At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the FSA in strengthening the UK's food system resilience and managing risks.
- Company: Join a pivotal role at the Food Standards Agency, shaping national food safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of c£115,000 with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team of 175 people with a focus on innovation and transparency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and resilience in a fast-changing environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and ability to analyse complex data under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 69000 - 83000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead the FSA’s work to strengthen the resilience of the UK food system at a time of significant change? We are recruiting our first Director of System Resilience, a pivotal member of the Executive Management Team reporting directly to the Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a newly configured directorate that will play a central role in how the FSA anticipates, assesses and responds to risks across the food safety and authenticity landscape.
You will oversee the FSA’s work as a central competent authority, ensuring we manage risk across the food system with increasing agility and intelligence. Bringing together regulatory assurance, local authority delivery, business engagement, incident prevention and response, organisational resilience and our new Risk and Intelligence Hub, your directorate will strengthen our capability to detect, prevent and respond to emerging threats in a fast‑moving environment.
You will lead improvements in our engagement with local authorities and food businesses, deepening our understanding of operating conditions across the system and driving better, more transparent performance. You will also strengthen our incident response and resilience functions, ensuring the FSA is well prepared for future shocks and able to coordinate calm, decisive leadership during major events. You will represent the FSA in UK‑wide resilience planning and hold lead responsibility for key food-related risks on the National Risk Register.
We are seeking an outstanding system leader, someone who can draw insight from complex data, inspire coordinated action across organisational and sector boundaries, and provide confident judgement under pressure. You will set the tone for a directorate of around 175 people, bringing together existing and new teams and ensuring they operate collaboratively, intelligently and with a clear sense of purpose.
If you are motivated by the opportunity to shape a nationally significant agenda and strengthen the resilience of the UK’s food system for the future, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Working pattern guidance: If applying as a job share partnership, you should both complete separate application forms on Civil Service Jobs but should make it clear that you are applying as job sharers. Applicants who wish to work compressed hours are welcome to apply - however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years.
Director of System Resilience c£115,000 employer: Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the charge in enhancing the resilience of the UK food system. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on public health and safety. Located at the heart of the UK's regulatory landscape, the FSA provides a supportive environment where your leadership can drive meaningful change in a dynamic sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of System Resilience c£115,000
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Food Standards Agency, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Food Standards Agency and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of System Resilience c£115,000
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Food Standards Agency and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Standards Agency
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Food Standards Agency, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Food Standards Agency.
