Annual Salary
£32,000 to £72,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Civil Service managers work in government departments, managing teams that establish policies and provide public services.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: between 8am and 6pm; attending events or appointments
There will be
2.9% more Civil Service manager jobs in 2027.
Your day-to-day duties will depend on your department.
You could:
You may need to wear smart business clothes.
You could work in an office.
You can get into this job through:
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 apply for a management role as vacancies become available.
You'll be expected to have relevant 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.
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.
Further information
You can get more details about working in management from Civil Service Careers.
You'll need to:
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.
Civil Service Managers could be involved in leading a team to develop policies and public services to address climate change and protect and enhance the local environment.
There are different routes you can take to get into this role which you can explore further in the 'Routes into this job' section above.
Click here for an explanation of the different course and apprenticeship levels.
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For more local employment opportunities see the 'Live job vacancies by region' section above.
You'll need: