Head of Director's Office and Governance Lead

This is a rewarding and challenging role as Head of Director's Office and Governance Lead, ensuring priorities are met, reporting mechanisms are functioning smoothly and departmental governance requirements are managed effectively. Based within the Private Office, you will report to the Deputy Principal Private Secretary - who also leads the Ministerial Office - and will deputise for them as necessary to give support to the wider team. The Wales Office is the face of the UK Government in Wales and the voice of Wales in Westminster. We support the Secretary of State for Wales and the Ministerial team in representing Wales at the heart of Government. With offices in London and Cardiff, we work in partnership with other Government Departments and stakeholders to deliver a stronger Wales within a strong and prosperous United Kingdom. About the job This is an exciting time to take on the leadership of the Director's Office and to lead on departmental governance. With the Wales Office recruiting a new Director for the first time in 13 years, this is an opportunity for an outstanding candidate to shape the way in which a new Director engages with the wider department, across government and with key stakeholders. You will play a crucial part in ensuring the new Director is able to hit the ground running by developing effective communication lines between the Director and the ministerial offices, the senior leadership team, and the wider department. Responsibilities Lead the Director's Office, communicating the priorities of the Director to the wider department effectively. Ensure a coherent governance programme for the Department, providing support and co-ordination across the Boards and Committees. Contribute to the design, delivery, and upkeep of strategic products such as the Department's Outcome Delivery Plan, Strategic Risk Register, and the Department's reporting trackers. Prepare and maintain a set of regular reporting products for the Departmental Board, Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, Cabinet Office, and Number 10. Lead on cross-cutting departmental policy issues such as resilience and civil contingency planning. Manage the Director's time to ensure that meetings and engagements are relevant and productive, and commission briefings that are focused and appropriate. Work with Permanent Secretaries' Offices across Whitehall to gather intelligence, insight and increase awareness of policies and priorities. Act as an interlocutor between the Director's Office and the Ministerial Offices. Build strong internal relationships with Ministers, SpAds and departmental teams; and externally across UK and Welsh governments, and with key stakeholders to gain credibility for the Secretary of State for Wales and the Department. Line management responsibilities may be required. Act as a leader - helping to develop the right culture and behaviours - and support individuals to do well in their roles. Be a visible team player by pitching in and helping out with whatever might need doing around the office Contribute to corporate activities outside your immediate sphere of responsibility. Working Conditions You will need to be prepared to work some evenings and weekends as part of a Private Office rota. This role attracts an SEO Private Secretary allowance currently set at £7,149. The role will involve regular travel between the London and Cardiff offices and across Wales. To support wellbeing and encourage collaboration, staff are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time working face to face with colleagues either at the office or on official business. Security Clearance This role requires SC level clearance. Applicants for National Security Clearance (SC) must be resident in the UK for 5 years immediately prior to their application for Security Clearance. Essential Experience & Skills Strong inspiring leadership, working in collaboration with a range of colleagues whilst enabling colleagues to deliver. Ability to adapt to changing demands and conditions, and a readiness to make decisions, take the initiative and take action where needed. Ability to operate with political understanding in a complex environment of change and uncertainty. Attention to detail with an ability to produce work with a high level of accuracy. Ability to think strategically, prioritise, problem solve and set direction. Strong decision‑making skills and the ability to work autonomously to drive forward departmental objectives at pace. Desirable Criteria Experience in analysing, assessing, and reporting on governance and departmental activity. Relevant qualification in corporate governance / planning. Welsh Language skills. Salary The national salary is £42,914 – £46,182, and the London salary is £49,325 – £53,081. The base salary will be adjusted on a pay scale depending on your base location (national or London). Private Secretary allowance £7,149 applies. Benefits Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service. Additional paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day. Part‑time and job share posts are calculated pro‑rated. Scheme to buy or sell up to three days leave per year. Pension: Civil Service pension scheme with flexibility options. Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities. Networks: Employee‑run networks to provide advice and support, including those for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTI employees. Family Friendly policies: Opportunities to work reduced hours or job share. Voluntary benefits: Retail vouchers and discounts. Childcare support: Information is available via official government portals. Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave. Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens. Equality & Diversity Statement The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found and to provide everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, including adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr