Policy Innovation and Delivery Lead

Job title:

Policy Innovation Delivery Lead Area of work:
Policy Design, Innovation &Regulatory Transformation Contract type:
Permanent

Employment type:

Full-time (35 hours per week) Salary:
From £63,000

Location:

Brighton (Hybrid - 6 days per month) Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays Other benefits include:
Cycle to Work scheme,discounts (retail, gym, tech, restaurants), flexitime, parental leave, staff networks, learning & development opportunities Closing date:
Monday 16th March Overview This isan exciting opportunity to lead the transformation of how policy is conceived,designed, and delivered within a high-profile regulatory environment. As a Policy Innovation Delivery Lead, you will act as the organisation's principal advocate for innovation in policy making, embedding design thinking, user-centred principles, and forward-looking approaches across the policy function. In this strategic and creative role, you will champion new methodologies, shape future-ready policy frameworks, and drive continuous improvement across multidisciplinary teams.

You will lead innovative policy initiatives from concept to delivery,ensuring they are practical, proportionate, evidence-based,and aligned with organisational objectives. Thisrole is ideal for a senior policy professional with a strong track record indesign-led approaches, organisational change, and innovation methods, someone who enjoys shaping culture, thinking creatively, and influencing senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities Lead the design and delivery of innovative, user-centred policy solutions that balance compliance, operational feasibility, and public value. Embed design thinking principles across the policy function, championing new tools, approaches, and continuous improvement practices. Drive horizon scanning activity, identifying emerging trends and opportunities to enhance policy and regulatory effectiveness. Represent the organisation at external forums, industry groups, and thought-leadership events, promoting innovation in regulatory practice.

Lead multidisciplinary teams across policy, legal, user-centred design, digital, and operational disciplines to develop integrated policy outcomes. Mentor and develop colleagues, helping to build internal capability in innovation, design methods, and creative problem-solving. Plan and manage strategic policy projects, ensuring high-quality outputs that meet governance standards and better-regulation requirements. Skills & Experience Required Essential Proven experience leading policy development, transformation, or innovation within a regulatory, public sector, or government environment.

Strong understanding of design thinking and user-centred methodologies, with practical experience applying them to policy or service design. Track record of driving organisational change, introducing new approaches, and building support among senior stakeholders. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable, future-focused policy solutions. Excellent collaboration and influencing skills, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication skills, including the ability to draft high-quality briefings and present to senior audiences.

Desirable Knowledge of pensions, financial services, or regulatory policy. Experience applying global best practice or leading innovation in complex policy environments. Degree in public policy or related discipline. Person Specification Creative, forward-thinking, and comfortable challenging existing ways of working. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. Collaborative, supportive, and skilled at building relationships across diverse functions.

Confident leading both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Resilient and proactive with excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. The Team You'lljoin a collaborative and future-focused policy environment, working closely with colleagues across design, legal, operational, and digital disciplines. The organisation offers:
Meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development. A values-led, inclusive culture. Hybrid working and flexible shift patterns. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at