Head of Contracts and Operations - Driving Theory Test

AsHead of Contracts and Operations, you will lead the delivery and continuous improvement of the Driving Theory Test Network and associated services. You will oversee the full contract lifecycle, from pre-procurement planning and market engagement through to contract management, operational delivery, and business improvement.

Working closely with key stakeholders, you will help shape future service delivery models, provide commercial and contractual expertise to the Theory Test Transformation and Relet Programme, and ensure successful transition and mobilisation of new contracts.

You will also lead and develop a high-performing contract management team, driving excellent contract outcomes and ensuring the effective operation of the Theory Test Centre Network.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Influence the commercial strategy to best business advantage.
• Contribute to a procurement strategy that delivers: fit for purpose commercial arrangements that deliver the required business outcomes.
• Contract management (customer, supplier and operational service), continuous improvement and development of the current and future Theory Test Network contracts to the agreed commercial standards and outcomes.
• Lead the business improvement of Theory Test Contract via membership, as a key stakeholder, of the Theory Test Service Management Group and Strategy Group.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Required experience:

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

1. You will have demonstrable experience in a commercial environment.
2. You will have experience in a service delivery environment, working with multiple contracts.
3. You will have excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide guidance and robust recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
4. You will have excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and the ability to quickly develop recommendations based on evidence available to you.

Additional Information

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

This post also welcomes applications from those looking to work with us on a flexible basis, and condensed hours within the week.

This role can be based in Nottingham, Swansea, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Bristol, Chadderton, Leeds or Birmingham, your presence at one of these locations will form part of the working arrangements agreed with you. We operate a hybrid working model giving you greater flexibility about where and when you work. Our expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your time at your base location. Visits to other DVSA sites or work locations count towards this.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

Some travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.