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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead post-16 education policy and oversee significant government spending.
- Company: Join a supportive team at HM Treasury, shaping the future of education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and skills policy for the future economy.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a pivotal role working across HM Treasury with DfE to help implement the recent Spending Review settlement, and to prepare for and help deliver Spending Review? Building networks across HMT as well as develop positive relationships with DfE to find common positions and broker agreements and regular exposure to senior officials, ministers and their political advisors? If so, read on!
About the Team
We are a high profile, friendly and supportive team with oversight of £100 billion across education budgets, ranging from children’s social care and childcare through to schools, further education, and higher education. Our core role as a spending team is to advise Treasury ministers on education spending proposals, help the Department for Education (DfE) to live within their budget, and work with DfE and other parts of the Treasury to ensure that we have an education and skills system which meets the needs of the future economy. We are a team of 17 people who put a strong emphasis on an inclusive and open culture. We are especially proud of our track record in helping our team members to develop and make the most of the opportunities available whilst being in the team.
About the Job
The key responsibilities of the post-holder will be:
- Leading the post-16 education unit. You will oversee government’s spending on further and higher education, as well as management of the student loan book.
- Leading policy development across post-16 education. You will work closely with the Department for Education, and HMT Labour Markets division and Economic Growth Unit to develop post-16 education and skills policy in support of the Industrial Strategy and growth agenda.
- Influencing Government and external counterparts to advance the Treasury’s objectives, including delivery of the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper (published in October).
- Providing Treasury ministers with compelling advice. You will need to find creative, deliverable solutions to some of the most complex challenges currently facing the Government.
About You
You will:
- The ability to lead a high performing team to deliver excellent work while maintaining wellbeing, even when under significant pressure (Leadership)
- The ability to provide strategic leadership on pre-16 education policy, situated in its wider fiscal, economic and policy context (Seeing the Big Picture)
- The ability to synthesise a wide range of competing evidence and perspectives into well-judged advice that can command Treasury ministers’ confidence (Making Effective Decisions)
- The ability to influence counterparts, senior officials, special advisors and ministers with sophistication, in pursuit of your objectives (Communicating and Influencing)
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant).
- Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours).
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team at hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.
Head of Post-16 Education and Skills employer: HM TREASURY
Contact Detail:
HM TREASURY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Post-16 Education and Skills
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education and skills sector. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building those relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research HM Treasury and the Department for Education thoroughly. Understand their recent initiatives and challenges, especially around the Spending Review. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams under pressure and delivered results. Highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior officials and ministers – that’s key for this role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Post-16 Education and Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities of the role. We want to see how you can lead the post-16 education unit and influence policy development!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can maintain wellbeing while delivering excellent work under pressure.
Communicate Clearly: Your ability to communicate and influence is crucial. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate how you can provide compelling advice to Treasury ministers and build relationships with DfE.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest education policies and the Spending Review. Brush up on the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and be ready to discuss how it impacts the role. This shows you’re not just interested, but also informed!
✨Build Your Network
Since this role involves working closely with DfE and HMT, think about how you can demonstrate your networking skills. Share examples of how you've built relationships in previous roles, especially with senior officials or ministers. It’s all about showing you can connect and collaborate!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to talk about your leadership approach, especially under pressure. Share specific instances where you’ve led a team to success while maintaining morale. This is crucial for a role that requires managing a high-performing team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively. You’ll need to influence various stakeholders, so think about how you can convey complex ideas simply. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence!