Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Scientific Adviser

3 weeks ago

Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

Position Overview

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is dedicated to fostering economic development across the UK. Our mission is to assist businesses in their endeavors to invest, expand, and export, thereby generating employment and opportunities nationwide.

The Global Futures Directorate (GFD) operates at the core of DBT, playing a vital role in the 'strategic centre' alongside the Strategy and Private Office, and Analysis Group directorates. GFD is tasked with ensuring that the department's strategies for economic advancement are informed by a comprehensive approach to long-term and systemic challenges in science, technology, research and development, and innovation that impact the UK economy.

Under the leadership of Professor Julia Sutcliffe, DBT's Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), GFD not only supports the CSA in her leadership role but also serves as the department's authoritative advisor on scientific and engineering matters, providing direct assistance to ministers, senior officials, and teams throughout DBT. Julia is an integral member of the cross-government CSA Network, collaborating with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser on significant cross-government policy matters.

Role Responsibilities

As the Senior Private Secretary (SPS), you will oversee the daily operations of the CSA's Private Office. This small, dedicated team is essential in enabling Julia to fulfill her senior leadership responsibilities.

The Private Office environment is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring you to work closely with a tight-knit team while becoming well-versed in the broad scope of the CSA and GFD's work, which includes cross-departmental strategy initiatives related to science, innovation, technology, net zero, and climate challenges, as well as delivering high-quality futures analysis and foresight capabilities for DBT.

Your key responsibilities will encompass:

  • Providing leadership and direction to the CSA's Assistant Private Secretary (HEO) and Executive Assistant (EO), ensuring they receive the necessary support and guidance.
  • Fostering strong working relationships with private secretaries in other offices across DBT and the wider government, including key stakeholders such as ministers, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretary, Directors General, Directors, and other Chief Scientific Advisers.
  • Representing the CSA in various meetings, acting as an ambassador for her interests and viewpoints with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Managing the planning and execution of a comprehensive external engagement program for the CSA, which requires close collaboration with DBT's international network, trade and investment teams, and relevant government departments.
  • Collaborating with the Chief of Staff to advise and support the CSA on urgent matters that require her immediate attention, utilizing policy expertise from across the department as needed.
  • Working closely with the CSA, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Private Secretary to ensure that the CSA's schedule accurately reflects her priorities, preparing her for key meetings, visits, and events. You will also accompany the CSA to select meetings, documenting discussions, capturing actions, and following up with relevant teams.
  • Ensuring effective communication flow to and from the CSA, monitoring shared mailboxes, commissioning and clearing briefings and other documents (often under tight deadlines), and assisting the CSA in prioritizing her workload.
  • Taking the lead as the Private Secretary for the CSA on specific projects or policy matters.
  • Playing a pivotal role in enhancing the corporate presence of the directorate and assisting the Chief of Staff with business management duties.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in a private office or similar environment, directly supporting senior leaders.
  • Exceptional drafting and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex and technical issues for non-expert audiences.
  • A demonstrated interest or experience in science, innovation, and technology policy.
  • Leadership experience in managing and developing a team.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • A relevant qualification in science, innovation, or technology.

Personal Attributes & Skills

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while being accountable to a senior leader.
  • Skilled in managing multiple priorities simultaneously, effectively triaging and adjusting workload as necessary.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of quickly establishing strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and representing their interests effectively.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities to keep teams motivated during demanding periods, ensuring focus on key objectives.

Behaviours

During the selection process, candidates will be assessed against the following behaviours:

  • Delivering at Pace
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the Department for Business and Trade contributes significantly towards membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Additional benefits include:

  • Tailored learning and development opportunities.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • A culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.
  • An average employer contribution of 27% to your pension.

The Department for Business and Trade is committed to creating an inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those with gender diverse identities.

For further details on our benefits, please refer to the attached candidate pack.

  • Principal Private Secretary for the Chief Scientific Adviser

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    Position OverviewThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is dedicated to fostering economic advancement within the UK. Our mission is to assist enterprises in investing, expanding, and exporting, thereby generating employment and opportunities nationwide.The Global Futures Directorate (GFD) operates at the core of DBT, forming an integral part of the...

  • Lead Executive Assistant to the Chief Scientific Adviser

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    Position OverviewThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is dedicated to fostering economic advancement within the UK. Our mission is to assist enterprises in investing, expanding, and exporting, thereby generating employment and opportunities nationwide.The Global Futures Directorate (GFD) is integral to DBT, functioning as a vital component of the...

  • Government Secretary

    6 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    Job SummaryThe Department for Business and Trade is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join its team as a Senior Policy Advisor. This is a unique opportunity to work with the Review Body on Senior Salaries, providing critical support to the secretariat team and leading the process of evidence-gathering and consideration of issues.Key...

  • IAM Program Manager

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom AJ Bell Business Solutions Limited Full time

    Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced IAM Program Manager to enhance the operations of our Chief Information Security Office. The IAM division works closely with various business units and the wider information security team to ensure that robust IAM controls, policies, and procedures are established, adhering to industry standards and compliance...

