Future Rural Payments Service (FRPS) Programme Director

The Future Rural Payments Service (FRPS) is one of Defra Group's largest transformation programmes, reshaping how grants and payments are delivered through a simpler, more resilient and adaptable service. With a programme budget of approximately £100 million, FRPS will replace six legacy systems, helping customers access £2.5 billion of funding each year while creating a platform capable of supporting future grants and payments services across Defra Group. The programme is now entering a critical phase, moving from design and early delivery towards testing, business readiness and transition to live service. Leading this programme means ensuring that essential funding continues to reach those who depend on it, while creating a service equipped to support the rural sector for years to come.

We are seeking a proven leader of major transformation programmes to lead FRPS through its next phase of delivery. Working closely with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) Chief Executive, the programme's Senior Responsible Owner, you will set strategic direction, maintain delivery momentum and ensure that investment delivers lasting benefits.

This is one of the most significant delivery leadership roles in Defra Group. You will bring together leaders from RPA, Defra policy teams and Defra's Digital, Data, Technology and Security group to align policy, operations and digital delivery around a shared objective. You will resolve competing priorities and keep the programme on track while balancing delivery pace with risk, cost and scope. You will oversee implementation and transition from legacy systems while protecting the continuity of payments on which customers depend.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record in major transformation and large-scale digital service delivery, alongside the judgement and resilience to lead through complexity. You will build confidence among Ministers, senior leaders and assurance bodies, establish clear governance and accountability, and lead high-performing, inclusive teams.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally significant transformation at a pivotal moment. FRPS will become a cornerstone of Defra Group's future delivery landscape, enabling funding, grants and payments to be delivered through services that are simpler, more resilient and more adaptable to future needs. As Programme Director, you will play a central role in shaping that future.