The Operational Delivery Division works closely with other FSS Divisions and across other portfolios, to deliver official controls in approved meat establishments, animal feed controls, the FSS shellfish monitoring programme and wine standards as well as overseeing a range of SLAs with local authorities and other government departments. The Operational Delivery Division is structured across 4 Branches; Vet Profession & Vet Policy / Liaison, Field Operations, which consists of 3 geographic areas covering the whole of Scotland, Feed Delivery, Shellfish Monitoring and SLAs. It has around 145 staff and budgetary responsibility of c. £8M per annum.
The Head of Operational Delivery plays a key leadership role within FSS, overseeing a wide range of official controls delivery responsibilities as well as corporate and executive leadership functions. The role will require close working with FSS Executive Management and Corporate Governance teams, veterinary, meat, fish and shellfish sectors and senior colleagues across government. Ministerial engagement is also a prominent feature of this role.
Lead and empower the Division to deliver an effective contribution to FSS’s overarching strategic objectives, setting aims and objectives, taking decisions on strategy for delivery, promoting a positive culture of collaborative working, and managing resources to ensure they are deployed, monitored and assessed against outcomes.
Provide leadership and direction for the development of expert knowledge, strategic support and advice which meets identified needs and priorities relating to the delivery of food and feed law enforcement and consumer protection by partners.
Oversee the delivery of all meat Official Controls in slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments approved by FSS and the delivery of animal feed controls.
Oversee the delivery of various controls for other government departments in the same establishments an manage the Scottish shellfish monitoring programme.
As a member of FSS Executive Management Team and working with other Heads of Division, contribute actively to FSS strategic decision-making, risk management, corporate planning and performance, organisational development, financial management, and assurance.
Maintain a comprehensive knowledge and high-level awareness of developing operational policy and practice and current issues in meat, animal feed, and shellfish controls and make recommendations on future strategic developments.
Provide authoritative advice and guidance to FSS CEO and Deputy CEO on areas within the remit of the Division, and clear and authoritative briefing and advice to the wider Executive Management Team, FSS Board, Ministers and Scottish Parliamentary Committees as required.
Be an authoritative and credible representative of FSS, managing stakeholder engagement and working relationships at a senior level with key industry and government stakeholders and partners, including the Scottish Government, UK and devolved government departments, and local authorities.
Management and development of staff (line management of 3 x C1 and 1 x B3 staff and oversight of approximately 140 band B staff).
Strong understanding and experience of emerging national and local developments in the meat, feed and shellfish sectors, and ability to use analysis and identification of key evidence to develop recommendations, with experience working collaboratively at a strategic level to deliver outcomes and a track record of building effective partnerships.
Excellent leadership skills, with experience and proven track record of leading others (beyond line management responsibility) to successfully deliver outcomes within and beyond organisational boundaries, and the ability to manage priorities, set direction and articulate a clear vision of success, and think strategically to support delivery of organisational strategies and priorities.
Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with evidence of building good working relationships and commanding the confidence of stakeholders and partners, with a proven ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and technical information both in written form and verbally, and to influence and challenge others to deliver strategic objectives.
Proven planning and organisational skills to respond effectively to the demands of a fast-paced and changing environment, with the ability to build resilient capacity and capability to meet current and future challenges, with experience of developing coaching and leading others to achieve the objectives of both the organisation and individuals.
The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for matters that are devolved from Westminster. Areas of responsibility include the economy, health, education, justice, rural affairs, environment, and transport.
