Director - Public Services

The Treasury is the United Kingdom’s economics and finance ministry.

We are responsible for formulating and implementing the government’s financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all. 

A Treasury career offers an exciting opportunity to be part of decision making that affects the whole of the UK.

The Treasury plays a critical role at the heart of Government in the UK and, together with the Cabinet Office and Number 10, forms the centre of the Government and wider Civil Service.

The Treasury is a small, agile and professional institution organised around thematic Director-led groups of standing and project teams.

This role can be based in either London or Darlington. Some travel will be expected as part of the role.

The Darlington Economic Campus is a pioneering cross-government hub which brings together departments and public organisations which lead on some of the most important economic issues of the day.

Job Description

The Director – Public Services will co-lead the group of 160 staff, maintaining a motivated, high-performing, expert, and inclusive culture in the group. The group sits at the heart of the Treasury plays its full role in achieving both HMT’s finance and economics ministry objectives, including by being respected for being evidence-based, problem-solving, trusted, inclusive and a good place to work.

You will be responsible for HMT’s financial, value for money, policy and senior stakeholder relationships with DfE, MoD, FCDO, the intelligence agencies, ODA. Home Office. MoJ and the Union (Devolved Governments and Offices for the Nations),   You will be the respected voice for public services to the Chancellor and the Chief Secretary to be able to drive forwards a proactive policy agenda - particularly around public services reform and economic growth - and/or step in when risks materialise.

The post-holder will:

1. Co-lead a Group of 160 employees, within a group that plays its full role in achieving both HMT’s finance and economics ministry objectives, including by being respected for being evidence-based, problem-solving, trusted, inclusive and a good place to work. 4 Deputy Director reports (as well as one indirect report covering foreign affairs).
2. Take responsibility for HMT’s financial, value for money, policy and senior stakeholder relationships in respect of education and skills (DfE), national security and foreign affairs (MoD, FCDO, the intelligence agencies, ODA), justice and home affairs (Home Office and MoJ) and the Union (Devolved Governments and Offices for the Nations), developing a strong understanding of these areas.
3. Become the respected voice for Public Services to the Chancellor and the Chief Secretary to be able to drive forwards a proactive policy agenda - particularly around public services reform and economic growth - and/or step in when risks materialise.
4. Take responsibility for important HMT-wide corporate priorities as HMT’s Nominated Officer and Co-head of HMT’s Policy Profession.
5.  Co-lead delivery of HMT policy set-pieces (Budgets and Spending Reviews) from the perspective of public spending, and support peers across Government on their economic and policy priorities.
6. Represent HMT at senior cross-Whitehall committees.

Person Specification

While in post, the successful candidate will be expected to perform well across the full range of Senior Civil Service behaviours set out in the Success Profile framework and demonstrate commitment to the Civil Service values.  

The criteria for the purpose of selection are: 

• Ability to work collaboratively within the department, across government and with partners outside of government to improve outcomes.
• Ability to explain and influence skilfully working with and through other organisations who are not close to HMT’s economics and finance ministry policy making.
• Ability to set director through effective delegation and capability building, being an empowering leader. Willingness to step-in alongside your teams in the case of HMT priorities or difficult problems.
• Experience of giving difficult messages and leading tough negotiations with tight timelines and/or operating in a very politically sensitive environment.

To apply for this post please apply via Civil Service Jobs by no later than 23:55 on the 14 April. We can only accept applications via the Civil Service Jobs platform. 

Applications should consist of a CV and personal statement outlining your experience and skills against those detailed in the person specification. 

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) 
• Flexible working patterns (job-share, condensed hours) 
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27% 
• Generous parental leave packages 
• Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room 
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving 
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site 
• A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes 
• A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity  

At HM Treasury we have an exceptionally broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it’s important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff are able to realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

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.