Director – Capability, Learning and Talent

About the role

The Director – Capability, Learning and Talent is a senior enterprise‑level position within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Reporting to the Director General People and Place, the role shapes talent, capability and leadership development across the whole organisation to deliver better outcomes for citizens and staff.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for capability, learning and talent across DWP.
• Shape and deliver an integrated capability and talent strategy aligned to organisational priorities.
• Lead the development of leadership capability at all grades, with a focus on senior leaders.
• Oversee and evolve talent management and succession planning frameworks.
• Strengthen and scale early‑careers programmes, apprenticeships and entry pathways.
• Drive innovation in learning and development to ensure impact at scale.
• Work with senior stakeholders, including cross‑civil‑service partners, to influence and embed system‑wide change.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing, expert team.

Required profile

• Proven strategic leadership ability in complex, large‑scale organisations.
• Experience shaping enterprise‑wide strategies that connect people, priorities and delivery.
• Strong systems thinking and the capacity to influence senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in talent management, succession planning and leadership development.
• Track record of scaling early‑career and apprenticeship programmes.
• Ability to drive innovative learning solutions at organisational scale.

Required skills