Head of UKCA Policy & Delivery

The Trade and Investment Negotiations - Goods (TING) directorate plays a pivotal role in coordinating trade interests and leading the UK government's policies for manufactured goods. We deliver and implement trade policy and agreements which reflect the needs of UK businesses, so that exporters can be successful and competitive internationally, whether with Europe or the rest of the world. The directorate is focused on harnessing skills & data to develop and deliver trade policy that works for UK businesses. We achieve this by sharing our leading-edge expertise, brilliant analysis, upskilling colleagues across the department, and using our cross-Government insights to solve complex problems. Our directorate is comprised of experts in policy, analysis and international trade, plus a dedicated strategic delivery team. Our directorate is a great place to work and develop your career, while acquiring new skills through a range of learning and development opportunities. Our directorate takes inclusiveness and diversity seriously and respects difference, as championed by our diversity and inclusion group. Wellbeing and work-life balance is also made a top priority, as well as ensuring that the directorate is open and friendly. The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) team is responsible for large parts of the UK's approach to product marking for manufactured goods, specifically the UKCA marking and recognition of the EU's CE marking. This covers around £200 billion worth of goods annually. Parliament passed legislation in May this year to continue CE recognition for certain UKCA regulations, and the team continues to develop the strategic approach, working closely with other departments and industry. The team's current priority is supporting the passage of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which was introduced to the House of Lords in September. The Bill will provide new powers to bring forward regulations to address emerging product safety risks and support economic growth, including by continuing to recognise the CE marking where it is in the UK's interests to do so. The roles will have responsibility for policy in the Bill and in developing and delivering subsequent legislation. This will involve regular engagement with seniors, Ministers and colleagues from across government and externally to develop and agree the approach on a range of policy matters. These are stretching G7 roles, working with colleagues across the department, government, and externally to deliver legislation and develop policy and strategy to support economic growth., This role holder will be responsible for ensuring the policy underpinning UK's Product regulatory regime is fit for purpose and well designed. The role holder will be comfortable working with technical and complex regulations and working very closely with lawyers and technical experts to design and recommend government policy. They should also be able to translate this technical policy into clear and effective advice for seniors and ministers. Head of UKCA Delivery and Implementation The role holder will be responsible for leading their team to deliver technical and complex policy, including to promote a joined-up approach across different sectors and regulations. They will be comfortable working closely across departments with sometimes competing priorities. The role holder will be responsible for leading teams through ambiguity as well as delivering legislation both primary and secondary legislation to support businesses, growth and regulatory stability. You will be part of the leadership team, overseeing the delivery and governance of important workstreams, including by:

• Having a keen eye for detail, understanding what technical policy and legislation means for businesses. Being able to identify how technical policy connects with broader priorities, for example supporting economic growth. You will be able to develop and deliver technical policy, including being able to confidently advise seniors and Ministers how policy options can support broader objectives.
• Developing productive relationships within DBT and across government to understand complementary policies and strategies to inform how to situate UKCA marking and CE recognition.
• Working with and influencing departments responsible for UKCA regulations to make sure DBT interests are considered and to promote a coherent approach across government.
• Delivering plans to engage with businesses, trade associations, and other interested external organisations in the UK and abroad, to understand their views and priorities, to inform policy and strategy development.
• Line management responsibilities for up to 5 team members, supporting their development and empowering them to lead on their areas of responsibility.
• Overseeing governance arrangements to ensure seniors and ministers are appropriately engaged, that timely decisions are made and risks are managed effectively.