Business Planning Lead
| Posting date: | 20 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 July 2025 |
| Location: | Bedford, MK442 9AP |
| Company: | Reed Talent Solutions |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | MaPS00871-337626 |
Summary
Business Planning Lead
c. £65,000
Bedford
Permanent
Hybrid Working
MaPS are seeking a Business Planning Lead to drive our agile business planning process. This pivotal role is perfect for a strategic thinker who excels in engaging with senior leaders and acting as a trusted advisor. You will report directly to the Head of Planning and Performance, playing a crucial role in shaping informed decisions and enhancing organisational performance.
In this role you will be responsible for:
- Engaging with staff at all levels, including senior stakeholders and the Executive Leadership Team, to develop and manage an agile and iterative business planning process.
- Collaborating with colleagues across MaPS, including its leadership community, to define, iterate, draft, design, and produce the MaPS business plan.
- Overseeing the end-to-end business planning process, including any in-year review of KPIs.
- Leading the target-setting process for in-year and future financial years’ KPIs.
- Working closely with the strategy team and budget holders to develop and refine the business plan.
- Engaging with Department for Work and Pensions colleagues outside of MaPS to build a shared understanding of MaPS’ business plan.
- Acting as the organisational adviser on business plan deliverables, ensuring comprehension and alignment across all staff levels, up to and including Executive Directors.
You will need to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Experience in developing, embedding, and continuously improving business planning processes.
- Proficiency in using data to assess progress against plans, communicating progress and blockers to internal and external stakeholders, and using that information to reassess plans.
- Demonstrable track record of working closely with senior stakeholders, demonstrating sound, sensitive judgement, and the ability to negotiate and influence.
- Ability to build relationships, establish as an expert in the field, and become recognised as a trusted advisor.
- Previous experience of supporting an organisation to improve its performance.
- Experience within a central government environment or the wider public sector is highly desirable.
About Us
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is based in Bedford, in a recently renovated modern office. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become an integral part of a dynamic organisation, working to help people across the UK.
At the heart of the Money and Pensions Service are our values – caring, connecting, and transforming, which are the foundation of our success. They permeate every area of our work and define all our business relationships and the way we work with each other. We’re not only looking for the best people to come and work for us, but we need people who align themselves with our values:
- Caring
We care about our colleagues and the people whose lives we are here to transform. - Connecting
We will transform lives through our ability to make positive connections. - Transforming
We are committed to transforming lives and making a positive societal impact.
Our Inclusive Working Environment
By fostering our values, we are immensely proud of the inclusive working environment that we have created. The diversity of our people is a strength that we embrace and wish to build upon, so we are committed to attracting people of all backgrounds. We work hard to ensure that we have a progressive approach to inclusion, equity, and belonging. We really do want our colleagues to “bring their whole selves to work.”
Our colleague and ally networks encompass LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health, ethnicity, and diversity.
What We Offer
- Generous Annual Leave – 30 days plus Bank Holidays
- Pension scheme – contributions matched 2 to 1 (up to 10% of your salary)
- Interest-free loan for season tickets for buses and trains
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
- Life assurance scheme
- Give as you earn scheme
- Employee assistance programme (EAP)
- PAM Assist and PAM Life scheme (Wellbeing)
- Enhanced family and sick pay
- Paid volunteering (2 days a year)
- Recognition Scheme
- Discounts portal to numerous retailers
Flexible Working
At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Career Development
In MaPS, we take career development seriously. We actively encourage and support applications from our existing MaPS colleagues. However, we do follow the Civil Service Commissioner recruitment principles, which means that you will be required to participate in a full, open, and fair process.
Reserve List
If you are successful at interview, we operate a reserve list where your details will be held for up to 6 months. Should a vacancy come available in that time with the same essential criteria, reserve list candidates will be offered that position with no further assessment required.
Application Process
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Money and Pensions Service via email: recruitment@maps.org.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Opens: 20th June | Deadline: 6th July
To apply, please submit the following two documents:
- Your most recent CV
- A covering letter (maximum 750 words):
Please explain what attracted you to this role and how your experience and skills align with the criteria outlined in the job description.
Important: Both documents are required for your application to be considered. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Step 2: Telephone Interview
Between 23rd June – 08th July
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a telephone interview with one of our recruiters. This is an opportunity to:
- Discuss your experience in more detail
- Learn more about the role and our organisation
- Ask any questions you may have
Step 3: Final Stage Interview
17th & 18th July (subject to change)
Successful candidates from the telephone interview will be invited to a remote final interview via Microsoft Teams. This stage will include:
- A series of competency-based interview questions
Job Reference: MaPS00871
Close Date: 06th July 2025
Flexible Working
At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Career Development
In MaPS, we take career development seriously. We actively encourage and support applications from our existing MaPS colleagues. However, we do follow the Civil Service Commissioner recruitment principles, which means that you will be required to participate in a full, open, and fair process.
Reserve List
If you are successful at interview, we operate a reserve list where your details will be held for up to 6 months. Should a vacancy come available in that time with the same essential criteria, reserve list candidates will be offered that position with no further assessment required.
Application Process
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Money and Pensions Service via email: recruitment@maps.org.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Opens: 20th June | Deadline: 6th July
To apply, please submit the following two documents:
- Your most recent CV
- A covering letter (maximum 750 words):
Please explain what attracted you to this role and how your experience and skills align with the criteria outlined in the job description.
Important: Both documents are required for your application to be considered. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Step 2: Telephone Interview
Between 23rd June – 08th July
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a telephone interview with one of our recruiters. This is an opportunity to:
- Discuss your experience in more detail
- Learn more about the role and our organisation
- Ask any questions you may have
Step 3: Final Stage Interview
17th & 18th July (subject to change)
Successful candidates from the telephone interview will be invited to a remote final interview via Microsoft Teams. This stage will include:
- A series of competency-based interview questions
Job Reference: MaPS00871
Close Date: 06th July 2025
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme