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- Tasks: Lead finance, HR, legal, and commercial functions to shape strategic direction.
- Company: Join the Food Standards Agency, ensuring food safety and public trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a focus on inclusion and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public service while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strategic leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with senior leaders and influence key decisions.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape the future of a vital public body? The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is looking for an exceptional Director of Corporate Services to join our senior leadership team and help us deliver on our mission: food you can trust.
As our most senior finance professional, you’ll bring your CCAB, CIMA or equivalent qualification and deep financial expertise to the heart of our organisation. But this role is about much more than numbers. You’ll lead a broad portfolio of critical enabling functions including Finance, HR, Legal, Estates and Commercial and play a central role in shaping the FSA’s strategic direction. You’ll work closely with our People Director, General Counsel and other professional leads in your team and beyond to make sure we deliver our statutory duties, make the best use of public money, and remain a brilliant place to work.
This is a role for a visionary leader: someone who can navigate complexity, influence at the highest levels, and drive transformation. You’ll ensure our people have the tools, environment, and support to thrive regardless of location or role by evolving our award-winning Our Ways of Working (OWOW) initiative. You’ll implement our recent Spending Review settlement, ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and the right investment in our future.
You’ll be a champion of inclusion, building on our consistently high people survey scores and ensuring that every colleague feels valued, trusted and fairly treated. You’ll also be a trusted adviser to our Chair and Board, playing a key role in corporate governance and strategic decision-making. Whether you’re negotiating with the Treasury, collaborating with Trade Unions, or advising on in-year priorities, you’ll bring energy, empathy and excellence to everything you do.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is a qualified accountant with recent experience leading financial strategy and preparing annual accounts.
- Has a track record of strategic leadership across corporate services.
- Is an inspiring, inclusive leader who empowers diverse teams.
- Can operate with credibility at Board level.
- Cares deeply about public service, our people, and our mission.
At the FSA, how we work matters as much as what we do. If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead with purpose, collaborate brilliantly, and make a real difference to people and businesses across the UK, we’d love to hear from you.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role please contact our People Director, Jo Bushnell (jo.bushnell@food.gov.uk)
Director of Corporate Services employer: FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY-3
Contact Detail:
FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY-3 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Corporate Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those who have experience in corporate services. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the Food Standards Agency's culture and values.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in public finance and corporate governance. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the mission of the FSA.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the FSA’s values of inclusion and empowerment. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led diverse teams and driven transformation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the FSA’s recent initiatives, such as the Our Ways of Working (OWOW) programme. Be ready to share your insights on how you could contribute to evolving this initiative and enhancing employee engagement within the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Corporate Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Corporate Services position at the Food Standards Agency. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, such as being a qualified accountant with strategic leadership experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in finance, corporate services, and leadership. Emphasise your achievements in previous roles that align with the FSA's mission and values, showcasing your ability to lead diverse teams and drive transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for public service and your vision for the role. Address how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate to shape the FSA’s strategic direction and support its mission of delivering food you can trust.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional, as attention to detail is crucial for a senior leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY-3
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a candidate for the Director of Corporate Services, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial strategy and annual accounts, highlighting specific examples where you've successfully led financial initiatives.
✨Emphasise Strategic Leadership
This role requires a strong track record in strategic leadership across corporate services. Share instances where you've navigated complex challenges and influenced decision-making at a high level, showcasing your ability to drive transformation within an organisation.
✨Demonstrate Inclusivity and Empowerment
The FSA values inspiring and inclusive leadership. Be ready to talk about how you've empowered diverse teams in the past, fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and trusted. This will resonate well with their commitment to inclusion.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Discussions
Operating with credibility at Board level is essential for this position. Familiarise yourself with the FSA's mission and recent initiatives, and be prepared to discuss how you would advise the Chair and Board on corporate governance and strategic priorities.
