Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
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Michael Gowen

Manchester,United Kingdom

Summary

I am a strategic and results-driven policy professional with a proven track record of delivering impactful outcomes across multiple UK government departments. I am experienced in leading complex policy initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and engaging with devolved administrations to shape regulatory frameworks. I am adept at navigating high-pressure environments, driving innovation, and influencing senior stakeholders to achieve organisational goals. I understand the complexities of working within intergovernmental environments and how to manage competing priorities.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Senior Food Policy and Delivery Advisor

Food Standards Agency
08.2022 - 07.2025
  • Lead strategic delivery of Regulated Product Authorisations, including the UK's first delivery of high-profile CBD workstreams, ensuring compliance with legislative deadlines and public safety.
  • Manage a multidisciplinary team to deliver public consultations and risk management options, demonstrating leadership in a complex regulatory environment.
  • Collaborated on the development of a new Regulated Products application system to replace the beta version, aligning innovation with regulatory standards and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with devolved administrations, including Scottish Government, to ensure policy coherence and effective stakeholder engagement across the UK.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead recruitment efforts to expand team capabilities.

Food Policy Advisor

Food Standards Agency
11.2020 - 08.2022
  • Undertook a leading role in designing and implementing the Regulated Products Approvals Service, contributing to the agency's post-EU regulatory transformation.
  • Established relationships with the Devolved Administrations, ensuring that intergovernmental priorities were adhered to and incorporated into the new system.
  • Produced briefings and analytical reports for senior leadership, supporting evidence-based decision-making.
  • Managed a cohort of over 30 temporary staff, demonstrating strong leadership and resource planning skills.

Policy Advisor and Personal Assistant

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
11.2018 - 11.2020
  • Supported two Deputy Directors across diverse portfolios, ensuring seamless coordination of strategic priorities and stakeholder engagement.
  • Delivered ministerial briefings and managed high-level correspondence, contributing to the department's policy development and external relations.
  • Acted as policy advisor within the Institutions team, producing analytical reports and liaising with external bodies to inform policy direction.

Purchasing Assistant

FC Lane Electronics
03.2018 - 06.2018
  • Supported procurement operations using ERP systems and supplier negotiations.

Trainee Sales Executive

Harwoods Land Rover
12.2017 - 03.2018
  • Delivered customer service and administrative support across sales and aftersales teams.

Chaucer Syndicates
10.2017 - 10.2017
  • Conducted risk analysis within the renewable energy underwriting team.

Learning Support Assistant

Burnt Ash Primary School
01.2017 - 08.2017
  • Provided tailored support to students with special educational needs.

Education

1st Class (Hons) - History

University of Southampton
01.2013 - 01.2016

University of Wisconsin-Madison
08.2014 - 12.2014

Skills

  • Strategic Policy Development
  • Stakeholder Engagement and management
  • Cross-Government Collaboration
  • Project Management
  • Regulatory Analysis
  • Public Affairs
  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Communication & Briefing
  • MS Office Proficiency

Interests

  • Sports, particularly cricket
  • Outdoor activities
  • Travel
  • Food

Timeline

Senior Food Policy and Delivery Advisor

Food Standards Agency
08.2022 - 07.2025

Food Policy Advisor

Food Standards Agency
11.2020 - 08.2022

Policy Advisor and Personal Assistant

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
11.2018 - 11.2020

Purchasing Assistant

FC Lane Electronics
03.2018 - 06.2018

Trainee Sales Executive

Harwoods Land Rover
12.2017 - 03.2018

Chaucer Syndicates
10.2017 - 10.2017

Learning Support Assistant

Burnt Ash Primary School
01.2017 - 08.2017

University of Wisconsin-Madison
08.2014 - 12.2014

1st Class (Hons) - History

University of Southampton
01.2013 - 01.2016

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Michael Gowen