  • Water Quality Calibration Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom On Target Recruitment Ltd Full time

    Join a Leader in Water Management TechnologyAt On Target Recruitment Ltd, we are dedicated to advancing water management solutions. Our focus is on providing exceptional services to water utilities, municipal authorities, and global enterprises.Key Responsibilities: - Deliver insights for enhanced water conservation. - Improve the effectiveness of water...

  • Risk Management Analyst

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom AJ Bell Business Solutions Limited Full time

    Position Overview: We are currently seeking a dedicated Risk Management Analyst to assist the Chief Information Security Officer in overseeing and reporting on Identity and Access Management (IAM) within our Technology Services and Business divisions. Key Responsibilities: Conducting access control measures, including user access evaluations, account...

  • Principal Estimation Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Anderselite LTD Full time

    Position OverviewRole: Senior EstimatorSalary: £55,000 - £75,000 (commensurate with experience) + Car Allowance, Pension contributions, Private HealthcareCompany Overview:Anderselite LTD is a reputable contractor with a focus on substantial construction projects. We are currently seeking a Senior Estimator to join our dynamic team.Project Scope:The role...

  • Principal Technology Architect

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    Job OverviewThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is dedicated to fostering economic growth. Our mission is to assist businesses in investing, expanding, and exporting to generate employment and opportunities nationwide. We achieve this through three primary avenues.Firstly, we strive to create a robust and competitive business landscape, ensuring...

  • Principal Strategic Surveyor

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Salford Council Full time

    Senior Strategic SurveyorJoin our team at Salford Council, where you will play a pivotal role in the strategic oversight of our asset portfolio. As a Senior Strategic Surveyor, you will work closely with the Senior Manager of Strategic Asset Management to guide and enhance the management of the Council's assets.Key Responsibilities:Oversee the management of...

  • Digital Procurement Category Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Shared Services Connected Ltd Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced procurement professional to join our Digital & IT category team as a Principal Category Manager. As a key member of our team, you will lead a small team and take ownership for the delivery of three of our Digital & IT category frameworks.Key ResponsibilitiesWork closely with the Digital and IT Category to ensure...

  • Principal Recruitment Consultant

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Supreme Search Specialists Ltd Full time

    Position OverviewAre you a seasoned Recruitment Consultant eager to take on a leadership role? We are a dynamic recruitment firm seeking an Experienced Recruitment Consultant to enhance our UK operations.Role ResponsibilitiesYou will manage an established desk, benefiting from a wealth of active job listings and a comprehensive candidate database.Working...

  • Access Management Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom AJ Bell Business Solutions Limited Full time

    We are currently seeking an Access Management Specialist to assist the Chief Information Security Officer in overseeing and reporting on Identity and Access Management (IAM) within our Technology Services and Business divisions. The Access Management Specialist will be responsible for implementing access controls, including conducting user access...

  • Commercial Construction Project Manager

    1 week ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Build People Full time

    **About the Role**Build People is seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor to join our vibrant Commercial Team. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in the success of our Commercial construction projects, predominantly Interior Fit-Out & Refurbishment.**Key Responsibilities**Analysis of subcontract quotations to enable normalisation and...

  • Head of Business Operations

    5 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Business Manager to join our team at the Department for Business and Trade. As a key member of our Strategic Delivery Team, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating trade interests and leading the UK's trade and domestic regulation policy for manufactured goods.Key ResponsibilitiesLead...

  • Head of Business Operations

    4 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Business Manager to join our team at the Department for Business and Trade. As a key member of our Strategic Delivery Team, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating trade interests and leading the UK's trade and domestic regulation policy for manufactured goods.Key ResponsibilitiesLead...

  • Senior Business Development Manager

    5 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Business Manager to join our team at the Department for Business and Trade. As a key member of our Strategic Delivery Team, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating trade interests and leading the UK's trade and domestic regulation policy for manufactured goods.Key ResponsibilitiesLead...

  • Senior Business Development Manager

    4 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Business Manager to join our team at the Department for Business and Trade. As a key member of our Strategic Delivery Team, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating trade interests and leading the UK's trade and domestic regulation policy for manufactured goods.Key ResponsibilitiesLead...

  • Food and Beverage Team Member

    6 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom The Lowry Hotel Full time

    Job SummaryThe Lowry Hotel is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Food and Beverage Assistant to join our team. As a key member of our food and beverage team, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional service to our guests in the River Restaurant, Lowry Lounge and Bar, and Room Service department.Key ResponsibilitiesGreet and seat guests, take...

  • Food and Beverage Team Member

    3 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom The Lowry Hotel Full time

    Job SummaryThe Lowry Hotel is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Food and Beverage Assistant to join our team. As a key member of our food and beverage team, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional service to our guests in the River Restaurant, Lowry Lounge and Bar, and Room Service department.Key ResponsibilitiesGreet and seat guests, take...

  • Hospitality Assistant

    6 days ago

    Salford, Salford, United Kingdom The Lowry Hotel Full time

    Job SummaryThe Lowry Hotel is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Food and Beverage Assistant to join our team. As a key member of our food and beverage team, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional service to our guests in the River Restaurant, Lowry Lounge and Bar, and Room Service department.Key ResponsibilitiesGreet and seat guests, take...