Debt Strategy & Policy Manager

c.£64,000 per annum • Bedford • Permanent • Hybrid Working

Join us at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) as a Debt Strategy & Policy Manager. This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact by shaping evidence-led debt advice policy, driving strategic alignment with national wellbeing goals, and leading cross-sector collaboration to address complex issues such as gambling-related financial harms. You’ll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to helping people across the UK improve their financial wellbeing.

Role Overview

The Debt Strategy & Policy Manager will report directly to the Senior Debt Policy & Strategy Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for:

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the development of MaPS policy positions on debt and debt advice, including contributing to Government and sector consultations and initiatives.
• Collaborating with internal and external policy leads to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, particularly around gambling-related financial harms.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with external policy makers such as DCMS and the Gambling Commission.
• Developing and managing workplans to advance MaPS strategic ambitions for debt advice.
• Sharing insights and market intelligence across the debt function to inform decision-making and service delivery.
• Scoping and managing research projects to strengthen MaPS evidence base.
• Building and maintaining subject matter expertise in designated policy areas through research, learning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Providing debt subject matter expertise across MaPS teams in a matrix working environment.
• Supporting other areas of the debt function as needed to ensure cohesive and responsive service delivery.

You will need to demonstrate the following skills and experience

To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• A broad and deep understanding of the debt advice sector in the UK or a similar sector.
• Exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive approach with high levels of integrity and discretion.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage workflows, prioritise tasks, and perform well under pressure.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Capable of working autonomously and influencing others to meet deadlines and standards.
• Proven ability to manage a variety of business management tasks effectively.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to produce and deliver engaging, tailored content for diverse audiences.

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of current gambling policy and regulatory developments.
• Understanding of groups at higher risk of gambling-related harms.

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.