Chief of Staff

We're looking for a Chief of Staff Office for a central government department, based across a choice of UK locations (hybrid), on an initial 6 month contract running until March 2027, paying up to £550 per day (Inside IR35, Umbrella). There's an expectation to attend the office 2 to 3 days a week.

The successful Head of Private Office will act as the strategic engine and trusted adviser to a Director, keeping their priorities moving and safeguarding the directorate's delivery. You'll provide independent advice, test thinking before it reaches ExCo or the Board, and represent the Director in meetings and decisions in their absence. You'll also join up work across the wider organisation, act as the final quality gate on submissions, and make sure operations, finance and governance run to a high standard.

You will need proven experience in the following:

• Operating as a senior adviser or chief of staff to director-level leadership
• Business integration across operations, strategy and finance in a complex organisation
• Briefing and influencing senior stakeholders on sensitive issues
• Managing operational machinery such as budgets, workforce planning and governance compliance
• Setting and enforcing consistent standards for commissioning, correspondence and reporting

You'll also need practical exposure to driving efficiency through digital tools, including areas such as:

• Shared CRMs and automated trackers
• AI and collaboration tools to support agile cross-team working

You will need to hold or be eligible to obtain SC clearance.