Director Strategy, Trade and Food System Policy

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK regulatory agency is seeking a Director of Strategy, Trade & Food System Policy to lead critical policy development that ensures public health and supports over 600,000 food businesses. This high-profile position involves steering the agency through major regulatory changes and managing relationships with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate must possess strategic vision, strong influencing skills, and the ability to drive change effectively in a complex environment.

Qualifications

• Outstanding leader with experience in policy development and delivery.
• Ability to drive change in complex environments.
• Strategic vision and understanding of operating context.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy that protects public health and supports food businesses.
• Steer the FSA through significant regulatory changes.
• Lead the design and negotiation of the UKEU SPS agreement.

Skills

Policy development

Strong influencing skills

Change management

Job description

Help shape the future of food in the UK and beyond

As our Director of Strategy, Trade & Food System Policy,you willjoin the FSA’s Executive Management Team and report directly to the Chief Executive. This is a pivotal, high‑profile role whereyou willlead policy that protects public health, safeguards consumers, and supports 600,000 food businesses across England,Walesand Northern Ireland.

You’llhelpsteer the FSA through a period ofsignificant change,resetting our relationship with the EU, strengthening our global role, and modernising regulation to keep pace with a rapidly evolving food system. As Senior Responsible Officer for the UKEU Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement,you’llleadthedesign,negotiationand implementationfor the FSA of this important part of the EU reset, working across government and with devolved administrations to deliver benefits for businesses and consumers.

You’lldevelop the FSA’s next multi-year corporatestrategyandyou’llshape the future of food regulation in England,Walesand Northern Ireland,supportingeconomic growth while, critically,continuing to protectpublic health andmaintainhigh levelsofpublictrust in our food.As partofthis,you’lldeliveron commitmentsjust announced in the budgetfor a national approach to regulation of the largest food businesses.

You’lllead a newly formed directorate, championcollaborationand inclusion, and empower high‑performing teams to deliver exceptional results.

We’relooking for an outstanding leader with experience in policy development and delivery in complex environments, strong influencing skills, and a proven ability to drive change at pace. Youdon’tneed to be a food specialist,what matters is strategic vision,an ability to quickly understand your operating context, and a commitment to our mission– food you can trust.

Apply now and help us build trust in food at home and worldwide.