Department for Business and Trade
Director, Services
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Director, Services
Salary: The SCS2 salary band is £100,000 - £162,500.
Location & Travel: The role is UK-based, with primary locations in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, or Salford. As the majority of the team is based in London, approximately two days per week must be spent there to provide team and Ministerial support. Some domestic and international travel (up to 20-25 days per year) will be required.
About the Department for Business and Trade
At the Department for Business and Trade, we unite business leaders, trade experts, and policymakers to establish the UK as one of the most compelling destinations globally for business. We collaborate with over 20 partner organisations, including the British Business Bank and the Fair Work Agency. We empower UK businesses, both domestically and internationally, propel trade through strategic deals, and attract vital investments into the UK economy.
With operations spanning over 100 countries and teams across London, Darlington, and beyond, we are pivotal in fostering growth, innovation, and international trade across the UK.
About the Role
Joining us as Director for Services presents an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of the UK’s globally significant services sectors. This is a high-profile leadership role within DBT's Business Group.
Reporting to the Director General for Business, the Director for Services will spearhead strategic direction, driving policy, trade, and investment initiatives across the services portfolio. This role offers exceptional interaction with government, industry leaders, and international partners, positioning the UK as a leader in services driving economic competitiveness.
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You will collaborate closely with Ministers, senior officials across Whitehall, and industry leaders to fortify the UK’s standing in the global services market.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic direction for a high-performing directorate, ensuring DBT becomes the preeminent expertise hub for services in trade, investment, and policy.
- Develop and implement outcome-focused strategies that enhance growth and competitiveness in UK services sectors.
- Shape policy and regulatory frameworks, collaborating with HM Treasury and key departments like DCMS, DfE, FCDO, the Home Office, and Defra.
- Oversee international engagements—including trade missions, global campaigns, and major events—to facilitate investments and export opportunities.
- Ensure strong governance and ministerial engagement while leading and motivating a geographically dispersed team.
- Contribute significantly to DBT’s overall leadership and strategic direction as a member of the Senior Civil Service.
About You
We are seeking a global leadership figure capable of inspiring, influencing, and navigating the highest levels of government and industry. You should embody the vision to transform the UK’s services economy.
Essential Criteria
- Senior Leadership: A visible, credible, and inspiring leader with expertise in managing large, complex, geographically dispersed teams while nurturing an inclusive and high-performance culture.
- Strategic Thinking: Exhibits strong intellectual capability, capable of analysing data, shaping strategic frameworks, and leading initiatives across both policy and operations in a complex environment.
- Delivery at Pace: Proven ability to achieve high-impact outcomes, operate effectively under time pressures, and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
- Stakeholder Engagement, Influence and Collaboration:
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills.
- Proven track record of engaging stakeholders such as Ministers, executives, or board-level leaders.
- Ability to collaborate across sectors, including government, private sector, and third sector, ensuring trusted relationships drive results.
- Sector and Commercial Insight:
- Experience working closely with businesses and industries to understand economic drivers and the factors influencing trade, growth, and investment.
- Familiarity with key sectors like professional and business services or consumer sectors.
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Why Join Us?
Our team at the Department for Business and Trade is committed to fostering business excellence globally, and you’ll be integral to propelling the UK’s services economy to new heights. Join us and play a pivotal role in building a world-class environment for business innovation.
Key Details
Applications are managed by Hays Executive. Apply by submitting the following documentation by 23:55 PM on 19th July 2026 using the provided link:
- A CV outlining your full career history, including key achievements and responsibilities. Note any reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
- A two-page supporting statement explaining how you meet the 5 essential criteria, including your language ability requirements.
Contact for Queries:
- Andrew Timlin: 07887777735
- Owen Quant: 07867695217
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