The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is a UK-wide non-Ministerial Government Department with statutory obligation to protect public health and consumers’ interest in relation to food. The FSA is responsible for food safety regulation and policy across the whole food chain; from ‘farm to fork’, including feed safety and standards. The FSA protects consumers by improving the safety of food and by giving honest and clear information. It is also an enforcement authority. The FSA is responsible for food and feed safety and hygiene across the UK. The FSA works with local authorities to enforce food and feed safety regulations and has staff who work in meat plants to check that the requirements of the regulations are being met. The FSA also commissions research related to food safety.

The FSA is led by a Board that is accountable to the Westminster and the UK Devolved Parliaments and Assemblies. The Board is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the FSA, ensuring that it fulfills its legal obligations so that its decisions or actions take proper account of scientific advice, the interests of consumers and other relevant factors.

Day-to-day management of the FSA is delegated to officials through the Chief Executive. The FSA Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring the policies of the FSA are delivered and carried out effectively and efficiently.

The FSA is open-minded about where you currently work and would welcome applications from both the public and commercial sectors.

The Role

Take ownership of the FSA’s strategic plan, providing leadership for the FSA and ensuring delivery of the Department’s outcomes and priorities.

Ensure the FSA handles all food incidents competently and maintains the confidence of the public and food industry alike.

Act as the Accounting Officer accountable to Parliament for the way in which the FSA spends its money.

Represent the FSA externally with people at all levels and through all types of media.

The Candidate

A consistent track record of success in the strategic leadership of an organisation similar to the political and policy environment in which the FSA operates. It is not essential that this experience is in the food sector. The FSA would welcome applications from individuals from other sectors including: industrial; commercial; scientific, and regulatory.

Experience of negotiating and influencing outcomes in a range of political or senior stakeholder environments, including the ability to remain calm, focused and resolute.

Outstanding management skills including first class communication skills and the financial acumen to succeed within continually tightening budgetary constraints.

Understanding of working in a scientific environment with the ability to communicate with technical and scientific specialists at all levels.

The Food Standards Agency is committed to the employment and career development of people with disabilities. We guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the basic minimum criteria for the post

For further details, please visit www.odgers.com/38876

Closing date: Friday 11th May