Business Manager - Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer
| Posting date: | 12 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,590 to £40,170 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National salary £33,590 to £36,000 London salary £37,480 to £40,170. For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading ‘Salary’. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 May 2025 |
| Location: | London |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 404659/3 |
Summary
The Office of the UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) sits at the heart of Defra’s core functions. The UKCVO is the UK and Defra spokesperson on animal health & welfare issues helping to shape policy across England and throughout Great Britain/UK and influence delivery. The UKCVO leads the Defra/England response to outbreaks of exotic animal diseases, advises on the programmes necessary to control, and, where appropriate, eradicate disease, represents the UK in the EU and internationally, negotiating on behalf of the UK government and is the Head of Profession for all vets within the government’s employment.
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic individual to join the Office of the UK Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO). This is a critical and exciting role advising and supporting the CVO on a range of issues across both domestic and international engagements and correspondence. You will need to be proactive and responsive in your approach to work, have good judgement and attention to detail and be flexible in reacting to changes in priorities and availability, often at short notice.
You will support the wider work of the OCVO and the Private Secretary and deputise for the Private Secretary as required.
This role is fast paced, stretching and a great platform for your future career in Defra and the Civil Service. We are looking for candidates who will enjoy and thrive in this unique and interesting environment at the heart of Defra, and who are able to research, promote and instigate improved technologies and innovative ways of working to develop organisational capability and drive efficiency within the team.
This Business Manager will report to the CVO Private Secretary.
As Business Manager you will:
- Prioritise and arrange the CVO's schedule and appropriately manage the delivery of efficient and comprehensive engagements including logistics and travel arrangements to support CVO and Defra priorities at the highest level.
- Manage the collation and processing of the Cabinet Office quarterly finance Governmental return, ensuring efficient and accurate document retention and storage and that all travel receipts and documents are correctly recorded and retained.
- Lead on the monthly 4 Administrations CVO meeting, working with the UK CVO and her Devolved Authority counterparts to coordinate/develop relevant and responsive agendas, including ensuring relevant policy and delivery colleagues are invited to present/discuss agenda items. You will ensure the provision of accurate minutes within specified timeframes and manage and progress the associated actions log.
- Build excellent working relationships with key stakeholders both within Defra and other Departments, Devolved Administrations, Foreign counterparts and Industry.
- Contribute flexibly to the day-to-day running of the office, including flexibly providing support and cover for emerging urgent work, occasionally outside of normal working hours.
- Attend and accurately minute high-level and cross Departmental meetings as required, with professionalism and appropriate discretion, understanding political and diplomatic sensitivities.
- Monitor and manage the significant flow of email correspondence, making prioritisation decisions and responding appropriately to both routine and urgent demands. Actioning and escalating following provided protocols and direction.
- Lead on improved ways of working and developing efficient organisational capability through available technology and innovation, bringing evidenced challenge to support change.
- Represent the OCVO team at the Business Management Team Network. Linking in with the wider network ensuring the CVO team have sight of any central initiatives and can contribute.
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