Private Secretary Business Officer


Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Salary:	£34,765 to £41,375 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	1 Sept 2026
Closing date:	14 Sept 2026

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Summary

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

Encouraging diverse applicants

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups.

Location

This role can be based at any Main Defra Policy Hub. You will be expected work in the office at least 60% of the time.

Water is vital for life - clean, freshwater for drinking and sanitation, providing for farms and industry, creating and sustaining the ecosystems on which all life depends. Yet water is a finite natural resource, facing increasing pressures from climate change and population growth. Defra has been given a mandate to make some once in a generation changes. This is a fantastic opportunity to support leaders who will be delivering reforms that will make a difference to everyone in the country: delivering safe and secure drinking water and a cleaner environment.

You will be part of a small, friendly team working together to provide business administration support. We all have our own directorates to support but work together through sharing issues, providing cover and finding solutions. You will have a clear role of your own to deliver but with a backdrop of help and advice from supportive team members.

As Senior Business Officer you will provide comprehensive Private Secretary support to the Director, ensuring the smooth running of their office and the effective management of diaries, meetings, governance activities and general administrative support. Working closely across multiple teams, you will ensure the Director is kept informed of key developments, and high-priority issues. Through the coordination of meetings, tracking actions and management of Directorate communications, you will support effective decision making and delivery. You will act on behalf of the Director where appropriate, representing their interests at all times, building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders to help drive forward Directorate priorities.

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