Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) - Chief of Staff'

About the Role

The Chief of Staff is the senior strategic adviser to the Small Business Commissioner and a leader of the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC). The role has overall responsibility for organisational strategy, corporate governance, operational performance and business transformation, ensuring the OSBC delivers its mission to make life easier for small businesses by improving payment practices and enabling money to move more quickly through the economy.​

As the most senior corporate leader within the organisation, the Chief of Staff provides strategic leadership across all aspects of OSBC activity, including policy, legislation, regulation, operational delivery, communications, stakeholder engagement, research and insight, finance, governance and people management. The postholder will lead the organisation through a significant period of growth and transformation as the OSBC expands its statutory remit and develops into a more independent and influential regulator.​​

The Chief of Staff acts as principal adviser to the Small Business Commissioner and is responsible for translating ministerial priorities and strategic objectives into effective organisational delivery. The role requires extensive engagement with Ministers, senior government officials, Parliament, business representative organisations and external stakeholders, maintaining the OSBC's reputation as a trusted and authoritative voice on payment practices and small business issues.

Candidate Information Call

The hiring manager for this position; Emma Jones, Small Business Commissioner and Paul Drabwell, Deputy Director and Policy Sponsor (BIST) will be hosting a virtual call for any interested applicants to discuss the role and answer any questions. Please note this is not part of the formal assessment process and the ​session will not be recorded. ​
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This will be held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 5th November 2026 at 10:00am. Please click here for the meeting link Candidate Information Call link​

If you would like to join without your full name being displayed in the meeting, please ensure you access the link on a personal device and select 'Join without signing in’.

Strategic Leadership and Corporate Management

• Act as principal adviser to the Small Business Commissioner, providing strategic counsel on priorities, risks and issues and deputising when required.
• Provide strategic leadership for the OSBC, setting organisational priorities and driving delivery against ministerial and corporate objectives.
• Lead corporate planning, performance and transformation, ensuring effective decision-making, continuous improvement and an organisation that remains fit for purpose.

Governance, Risk and Accountability

• Lead corporate governance, risk and compliance, ensuring high standards of propriety, transparency and public accountability.
• Maintain effective governance and internal control frameworks, including sponsorship arrangements, advisory board effectiveness and risk management.
• Deputise as Accounting Officer when required, providing assurance on expenditure, value for money and organisational compliance.

Financial Leadership and Commercial Oversight

• Lead financial strategy, planning and stewardship, ensuring effective and sustainable use of public resources aligned with organisational priorities.
• Oversee financial controls, audit, procurement, funding and assurance, ensuring robust financial management.
• Provide strategic financial advice to support informed decision-making and effective resource allocation.

Policy, Legislation and Regulatory Development

• Take a senior lead on policy, legislative and regulatory development, including implementation of the Commercial Payments Bill and supporting frameworks.
• Oversee the expansion of OSBC’s statutory powers, ensuring organisational readiness and effective delivery of new responsibilities.
• Build strong cross-government relationships, influencing policy and securing support for OSBC priorities.

People and Organisational Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing, inclusive organisation, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce planning, organisational design and capability, ensuring the organisation attracts, develops and retains talented people as it grows.
• Champion Civil Service values, promoting wellbeing, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.

External Engagement and Corporate Reputation

• Lead strategic engagement with Ministers, Parliament, industry and key stakeholders, representing the OSBC at senior and high-profile engagements.
• Oversee reputation, communications and stakeholder relationships, ensuring effective and consistent organisational messaging.
• Provide senior assurance and sign-off for Parliamentary Questions, FOI responses, ministerial correspondence and other formal communications

Operational Delivery

• Provide strategic oversight of statutory services, including the complaint's function and Fair Payment Code, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused delivery.
• Drive organisational performance and impact, using data and insight to improve services and demonstrate outcomes.

In your application you should provide evidence and examples of proven experience against the following essential criteria:

• Significant knowledge and experience of prompt payment policy, with the ability to operate effectively in a complex policy and regulatory environment.
• Strong strategic, inclusive and operational leadership, with a proven ability to set direction, lead through change and deliver organisational priorities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with experience of building effective relationships and navigating complex issues with senior stakeholders.
• A confident and credible senior representative, with strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Proven experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and services, including casework management, stakeholder communications and the effective administration of a Code or similar framework.​
• A track record of providing strategic financial oversight and leadership ensuring effective financial governance, clear accountability and value for money and using financial insight to inform senior-level decision-making.

This role requires Security Check (SC) clearance.