Job Description

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

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Offshore Wind Directorate to lead the development and delivery of Scotland’s offshore wind clustering approach. As Cluster Development Team Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a place-based approach that maximises the economic benefits of offshore wind for Scotland’s ports, regional economies, communities, and supply chains.

This is a high-profile role, responsible for driving forward innovative place-based policy and aligning activity across government, industry, and public sector delivery partners to unlock private investment, accelerate regional growth, and ensure ports and associated infrastructure are positioned to capture long-term value. You will play a key role in supporting the development of competitive offshore wind clusters anchored around Scotland’s strategic port assets.

Reporting to the Head of Ports & Harbours Infrastructure and Community Benefits (C2), you will influence national policy, lead collaborative delivery, and help position Scotland as a global leader in offshore wind, with ports and place-based development at the heart of supply chain growth and the transition to net zero.

Overview of Directorate

The Offshore Wind Directorate leads on policy and programmes related to offshore renewables, marine energy and sectoral marine planning, to support the continued growth of the offshore wind sector.

The Directorate’s core aim is to maximise the significant economic benefits from the growth of offshore renewables for Scotland’s economy, citizens and environment as we transition to net zero. We also have a key role in ensuring the balance of economic and environmental objectives, with other users of the marine environment.

We support the development of Scotland’s offshore wind economy by:

• working across the public sector to deploy strategic investment in ports and supply chain that grows our manufacturing base, attracting capital, inward investment, driving economic growth and job creation;
• demonstrating the potential role for marine energy in Scotland’s low carbon energy system;
• delivering enabling programmes e.g. through the Energy Act to streamline consenting, improve regulatory certainty, and accelerate deployment;
• managing the constraints and opportunities of Scotland’s transition to net zero through the sustainable expansion of offshore renewables, enabled by sectoral marine planning that provides clarity, reduces risk, and supports balanced use of the marine space.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic offshore wind clustering approach, driving place-based activity that maximises investment, port infrastructure development, supply chain growth and economic impact.
• Shape and implement innovative policy to support globally competitive offshore wind clusters, aligned with Scotland’s net zero and economic priorities.
• Build and lead strategic partnerships across government, industry, and public sector partners to drive strong collaboration, deliver coordinated programmes and unlock shared opportunities.
• Develop a coordinated approach to align public and private investment with clustering priorities, leveraging funding mechanisms and removing barriers to accelerate delivery and growth.
• Work closely with the Offshore Wind Programme team and the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to establish clear KPIs and measurable outcomes, supporting effective tracking of economic impact, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement.
• Line management responsibility for one B3 and countersigning responsibility for one B2.

Experience

1. Experience of policy development, policy delivery and working collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to influence outcomes and deliver shared objectives.
2. Experience of leading high-performing teams, taking an agile approach to managing competing priorities and reactive demands while creating an inclusive environment and driving delivery at pace.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely to a range of stakeholders at all levels, across both the public and private sectors.
4. Experience of analysing a range of evidence and developing and presenting evidence-based recommendations to support/inform policy.
5. Strong commercial awareness, applying an understanding of investment drivers and market dynamics to maximise economic outcomes and value for money.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

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

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

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 15 September.

If you have questions about your application please contact lorna.finlayson@gov.scot

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

Apply before: 15/09/2026 (23:59)