Head of Rural Delivery Branch - C1

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are Scottish Government employees, and are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Overview

Rural policy is an important area of policy and priority for Ministers.

The 2026 SNP manifesto included a commitment to introduce a Rural Renewal Bill during the current Parliament, and there is an ongoing imperative to ensure that policy and delivery across government is ‘rural-proofed’, and results in the best possible outcomes for rural communities. The post-holder will play a pivotal, lead role in developing and introducing the Bill, as well as supporting wider rural policy and rural-proofing.

You will have the chance to work with stakeholders across rural Scotland, and work closely with Ministers and Special Advisers, whilst being part of a friendly, supportive and welcoming unit. We are seeking an individual who embraces working with a team to deliver for ministers, who has a strong interest and experience in developing policy and legislation and a collaborative working style.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy development and legislation
  • Lead on policy development for rural interests across Government portfolios, including support for rural-proofing.
  • Lead the team working to identify, agree and develop content for the Rural Renewal Bill, working closely in conjunction with policy teams across government (eg planning, housing, transport and childcare) and SGLD
  • Lead passage of the Bill through Parliament including overseeing drafting of Bill-related materials, consultation materials and impact assessments
  • Work with analysts, stakeholders and researchers to ensure policy and legislation has a strong evidence base.
• Team management
  • Lead, manage and maintain a high performing (currently 3) B-band team members, building capability, particularly in legislative process.
  • Contribute to corporate process, including business and workforce planning, and budget management
  • Ensure proportionate project management is in place, including tracking milestones, managing risk and managing parliamentary timeframes.
• Stakeholder engagement
  • Oversee effective engagement with key rural stakeholders, ensuring they have the opportunity to input to policy development and development of the Rural Renewal Bill and support Ministers to consider and balance interests during the passing of legislation
• Oversight of Ministerial support and correspondence
  • Oversee high quality advice and briefing to Ministers and relevant Micase, PQs, engagement briefings and FOI responses as required.
  • Provide official support to Ministers where needed (or delegate to team members as appropriate).

The role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop leadership skills across Bill work, stakeholder engagement, use of evidence and analysis, working with Ministers and broader policy development skills.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

The Directorate for Local Government and Communities currently has staff based in Victoria Quay, Saughton House and Atlantic Quay, as well as across rural Scotland.

There is flexibility to be based at an appropriate Scottish Government office. In line with current policy, colleagues use a mix of in-person working (office-based and engaging stakeholders) and remote working (working from home). Some travel is expected, either to Edinburgh and Glasgow and/or across Scotland as required by business need.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 employees.

Please submit a CV and a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancy closes at 11:59pm

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact Brian Grogans (brian.grogans@gov.scot).

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes