About the job

Summary

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. As the UK’s biggest public service department, we operate on a scale that is almost unmatched anywhere in Europe and most people in Britain come into contact with us at some point in their lives.

DWP Estates Directorate are accountable for the delivery of all aspects of real estate services and the work we do is critical in ensuring the vital work that the Department undertakes is enabled effectively. The DWP commercial estate is the largest within Government and our diverse national property portfolio reflects this scale. It is a unique mix ranging from modern corporate centres, multi-occupied Service Centres, to its frontline high street services.

We are responsible for the Department’s 900+ workplaces, that provide workplaces for 90,000 employees and a UK wide presence for all those that visit us. Ultimately, the Department relies on us to provide safe and secure buildings that are fit for purpose and meet the needs of the business.

The Department is also committed to delivering Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon improvements across its estate, demonstrating leadership in making the public estate smaller, better, greener. The work you will be undertaking is therefore crucial in us meeting the needs of all those who use our services.

The Design Standards team works from project inception through to post occupancy evaluation to ensure that the DWP’s property portfolio is aspirational in its approach to design, inclusivity and sustainability.

This role will work with the Space Planning Team Lead to manage a small team of space planners that will enable the DWP to use space more efficiently and effectively, as well as raising the standards of the DWP workplace. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a vital role within a new influential team within DWP.

Space modelling tools, CAD, and the use of estate wide space management software (as part of a larger CAFM system) will be used to provide important strategic and tactical insight on the efficient management of space.

Job description

Key accountabilities

• Work with key stakeholders to obtain and help develop project briefs. Ensure available drawings are an accurate representation of each building. Use DWP space modelling tools and liaise with the wider Design Standard Team architects to prepare layout plans in CAD software.

• Ensure layout information is accurately captured on the Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system.

• Classify space, within the CAFM system, according to pertinent standards (such as the International Property Measurement Standards) in order to support effective space management.

• Prepare reports on current space utilisation across different elements of the estate and conduct space feasibility studies while working to improve the quality of estates space planning data by tracking occupancy levels.

• Ensure floor layouts include furniture, fixtures and equipment using computer aided design software with a focus on smart working principles as described in PAS3000 (Publicly Available Specification).

• Engaging with suppliers to be fully informed of new products and innovations that could benefit the DWP.

• Providing timely direction and technical advice to external designers and supply chain partners to ensure the developing proposals meet quality standards and the operational requirements of the DWP.

• Demonstrate to business stakeholders the advocacy of smart working and the creation of effective and inclusive workspaces.

• Reviewing and commenting on floor plans and test fits at key project stages and approving compliance with, or justifiable derogations, from the space standards for all Real Estate projects.

• Carrying out post-occupancy evaluation and stakeholder engagement sessions, converting feedback into updates to the Design Standards documentation to capture problems, trends, or changes to space requirements.

• Support regular training sessions with various teams and consultants, to improve performance and understanding of key areas for development. Also, sharing best practice and attending cross-government workshops, working groups and conferences as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Background in interior design, architecture or similar design experience.

• Proven results and success in developing, planning, managing, and implementing workplace layout plans and space solutions within a dynamic environment.

• Experience of dealing with technical, legal, or regulatory design issues at a practical level.

• Experience in reviewing plans, space planning, building test fits and analysing/ commenting on RIBA stage reports. Candidate will need to have demonstrable CAD skills and knowledge of architectural drafting standards.

• Excellent organisational skills and the drive to reach decisions in a problem-solving atmosphere.

• Working knowledge of statutory processes, Building Regulations, British Standards, and an understanding of construction related UK legislation.

• Ability to use evidence alongside analytical thinking to make decisions and to present in a clear and concise style varying the presentation according to the target audience.

• Ability to work collaboratively with mixed teams, consultants and stakeholders.

• Able to analyse data and determine utilisation and other space management metrics.

• Good working knowledge of space management computer applications, working knowledge of space utilisation and facilities management tools.

Leadership attributes and behaviours

• Reflect on own work, continuously seek and act on feedback to improve own and team’s performance. Ensure development objectives are set and achieved to address any gaps and improve delivery of current and future work.

• Have clear understanding of their role, responsibilities, and accountability within the team.

• Support continuous improvement of relevant standards, policies, processes, and governance relating to the role, identifying improvement opportunities and owning their implementation where applicable.

• Collaborate with team members and cross functional colleagues to identify and implement improvements in ways of working, policy, process and governance.

And as a line manager

• Ensure clear roles and responsibilities are identified for all team members with defined objectives and clear accountability.

• Establish development objectives for your team and ensure they can be addressed are set and achieved to address any gaps and enable delivery of current and future work. Take time to coach, mentor and develop other colleagues to support succession planning. Show a positive approach to keeping the whole team’s efforts focused on the top priorities.

• Promote an innovative and high performing culture and ensure most appropriate resources are available for colleagues to use to do their job effectively.

• Ensure working practices of team adhere to department standards, policies, and processes and that appropriate governance is followed at all times.

• Encourage team to identify improvement opportunities to improve policies, processes and ways of working.

Qualifications/professional memberships

Desirable

• Working towards membership of the IWFM, RICS, RIBA or other appropriate body with a preference if already held.

• Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together