About the job
The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) is an arm’s length body of the Department for Business and Trade. Since 2021, we’ve had responsibility for guarding the UK against economic harm caused by unfair trading practices. We undertake investigations into imports to the UK which may be unfair due to dumping or subsidies, or part of an unforeseen import surge.
Our expert team of investigators, lawyers, verification specialists and analysts make evidence-based recommendations to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on appropriate measures to defend UK economic interests.
About you
You’ll be leading our organisation in the transition period between our outgoing and incoming permanent Chief Executive Officer. You’ll have strong internal-facing leadership and external stakeholder engagement skills as you build on our strong foundation.
About the role
This interim role provides an opportunity to develop critical experience for those seeking future Chief Executive or Accounting Officer roles. You can find out more details of the role and the essential criteria below.
How to apply
To apply, please send the following to resourcing.enquiries@traderemedies.gov.uk by no later than 11.59pm 10 January 2025:
- your CV setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role.
- a written statement up to 500 words explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability. Please confirm in your statement you are able to start in Mid-March 2025.
*Please do not use the 'apply' feature on LinkedIn*
Applications will be sifted to select those demonstrating the best fit against the criteria. Feedback will only be offered to those who attend a selection discussion. Please note that references and open source due diligence checks (including social media accounts) may be undertaken for all short listed candidates.
Timelines:
16 December 2024 until 10 January 2025 – advert live on LinkedIn
To 17 January 2025 – selection discussion with TRA’s Chair of the Board and TRA Head of People
It is expected the successful applicant will commence mid-March 2025.
Diversity monitoring
We will ask you to complete a candidate diversity information pack by email when we receive your application. The information you provide will not be used as part of the selection process and will not be seen by the interview panel.
Workplace adjustments
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process. Reasonable adjustments could include; ensuring that information is provided in an accessible format.
If you feel that you may need a reasonable adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us in the first instance. If you wish to receive a hard copy of the information, or in an alternative format then please contact: resourcing.enquiries@traderemedies.gov.uk
Applications will not be considered complete until the diversity monitoring form is submitted.
The Role:
As Interim Chief Executive you will:
- Ensure that the TRA discharges its responsibilities in a way that meets the high standards expected of an executive non-departmental public body, working with the TRA’s Chair and Board;
- Operate the TRA in line with statutory requirements and in a way that delivers domestic objectives within the laws of the UK while remaining consistent with our international treaty obligations through membership of the WTO.
- Further build an organisation, culture and investigations framework based on the values of impartiality, evidence-driven decision making, efficiency and effectiveness. Empower and enable organisational brilliance.
- Provide strong and inspiring internal leadership to the organisation, You’ll be a visible and dynamic leader, able to influence at all levels within and beyond the organisation.
- Oversee effective horizon scanning of international developments, keeping abreast of and where possible anticipating changes in the behaviour of governments and businesses including secondary effects.
- Ensure that the TRA is fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world, providing a high-quality experience for end-users through digitally enabled delivery, harnessing AI and other technological tools to increase process efficiency.
- Develop and manage effective relationships with senior stakeholders in the private and public sectors. Establish a visible and authoritative public and media presence to enhance the reputation and credibility of the TRA, internationally and nationally, including building awareness of trade remedies available to UK producers.
- In accordance with the Trade Act 2021, act as the Accounting Officer of the Trade Remedies Authority. The responsibilities of an Accounting Officer, including responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances for which the Accounting Officer is answerable, for keeping proper records and for safeguarding the Trade Remedy Authority’s assets, are set out in Managing Public Money published by HM Treasury.
Criteria
You will need:
- Judgement. Capability to deliver in a regulatory environment complex, evidenced-based advice that meets the needs of UK Government, business and public, based on the application of law to the agreed facts.
- Leadership and change. Enthusiasm and drive to visibly lead a team of the TRA’s scale, make the TRA a great place to work, lead effective cross-disciplinary teams and work with the Chair to get the most value from the TRA’s independent Board. Strengths to drive performance and delivery in a complex, changing environment with fast-moving deadlines.
- Strategy. Ability to navigate the TRA through what looks likely to be a turbulent period in global trade policy, with growing demand for trade remedies, in the face of multiple, potentially conflicting, policy priorities.
- Business. Understanding of UK and international business and an appreciation of cross-sector dynamics and supply chain complexity.
- Communication and Partnership. Aptitude for forming productive working relationships with Ministers and Senior Officials, while operating at arm’s length, including securing funding. In the context of priorities across Government and how TRA can work to deliver them. (While understanding government and policy-making, candidates need not necessarily have a background in the public sector). Flair for effective, complex stakeholder and media engagement, communicating with impact.
- Respect. Commitment to diversity and inclusion, valuing the efforts of colleagues and treating them equitably.
Remuneration
Salary for the interim position will be circa £140,000 per annum.
Terms
This is an interim position and we will discuss appointment terms with the successful candidate. You will have secured agreement with your current employer to start mid-March 2025.
We are not an employer of the Crown and therefore cannot recognise previous employment with the Civil Service for the purpose of qualifying for Employment Rights. An employee must have two years’ length of service with TRA before Employment Rights are recognised.
This is an interim position, open to Civil Servants and public servants on secondment with agreement to start in mid-March 2025.
Location
Reading (RG1 7EB) with hybrid working. You will be in the Reading office between 2 and 3 days a week with regular travel to London and occasional travel across the UK and internationally as needed for stakeholder engagement.
