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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 collaborative culture, flexible working, and a commitment to inclusion.
- 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: Be part of an award-winning initiative focused on employee wellbeing.
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?
TheFood Standards Agency (FSA)is looking for an exceptionalDirector of Corporate Servicesto 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 yourCCAB, CIMA or equivalent qualificationand 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 includingFinance, HR, Legal, Estates and Commercial and play a central role in shaping the FSA’s strategic direction. You’ll work closely with ourPeople 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 achampion 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 atrusted adviserto 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 aqualified accountant with recent experience leading financial strategy and preparing annual accounts.
- Has atrack record of strategic leadership across corporate services.
- Is aninspiring, inclusive leader who empowers diverse teams.
- Can operate withcredibility at Board level .
- Cares deeply about public service, our people, and our mission.
At the FSA,howwe work matters as much aswhatwe 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 ( )
To apply, please click here:Director of Corporate Services – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK
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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
Familiarise yourself with the Food Standards Agency's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to public service and food safety will help you align your vision and demonstrate how your leadership can contribute to their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the FSA, especially those in senior roles. This can provide you with insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led financial strategy and corporate services in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in these areas will showcase your capability to drive transformation at the FSA.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in public finance and corporate governance. Being well-informed will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations about the FSA's strategic direction and demonstrate your expertise in navigating complex issues.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Corporate Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Corporate Services role at the FSA. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering food you can trust.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your CCAB, CIMA or equivalent qualifications in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how your financial expertise has contributed to strategic leadership in previous roles, especially in corporate services.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your experience in leading diverse teams and driving transformation. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your ability to influence at the Board level and your commitment to inclusion and employee empowerment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for public service and your understanding of the FSA's mission. Discuss how you plan to implement their Spending Review settlement and enhance their award-winning Our Ways of Working initiative.
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Standards Agency
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a candidate for the Director of Corporate Services, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've shaped financial strategies in previous roles and be ready to discuss how you would apply that vision at the FSA.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Inclusion
Highlight your experience in leading diverse teams and fostering an inclusive workplace. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've empowered your team members and how you plan to continue this at the FSA.
✨Understand Public Service Values
Since the FSA is a public body, it's important to convey your commitment to public service. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and articulate how your personal values align with theirs during the interview.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Discussions
Given the role's requirement to operate at Board level, practice discussing complex financial topics in a clear and concise manner. Be ready to explain how you would approach negotiations with stakeholders like the Treasury and Trade Unions.
