Director General - Economics and Chief Economic Adviser

This post can be based in London (1 Horse Guards Road) or Darlington (Feethams House).Job SummaryIf you’re interested in making a difference to people’s lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth.Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more.We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It’s central government, made more accessible to you!Job DescriptionThe Director General Economics and Chief Economic Adviser (‘the DG’) is the principal Treasury adviser to the Chancellor on macroeconomic and fiscal policy.The DG is a member of the Treasury’s Executive Management Board (EMB) and part of the collective leadership of the Treasury, a department of c.2,000 staff, as well as the head of the Government Economic Service (GES), providing leadership to economists across government.The DG is responsible for two Groups, each with one Director:The Economics Group, which is responsible for providing high quality economic analysis and policy advice to support the government’s primary mission of delivering enhanced economic growth. The Group delivers that through ongoing surveillance of the UK economy; economic analysis and policy advice to underpin macroeconomic and microeconomic policy making; and promoting professionalism for economics and social research in government. The Fiscal Group, which is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the public finances over the short-, medium- and long-term, through Budgets and Spending Reviews. The Group is also responsible for government financing and management of the government’s balance sheet. Key ResponsibilitiesThe post-holder will:act as principal adviser to the Chancellor, Prime Minister and Treasury Ministers on the macroeconomy, fiscal policy and growth, as well as the macroeconomic and microeconomic implications of wider policy issues;lead the Treasury’s relationships with the monetary and markets side of the Bank of England (including attendance at the Monetary Policy Committee and acting as Accounting Officer for the Reserves), the Office for Budget Responsibility, the Debt Management Office and its relations with the markets, and international institutions including the IMF, the OECD (as they relate to the UK economy) and chair the G20 Framework Working group; provide strong leadership to two Treasury Groups, compromising 200 staff, and collectively to the whole department as a member of EMB, alongside their Director General and Permanent Secretary colleagues;champion economics in government as head of the Government Economic Service (GES), acting as a credible and authentic leader within the economics field, and provide professional leadership for economists and analysts across HM Treasury, and for the economic analyses they undertake.The post-holder reports directly to the Permanent Secretary.The Director General Economics and Chief Economic Adviser (‘the DG’) is the principal Treasury adviser to the Chancellor on macroeconomic and fiscal policy.The DG is a member of the Treasury’s Executive Management Board (EMB) and part of the collective leadership of the Treasury, a department of c.2,000 staff, as well as the head of the Government Economic Service (GES), providing leadership to economists across government.The DG is responsible for two Groups, each with one Director:The Economics Group, which is responsible for providing high quality economic analysis and policy advice to support the government’s primary mission of delivering enhanced economic growth. The Group delivers that through ongoing surveillance of the UK economy; economic analysis and policy advice to underpin macroeconomic and microeconomic policy making; and promoting professionalism for economics and social research in government. The Fiscal Group, which is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the public finances over the short-, medium- and long-term, through Budgets and Spending Reviews. The Group is also responsible for government financing and management of the government’s balance sheet. The Post-holder Willact as principal adviser to the Chancellor, Prime Minister and Treasury Ministers on the macroeconomy, fiscal policy and growth, as well as the macroeconomic and microeconomic implications of wider policy issues;lead the Treasury’s relationships with the monetary and markets side of the Bank of England (including attendance at the Monetary Policy Committee and acting as Accounting Officer for the Reserves), the Office for Budget Responsibility, the Debt Management Office and its relations with the markets, and international institutions including the IMF, the OECD (as they relate to the UK economy) and chair the G20 Framework Working group; provide strong leadership to two Treasury Groups, compromising 200 staff, and collectively to the whole department as a member of EMB, alongside their Director General and Permanent Secretary colleagues;champion economics in government as head of the Government Economic Service (GES), acting as a credible and authentic leader within the economics field, and provide professional leadership for economists and analysts across HM Treasury, and for the economic analyses they undertake.The post-holder reports directly to the Permanent Secretary.Person specificationWhen in post, the successful candidate will be expected to perform well across the full range of Senior Civil Service behaviours set out in the Success Profile framework and demonstrate commitment to the Civil Service values.The Essential Criteria For The Purposes Of Selection AreEconomic Credibility and professionalism: a strong track record on economic policy, practical experience in the field and thought leadership in macroeconomics; Masters-degree level economics: a minimum of a masters level qualification in economicsKnowledge of financial markets: a clear understanding and practical experience of how financial and bond markets functionLeadership: outstanding people leadership skills, including a proven record of accomplishment in leading teams and an agenda in a complex environment; Stakeholder Engagement and Influencing Skills: strong influencing and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with very senior stakeholders within HM Treasury, across government and more widely; andRepresentation Skills: ability to provide constructive challenge to, and positive engagement with, UK and international organisations. BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Seeing the Big PictureMaking Effective DecisionsLeadershipCommunicating and InfluencingDelivering at PaceAlongside your salary of £130,000, HM Treasury contributes £37,661 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant) Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours) Generous parental and adoption leave package. A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 28% Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving Access to a retail discounts and cashback site A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes A range of active staff networks, based around interests and diversityFlexible Working ArrangementsHM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval.At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it’s important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realize their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.How To ApplyTo apply for the role, please submit:A comprehensive CV; A cover letter (no more than two pages) which sets out your interest in the role and explains how your experience meets the criteria listed in the Person Specification. A completed Diversity Information and Conflicts of Interest Form. This can be found as an attachment on the job posting on the Civil Service Jobs websitePlease also include details of two referees (who would only be contacted with your express permission);Please email these documents to: ApplicationsKF@kornferry.com before 17.00 on 11 December 2025.We are committed to ensuring everyone can access this application process. This includes people with sight loss, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairments. Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, or you are unable to apply online please contact anna.jackson@kornferry.comFor a conversation in confidence, please contact peter.guilder@kornferry.comHM Treasury, through our Executive Search partners, Korn Ferry, will acknowledge receipt of your application and update you once the selection panel has reviewed all the applications, after the closing date.Applications will be reviewed by the panel to select those which demonstrate the best fit with the post against the criteria set out in the person specification. Please ensure you keep this in mind when writing your CV and online application.Selection Process If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to complete psychometric testing run by Korn Ferry. This will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, it is designed to support the panel’s decision making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview.The Korn Ferry Four-Dimensional Executive Assessment (KF4D) is a comprehensive psychometric tool developed by Korn Ferry to evaluate leadership effectiveness.You will then be asked to attend an initial interview with Korn Ferry representatives, a meeting with a Treasury minister and a panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence.RequirementsAt the panel interview stage, applicants for this post will be assessed against the Success Profiles recruitment framework and will test strengths, experience and technical skills (including economic credibility and professionalism), and the following behaviours in line with the requirements of the role and the profession:Seeing the Big PictureMaking Effective DecisionsLeadershipCommunicating and InfluencingDelivering at PaceEligibility Statement A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information.Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks. Additionally, individuals appointed to the Treasury group will be subject to National Security Vetting. The level of security vetting required for this role is Security Check (SC)To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, applicants will need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. In exceptional circumstances, a lack of residency would not be a bar to security clearance however the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case by case basis once the advert closing date has passed.Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you. Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive.These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting. If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact HMTSecurityVetting@hmtreasury.gov.ukFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following GroupsUK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob ContactName : Peter GuilderEmail : peter.guilder@kornferry.comRecruitment teamEmail : hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.ukFurther informationComplaints Process: Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.