At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investigations into small business fraud and oversee a major recruitment drive.
- Company: Join HMRC, a key player in government enforcement and compliance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling tax evasion while shaping a new directorate.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience and a strong background in investigations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
As the Deputy Director (SCS1) for the newly established Small Business Evasion and Enforcement (SBEE) directorate, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the government's investment into HMRC. You will be responsible for leading a mission to recruit 900 new staff and contribute to FIS's overall £4bn performance. Reporting directly to the Director of the Fraud Investigation Service (FIS), you will balance high-level operational enforcement with a major workforce transformation programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership & Enforcement
- Lead Investigations: Direct FIS operations targeting fraud within small businesses, specifically focusing on high-street tax evasion, excise offences, and money laundering regulatory breaches.
- Deliver Strategic Outcomes: Meet rigorous departmental targets for positive charging decisions and tax yield to support the closure of the Tax Gap.
- Build Partnerships: Develop and maintain critical relationships with external agencies, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to enhance prosecution casework.
- Workforce Transformation & Talent
- Scale Recruitment: Oversee the successful induction and deployment of 900 additional compliance staff over a five-year period.
- Modernise Training: Design and implement a flexible, structured training model that establishes clear career pathways and ensures trainees contribute effectively and early.
- Shape Culture: Foster a positive, supportive, and high-performance workplace culture that inspires confidence across the new directorate.
- Strategic Accountability
- Directorate Design: Lead the design and implementation of the SBEE business model, ensuring it becomes a permanent and world-class component of HMRC.
- Financial Management: Hold full accountability for a £47m pay bill and a £1.4m non-pay budget.
- Management & Interactions
- People Management: Direct leadership of two Grade 6 regional leaders and one Grade 6 Design and Delivery team; countersigning manager for six Grade 7s across the UK.
- Internal Stakeholders: Collaborate closely with HR Organisational Design, Solicitors Office (SOLS), and various compliance centres (RIS, WMBC, ISBC).
- External Stakeholders: Engage with the College of Policing, OFSTED, NCA and other relevant UK Law Enforcement Agencies.
Person specification
Essential Criteria: Candidates must demonstrate the following:
- Operational Leadership: Extensive experience leading large-scale commands and delivering complex, transformational change.
- Investigative Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of criminal or civil investigations and a working understanding of CPIA Disclosure.
- Partnership Management: A proven ability to collaborate with external agencies, such as the Crown Prosecution Service, to drive strategic outcomes.
- Strategic Delivery: The capacity to design new business models and embed change while meeting rigorous yield and performance targets.
- Resource Management: Experience managing significant budgets and overseeing large-scale recruitment and training programmes.
- Inspiring Leadership: The ability to lead diverse teams, foster a positive culture, and manage professional standards with confidence.
Desirable Criteria:
- Professional Standing: Accreditation within the Counter Fraud, Criminal Justice, or Tax professions.
- Government Briefing: Experience providing direct assurance and briefings to Ministers or Senior Responsible Officers (SROs).
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £81,000, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £23,465 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Your Civil Service pension is a valuable part of your total reward and is one of your biggest benefits. When you join the Civil Service, you get access to the alpha pension with a generous employer contribution of 28.97% and some of the lowest member contributions in the public sector.
Annual Leave and Bank Holiday Allowance: 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service (allowance pro-rata for part-time colleagues). This is complemented by one day's paid privilege leave to mark the King's Birthday and is in addition to your public holidays.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service values and supports all its employees. At HMRC we want to create great places to work that are welcoming to all - where there is a strong sense of belonging and community. We embed inclusion in everything we do.
Selection process details
This campaign is being managed by HMRC's Executive Resourcing team. All applications should be submitted via Civil Service Jobs no later than 23:55 on Monday 9th March 2026 and must include:
- A CV detailing your career history, key responsibilities and achievements accounting for any employment gaps within the last two years.
- A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 2 pages) demonstrating how your experience meets the essential criteria.
Your CV and suitability statement will be assessed against the criteria set out in the person specification. Please include your full name on both documents.
Shortlist
The panel will assess the evidence provided in your CV and statement. Candidates whose applications best meet the essential criteria will be selected for interview.
Interview
You will attend a panel interview for a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. This will include a 5-minute verbal presentation (further information will be issued in advance). Interviews are expected to take place in person in Stratford.
This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Deputy Director, Small Business Evasion and Enforcement - Belfast employer: HMRC
As a Deputy Director at HMRC in Belfast, you will join a forward-thinking organisation committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. With competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and a strong focus on employee development, HMRC offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives while making a significant impact on the community. The role not only provides a chance to shape the future of small business enforcement but also supports your professional growth within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Small Business Evasion and Enforcement - Belfast
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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✨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 HMRC and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Small Business Evasion and Enforcement - Belfast
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 HMRC 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 HMRC
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with HMRC, 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 HMRC.
