A landmark opportunity has opened up for a visionary leader with the announcement of the Fair Work Agency CEO job in the UK for 2025. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is seeking an exceptional individual to lead the newly established Fair Work Agency (FWA), a single, unified enforcement body for workers’ rights in the UK. This is a rare chance to shape a transformative organisation from its inception and make a tangible impact on the lives of millions. If you are an experienced senior leader looking for high-impact UK Civil Service jobs, this is the role for you.
Fair Work Agency CEO Job UK 2025 Overview
This table provides a summary of this prestigious SCS Pay Band 2 role.
Property |
Details |
|---|---|
Position Title |
Chief Executive Officer |
Organisation |
The Fair Work Agency (an Executive Agency of the DBT) |
Location |
Flexible (Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Salford) |
Salary |
£100,000 – £162,500 per annum |
Job Grade |
Senior Civil Service (SCS) Pay Band 2 |
Contract Type |
Permanent |
Application Deadline |
11:55 pm on Sunday, 30th November 2025 |
Contact Person |
Andrew Timlin (Andrew.Timlin@hays.com, 07887777735) |
About the Fair Work Agency and the DBT
This vacancy comes directly from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the UK Civil Service, recruiting a Chief Executive Officer for the newly established Fair Work Agency, launching April 2026. The role sits at SCS Pay Band 2, includes strategic leadership, financial management, governance, enforcement oversight, and transformation responsibilities. The FWA is an Executive Agency of the DBT, created to enforce employment rights, support compliant businesses, and clamp down on exploitation. As CEO, you will work closely with the DBT to deliver the government’s policy objectives and ensure the FWA becomes a cornerstone of fair employment in the UK.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
As the inaugural CEO of the Fair Work Agency, you will be responsible for providing visionary leadership and strategic direction. Your key responsibilities will include:
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Strategic Leadership and Transformation: Work with the Chair and Advisory Board to set the long-term strategy for the FWA and drive its transition into a single, unified agency.
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Statutory Powers and Enforcement: Ensure the appropriate use of the agency’s powers, from supporting businesses to become compliant to deploying robust, intelligence-led enforcement.
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Financial Stewardship: Manage a substantial budget, ensuring value for public money and compliance with government financial frameworks.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with government, employers, workers, and trade unions, acting as the public face of the agency.
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Culture and People: Champion a new, collaborative culture, uniting a diverse workforce and embedding a drive for innovation.
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Governance and Accountability: Serve as the principal advisor to the Advisory Board and be personally accountable for the agency’s operational effectiveness and the safeguarding of public funds.
Required Qualifications and Experience
This is a senior leadership job in the UK that demands a unique blend of skills and experience. The ideal candidate will have:
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A proven track record of successfully managing significant organisational change in a complex environment.
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Experience in delivering significant innovation and a creative approach to solving complex challenges.
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The ability to quickly grasp complex issues and stakeholder landscapes.
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Experience working with a diverse set of stakeholders across government and the private sector.
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The ability to communicate effectively and inspire confidence with senior stakeholders.
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Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing large budgets.
How to Apply for this DBT CEO Vacancy
Hays, an Executive Search firm, is assisting with this recruitment campaign.
Application Deadline: 11:55 pm on Sunday, 30th November 2025
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Prepare Your Documents: You will need to submit a comprehensive CV and a supporting statement (around two pages) explaining how you meet the person specification and your motivations for applying.
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Submit Your Application: You must submit your application via the link provided in the official job advertisement on the Civil Service Jobs website.
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Contact for Enquiries: For any issues or questions, please contact Andrew Timlin at Andrew.Timlin@hays.com or on 07887777735.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I apply for the Fair Work Agency CEO job in the UK?
You must apply via the link provided in the official job advertisement on the Civil Service Jobs website, submitting both a CV and a detailed supporting statement before the deadline of 30th November 2025.
2. What is the salary for an SCS Pay Band 2 CEO in the UK?
The salary for this role is between £100,000 and £162,500 per annum, plus a generous Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
3. What are the key responsibilities of the CEO of the Fair Work Agency?
The CEO is responsible for strategic leadership, financial stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and overseeing the agency’s enforcement and compliance functions. They will also lead the transformation of the agency into a single, unified body.