Offered HEO instead of SEO, what is progression like?

I recently applied and interviewed for a SEO role in BEIS which will of course be moving to one of the new departments. The feedback I received was I didn't quite make the cut for SEO but they'd like to directly offer me a different HEO role instead.

I understand that this sort of thing is not very common in the Civil Service so I take it as a really positive sign that they still wanted me, albeit for a slightly different role. I'd like to hear if anyone has any perspective on this?

The only thing I am concerned about is salary, as HEO will be a drop from my current level. I can justify this as I see this as a 'getting my foot in the door' as I am moving over from the hospitality industry which I continued working in after graduating, at management level.

However, I wanted to know what progression to SEO might look like and what people's experiences have been as I would want to move up to that level somewhat quickly. I appreciate it is quite a broad question but just wanted to gain some perspective.