The Cabinet Office is recruiting for a new director general for the economic and domestic secretariat, with Emma Churchill heading off to the Ministry of Justice after two years in the role.
The DG of the Cabinet Office’s EDS works with the prime minister, cabinet secretary, chief secretary to the PM and cabinet to drive forward the government’s top priorities and bring departments together to resolve issues.
A salary of £130,000 is on offer for the role.
In a foreword to the job pack for the position, Sir Chris Wormald, the cabinet secretary and head of the civil service, said: “This is one of the most demanding and high-profile roles in Whitehall, offering a vital opportunity to operate at the very heart of government on the highest-priority issues facing the nation.”
Former holders of the post include Wormald and current permanent secretaries Dame Antonia Romeo and Dame Sarah Healey.
The advert says the Cabinet Office is looking for an “outstanding leader with a proven track record of delivering complex policy in high-profile environments”.
“The individual will need to be an expert negotiator across government and be comfortable building relationships with senior ministers and officials,” it says.
They will also need a “proven ability to think analytically and a dedication to complete long-term objectives” and “extensive experience of delivering in government or similar complex organisations with outstanding leadership skills to champion others”.
The post holder will lead four directorates with a workforce of 120 civil servants and will also take up the position of head of policy profession within the Cabinet Office.
The MoJ declined to confirm what role Churchill is taking up at the department, saying they do not comment on people moves.
Before becoming DG for EDS, Churchill was DG for migration and borders at the Home Office. Her other previous roles include DG of the border and protocol delivery group in the Cabinet Office and principal private secretary to the home secretary.
The role is open to applications until 30 November at 11:55 pm.