Head of Director's Office

Ministry of Justice; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental department is seeking a Head of the Director’s Office in London to lead corporate activities and manage communications. This dynamic role involves planning strategic meetings, overseeing finance information, and supporting flexible working patterns. Candidates should exhibit strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to cultivate relationships across a complex organisation. The position offers a hybrid work model with opportunities for professional development and various benefits.

Benefits

Annual leave – 25 days on appointment

Pension – choice of schemes

Training and development opportunities

Flexible benefits and paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Strong organisational, leadership and motivational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work at pace calmly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Director’s office, ensuring systems and support allow the Director to focus on policy and business priorities.
• Manage corporate commissions and directorate communications.
• Plan and run the SMT meetings and other directorate structures.
• Chair monthly directorate‑wide meetings and away days.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Job description

Role Overview

Head of the Director’s Office is a busy and varied leadership role focusing on delivering the Director’s priorities and overseeing the corporate activities and business management of the CFTAJ Directorate.

Work location & Travel

The successful candidate will be based at 102 Petty France, London, with occasional travel between London and the Leeds office at 5 Wellington Place. The role supports flexible working, but requires in‑person support in the office on a routine basis.

Ways of Working

Flexible working patterns, part‑time, job share or full‑time are available. Hybrid working is supported, with a minimum of 60 % of working time in an office. The role can only be worked from the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Director’s office, ensuring systems and support allow the Director to focus on policy and business priorities.
• Manage corporate commissions and directorate communications.
• Plan and run the SMT meetings and other directorate structures, setting agendas that prioritise urgent and important issues.
• Chair monthly directorate‑wide meetings and away days.
• Oversee finance and workforce information, drawing data to support the SMT.
• Oversee corporate returns and finance reviews.
• Build networks with MoJ central functions and arm‑length bodies; act as interface between them and the directorate.
• Line‑manage the Director’s business manager and executive assistants.

Behavioural Competencies

During the application process you will be asked to provide examples of:

• Communicating & Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Essential Qualifications

• Passion for excellent service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Strong organisational, leadership and motivational skills.
• Confidence building relationships across a large and complex organisation, including senior civil servants.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work at pace calmly.
• Line management experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Private Office experience.
• Budget and resource management experience.
• Knowledge of the justice system.

Diversity & Equality

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident employer and provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Benefits

• Annual leave – 25 days on appointment, 30 days after five years.
• Additional paid time off for public holidays.
• Pension – choice of schemes.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee networks and family‑friendly policies.
• Flexible benefits and paid parental leave.
• Free annual sight tests for computer‑screen users.

Application Process

Use the application form and prepare behavioural examples using the STAR method. Interviews will be conducted remotely or at 102 Petty France.