Innovation Development Manager

You will need to demonstrate the following skills and experience. To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Understanding of Innovation and Emerging technology – Awareness of how new technology and innovative service design approaches can support the growth of debt advice services.
• Knowledge of the Debt Advice Sector – Understanding of debt advice services, financial inclusion, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FCA, MaPS standards).
• Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development – Ability to collaborate across teams, public bodies, and sector stakeholders to deliver on project objectives
• Technology & Digital Debt Advice Landscape – Understanding of how digital tools, technology infrastructure, and innovation impact debt advice delivery.
• Service Design & Delivery Models – Awareness of different debt advice delivery models (face-to-face, digital, telephone-based, hybrid) with a strong understanding of accessibility and the impact of vulnerable circumstances on service delivery.
• Technology & Sector Analysis – Ability to assess sector trends, anticipate future demand and horizon scan to inform investment decisions.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation – Ability to consider issues from multiple angles and navigate complex problems effectively.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Digital Transformation Experience – Understanding of the challenges, risks and opportunities of undertaking a digital transformation programme.
• Impact and Evaluation Insight – Ability to use data and evaluation to inform decisions and demonstrate outcomes.
• Community Engagement Understanding – Awareness of user research, informed by the needs of a complex customer base with high levels of vulnerable circumstances.
• Experience in Government or ALB Settings – Understanding of public accountability and commercial governance within central or arm’s-length bodies.
• Strategic and Innovative Thinking – Experience supporting change, innovation, or improvement in service models or funding strategies.

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...