accurately interpret data from various sources to support decision making.
Ability to apply original and innovative thought to complex issues and / or problems