Civil Service Jobs service

Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office

Cabinet Office · Civil Service leadership

Job description

The office leads the Cabinet Office as a department and supports the operating capability of the Civil Service as a whole. Responsibilities include people, finance, risk, performance, security, records, implementation and corporate leadership.

Essential criteria

• Demonstrates the Civil Service values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
• Evidence of senior leadership, sound judgement and the ability to lead a permanent and impartial public administration.
• Ability to give candid, evidence-based advice to ministers and implement lawful decisions while maintaining proper institutional boundaries.
• Ability to establish and maintain governance, risk, records, performance and resource controls appropriate to a senior Civil Service office.
• Realistic availability to carry the continuing responsibilities of the office.

Selection process

Applications are assessed on merit through fair and open competition. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or assessment. Reasonable adjustments are available.

• Organisation: Cabinet Office
• Reference: SCS-W1-002
• Closing: 4 October 2026 at 23:59