Civil Service Manager

Typical Salary

£35,500 To £68,500

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

between 8am and 6pm attending events or appointments

How To Become a Civil Service Manager

You can get into this job through:

working towards this role
applying directly
a graduate training scheme

College / University

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You may be able to start in the Civil Service, for example, as a higher executive officer. You could then apply for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme, which can eventually lead into a management career.

Each department sets its own entry requirements, which often includes a university qualification. As an existing employee, you may be able to apply without a degree, though this varies between departments.

After completing the scheme and gaining experience, you could move into a management role as vacancies become available.

You'll be expected to have relevant management experience to apply directly for jobs.

You’ll also need technical skills relevant to the department you wish to join. For example, as a human resources (HR) manager, you’ll need experience of using HR information systems, or project management skills for project management roles.

You'll be assessed on your skills, knowledge and behaviours that fit in with the values of the Civil Service, as part of the application process.

Other Routes

If you're a graduate, postgraduate or in your final year of university, you can apply for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme, which can prepare you for a career in leadership and management. Competition for places is very strong, so a degree with a higher grade and work experience will help you.

Your degree can be in any subject, though some Civil Service departments may prefer a degree in a subject that is relevant to their work, for example economics for the Treasury.

After completing the scheme, you'll be offered a role within a department. You would usually start as an executive officer or higher executive officer before you can move into a management job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

business management skills
leadership skills
customer service skills
the ability to use your initiative
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties will depend on your department and may include:

leading a team to develop policies, products and services
prioritising work and planning resources
making sure projects are completed on time and on budget
managing relationships with other departments and partner organisations
making sure policies meet legal guidelines
drafting briefings for senior colleagues and ministers
managing contracts
overseeing communications sent out by the department
mentoring and developing staff

Working Environment

You could work in an office.

You may need to wear smart business dress.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could progress through the senior Civil Service management structure, becoming deputy director or director of a department. You could also become a senior policy adviser or permanent secretary, setting departmental strategy and supporting government ministers.

You could use your management skills and experience to work for other public sector organisations or move into the private sector.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

The Summer Diversity Internship Programme and Early Diversity Internship Programme help graduates and undergraduates from ethnic minorities and under-represented backgrounds to find out what it’s like to work in the Civil Service.

Further information

You can get more details about working in management from Civil Service Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass security checks
pass enhanced background checks
meet the Civil Service nationality requirements