Chief of Staff Public Sector

Cedar Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the United Kingdom is looking for an Interim Chief of Staff for a central government role. This position involves providing strategic leadership and operational support during significant organisational change. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in public sector environments, with skills in executive support and stakeholder management. A competitive day rate of £750 is offered for an initial 6-month contract located in Birmingham, requiring on-site presence for 2 days a week.

Qualifications

• Significant experience working in central government or a major public-sector department.
• Proven background in executive support, strategic leadership, or senior advisory roles.
• Strong political acumen, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Executive Office and ensure smooth, effective operation of executive-level decision-making.
• Provide strategic insight, challenge, and direction to support organisational priorities.
• Produce high-level briefings and communications for senior officials.

Skills

Political acumen

Communication skills

Strategic leadership

Organisational management

Education

Advanced qualification such as MPA

Job description

Interim Chief of Staff (Central Government)

Location : Birmingham (2 days per week on-site)

Day Rate : 750 per day (inside IR35)

Duration : 6 months initially

Start : ASAP

About the Role

A major central government body is seeking a highly capable Interim Chief of Staff to provide strategic leadership, operational coordination, and executive-level support during a period of significant organisational change and heightened delivery demands.

This role requires a strong grounding in public policy, political science, or public administration, ideally supported by an advanced qualification such as an MPA. The successful Public Sector Chief of Staff will bring a well-developed mix of strategic insight, organisational management, and exceptional communication skills, typically gained through senior experience in management, project leadership, or executive support functions.

As Interim Chief of Staff, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, driving effective prioritisation, strengthening governance arrangements, and providing oversight across key programmes within a complex, high‑profile public‑sector environment. The ideal candidate will have substantial government experience and the ability to operate with pace, professionalism, and diplomacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Executive Office and ensure smooth, effective operation of executive-level decision-making.
• Provide strategic insight, challenge, and direction to support organisational priorities and cross‑government programmes.
• Coordinate high‑impact projects and ensure alignment across directorates and partner bodies.
• Produce and quality‑assure high‑level briefings, papers, and communications for senior officials and external stakeholders.
• Drive forward governance, performance monitoring, and risk management processes.
• Build strong relationships with ministers' offices, senior civil servants, and key external partners.
• Represent senior leaders at internal and external meetings where appropriate.

About You

Essential

• Significant experience working in central government or a major public‑sector department.
• Proven background in executive support, strategic leadership, or senior advisory roles.
• Strong political acumen, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Skilled in managing high‑paced, ambiguous environments with competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce authoritative briefings.
• Knowledge of public sector finance, performance frameworks, or governance standards.

Desirable

• Experience within transformation, change management, or organisational improvement programmes.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to influence strategic direction at a senior level within central government, support major public‑sector priorities, and drive meaningful organisational impact.