Head of Office to DG Strategy and Change

We are looking for someone to lead the Private Office of the Director General (DG) for Strategy and Change here at DEFRA.This stretching, varied and rewarding role at the heart of Defra group covers both policy and organisational issues including supporting one of the governments priorities on Water regulation.

Often operating with a high level of autonomy and judgement on the DG's behalf, you will gain a rich oversight of Defra's business, engage with a wide range of senior figures and help to make a significant difference to the future of the Director General group.

Strategy and Change DG Group is made up of directorates leading on Defra Group Communications, Portfolio Directorate and Change Deliver, Strategy, Support for Ministers and SOS, Growth, Resilience, Devolution and Legislation and Legal Services.

The group's responsibilities include setting Defra's overall strategy, leading our response to big cross-government issues and crisis management and leading on major reforms in legislation and Water. It is a busy, complex environment and you will play a key role in ensuring the success of the group.

This post provides an unparalleled experience of Departmental business, Ministerial decision-making and high level politics. The role offers direct and senior exposure across the fullest range of issues, from legislation to national crisis management and a level of leadership that cannot be found in normal policy roles.

Candidates must display adaptability, initiative, leadership, intellectual agility, resilience, likability and drive. They will need the personal presence and effectiveness to operate at a very senior level across the Department. That means showing excellent judgment coupled with an ability to drive progress in the face of uncertainty, competing views and divergent priorities.

Working in a DG's Office is really rewarding but you will need to be resilient to the challenges that arise, make tough decisions and be able to adapt quickly to changing situations. The nature of the work in a DGs Office means that you need to work flexibly in order to support the needs of the Director General and excellent prioritisation and efficient working will be essential.

You will need to work closely with the other members of the team to share knowledge across your portfolio. The post provides an unparalleled experience of Departmental business, Ministerial decision-making and high-level politics. It offers direct and senior exposure across the fullest range of issues, from legislation to national crisis management and a level of leadership that cannot be found in normal policy roles.

Whilst recognising the importance of the role and the work we do, it is also hugely enjoyable - and fun!

Candidates must display adaptability, initiative, leadership, intellectual agility, resilience and drive. You will need the personal presence and effectiveness to operate at a very senior level across the Department. That means showing excellent judgment coupled with an ability to drive progress in the face of uncertainty, competing views and divergent priorities.

The role offers an opportunity to work with particularly dynamic Ministers responsible for some of the most interesting and complex policy questions in Government. The breadth of policy portfolio provides an excellent big-picture vision of Defra's work.

Learning and development has an important place in the way we work in Defra and is an intrinsic part of our offer to you, and you will play a part in the broader DG Office leadership team.

Your responsibilities will include

• Work closely with the Chief of Staff to the Director General and the Director General themselves to identify and drive forward their priorities -you'll be anticipating and unblocking problems, triaging issues and driving progress on their behalf, and navigating competing views and divergent priorities
• Ensure the group has, and is monitoring progress against, a strong business plan aligned with Detra priorities, enabling the DG and her senior leadership team to prioritise, make trade-offs and align available resources to the group's strategic objectives
• Set the strategic programme for the Strategy and Change senior leadership team and ensure the cycle of regular meetings is used effectively to generate decisions and move priorities forward
• Develop and oversee the DG's group communications and staff engagement strategy
• Handle sensitive personnel activity, including leading senior recruitment exercises when required
• Lead and develop the private office team, currently consisting of a private secretary and a diary manager, ensuring the office runs efficiently and delivers to high standards, and benefit from being part of the wider business management function that supports Strategy and Change Group
• Ensure the DG is supported in their wider corporate roles within the DG Group and across the Department

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