Visa Note
Please note: While this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship, applicants must still verify their visa/work permit eligibility directly with the employer. Immigration requirements and processes can be complex, and final approval is subject to UKVI regulations.
About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency is seeking a Deputy Director for Corporate Transition Delivery to lead a significant transformation program. This exciting opportunity involves overseeing the £3.5bn investment in new laboratory facilities and corporate headquarters, with a focus on transitioning over 2,000 staff to a new site in Harlow.
Key Responsibilities
As Deputy Director, you will provide leadership on corporate transition delivery including business change. You’ll manage all key elements of this transition, engaging staff across the Agency and implementing the vision for the new site, including ways of working.
Business Change Management
You’ll develop an overarching business change plan and implementation plan aligned with the Programme strategy. This includes planning to deliver colocation benefits with new ways of working at the Harlow site and building a change network for the Programme.
People and Workforce Strategy
A key part of this role is assembling a project team to develop and deliver the People Plan for the transition. You’ll address potential loss of expertise caused by the move, create future workforce models, and develop a talent pipeline strategy for Harlow.
Staff Support and Engagement
You’ll design and implement staff support packages, including financial, wellbeing, career advice, and family relocation support. This role also involves leading the work to sell the vision of Harlow to staff and delivering critical information to those impacted by change.
Essential Qualifications
You must be able to build credibility with senior leaders quickly, providing confidence in the programme. This requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence partners and stakeholders successfully.
Essential Experience
You must communicate in a straightforward, honest and truthful way with consideration for the impact of the method used. Experience of building and leading teams through extended periods of uncertainty and ambiguity is essential.
Working Arrangements
This role is offered on a fixed-term contract for 18 months and is available as full-time, part-time, job share, or flexible working arrangements. You’ll be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours at one of UKHSA’s core HQs.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range is £81,000 to £117,800 per annum, pro rata. If you are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, relevant starting salary principles will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade.
Security and Clearance Requirements
All successful candidates must meet basic security requirements and will need Security Clearance (SC). You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years to obtain SC clearance. UK residency less than this period may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
The employer is able to offer a certificate of sponsorship to eligible candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
International Application Requirements
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement.
Application Process
This vacancy uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework. At sift stage, you’ll be assessed against the lead behavior: Experience of building and leading teams through extended periods of uncertainty and ambiguity.
Required Documentation
You’ll need to complete an application form and a 1200-word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
Interview Process
If selected, you’ll be invited to a remote interview via MS Teams. During the interview, you’ll be assessed against key behaviors including Communicating and Influencing (lead behavior), Working Together, Delivering at Pace, and Leadership.
Interview Presentation
As part of the interview, you’ll be required to deliver a 5-minute presentation based on Communicating and Influencing. The topic will be confirmed prior to the interview.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website via the following link: [Apply for this job](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency).
Application Checklist for International Applicants
Before applying, please:
- Verify your eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa with the UK Visas and Immigration website
- Gather required documentation including criminal record certificates from all countries of residence
- Prepare your 1200-word Statement of Suitability highlighting relevant experience
- Ensure your CV/application form is detailed and comprehensive
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Amy Newson (Business Support Officer) at Amy.Newson@ukhsa.gov.uk.
About UK Health Security Agency
UKHSA prides itself as an employer of choice where Everyone Matters. We actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. We promote equality of opportunity and create an inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions.
Diversity and Inclusion
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all staff and stakeholders. We celebrate and protect differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information at https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 29 December 2025. We encourage early applications as the vacancy may close before this date if a large number of applications are received.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website via the following link: [Apply for this job](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency).
Required Documentation
You must submit a completed application form and a 1200-word Statement of Suitability. Ensure your application demonstrates how your experience meets the essential qualifications and behaviors outlined in the job description.
Visa Application Support
Applicants requiring sponsorship should include details of their current visa status and any relevant certificates of sponsorship in their application. The HR team will provide further guidance to successful candidates.
Equal Opportunities
UKHSA is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Adjustments to the application process are available upon request.
Further Information
For detailed information about UKHSA’s relocation packages, benefits, or the Harlow project, please refer to our internal candidate portal or contact the HR recruitment team directly.
Confidentiality
All applications will be treated in strict confidence. References will not be contacted prior to interview unless explicitly stated otherwise in your application.
Feedback Policy
Due to the volume of applications, we regret that we can only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. Unsuccessful candidates may request feedback after the recruitment process concludes.
Data Protection
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). For more information on how we handle your data, please refer to our privacy notice available on the UKHSA website.
Professional Development
UKHSA offers extensive professional development opportunities including training programs, leadership courses, and secondment opportunities to support your career growth within the organisation.
Employee Benefits
Benefits include competitive pension schemes, flexible working options, health and wellbeing programs, and generous annual leave. Eligible staff may also apply for interest-free season ticket loans.
Workplace Culture
We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment where staff are encouraged to innovate, share ideas, and contribute to public health initiatives that protect the UK’s population.