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- Tasks: Lead finance, HR, legal, and commercial functions to shape the FSA's strategic direction.
- Company: Join the Food Standards Agency, a vital public body ensuring food safety across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, travel opportunities, and a commitment to inclusion and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public service while leading a diverse team in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with experience in financial strategy and corporate leadership.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence at the highest levels and drive meaningful change.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible across the UK with regular travel to London (Offices in Cardiff, Belfast, London & York)
Closing Date: 23:55 on 27 July 2025.
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.
Director of Corporate Services employer: Food Standards Agency
Contact Detail:
Food Standards Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Corporate Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically 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 leaders from the Food Standards Agency.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Food Standards Agency's recent initiatives and strategic goals. Understanding their mission and how your skills align with their objectives will help you articulate your vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you empower diverse teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led transformation in previous roles, as this is crucial for a position at the director level.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current challenges facing the Food Standards Agency and think about how you can contribute solutions. Being able to discuss these issues intelligently will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Corporate Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Corporate Services role at the Food Standards Agency. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering food you can trust.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Emphasise your CCAB, CIMA or equivalent qualifications in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of your financial strategy leadership and experience in preparing annual accounts to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, illustrate your strategic leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've empowered diverse teams and navigated complex situations, particularly in a public service context, to resonate with the FSA's values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a strong cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for public service and commitment to inclusion. Make it personal and engaging to capture the attention of the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Standards Agency
✨Understand the FSA's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp the Food Standards Agency's mission of ensuring 'food you can trust'. This understanding will help you align your responses with their core values and demonstrate your commitment to public service.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in strategic leadership across corporate services. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and influenced decision-making at a senior level, as this role requires a visionary leader.
✨Emphasise Financial Expertise
As the most senior finance professional, it's crucial to showcase your financial qualifications and recent experience in leading financial strategy. Be prepared to discuss your approach to preparing annual accounts and ensuring value for money.
✨Demonstrate Inclusivity and Empowerment
The FSA values inclusion and empowerment within teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment and empowered diverse teams to thrive, as this aligns with their commitment to being a brilliant place to work.
