Head of Private Office

Placed: 14/06/17
Region: United Kingdom
Category: Jobs


Content of the advertisement:

Private Office sits right at the heart of the FSA as we tackle decisions that will transform the way we regulate, and shape our role as the UK leaves the EU. That's why we are investing in building an excellent Private Office team – we see it as keeping the FSA engine running smoothly. A great Private Office serves the whole department, not just the Chairman and Chief Executive. As our interface across three political administrations and several government departments, and with senior stakeholders in science, the food industry, international and consumer bodies, Private Office sets the tone and helps everyone in the department get our business done in the right way. 

This post is a new role, which will sit right at the centre of the FSA. The Chair of the FSA Board and the Chief Executive are seeking to strengthen their private office by appointing a Head of Private Office 
(a new position). They want to recruit an experienced and resilient individual to fill this unique opportunity to shape and support the work of a government department. 

The Head of Private Office has two key duties: 

1- Leading the Privates Offices to the Chief Executive, Chair and Deputy Chair (two private secretaries and two diary secretaries) 
2- Leading the team who provide professional support to the Board, its committees and the Executive Management Team, and who manage parliamentary business and correspondence 
The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial department of 1200 people, with a big vision – to drive change in the food system so that it delivers “food we can trust”. 

This post is office-based in London, but there is some scope for occasionally working from home 
In 2018 the FSA will move from its current London office, Aviation House, to Clive House, Petty France. 
Person specification
We are looking for someone with: 
Strong personal and stakeholder management skills – in order to be able to represent the Chair and Chief Executive and to build and manage relationships at a high level across government and beyond (eg with industry) 
Excellent management skills – in order lead and manage a team of 8 in a high-temp environment, across a broad range of subject matters, developing others whilst always delivering a high quality service 
Excellent organisational skills – in order to manage a high volume of work, organising the work of the Board, its committees, EMT, and the private office team effectively 
Excellent intellectual and communications skills, both written and oral – in order to review large amounts of complex and detailed information and ensure that it is fit for purpose, and to commission and have oversight/review of speech preparation. 

Prior experience of working in a private office is desirable. 
Competencies
We'll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:
Seeing the big picture
Delivering at pace
Changing and improving
Leading and communicating
Building capability for all
Delivering value for money

Price / Salary: £59,050 - £69,500