Interim Chief of Staff - Public Sector (Inside IR35)

Cedar Recruitment Careers; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Chief of Staff to provide strategic leadership and operational coordination within a major central government body. The role necessitates significant public sector experience and involves acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders. Ideal candidates will have advanced qualifications and exceptional communication skills, ready to tackle delivery demands during a period of organisational change. The position is based in Birmingham with a competitive day rate.

Qualifications

• Strong grounding in public policy, political science, or public administration.
• Experience in management, project leadership, or executive support functions.
• Ability to operate with pace, professionalism, and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational coordination.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders.
• Drive effective prioritization and strengthen governance arrangements.
• Provide oversight across key programmes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational coordination

Executive-level support

Exceptional communication skills

Organisational management

Public policy knowledge

Education

Advanced qualification (MPA preferred)

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.