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 to lead a high profile delivery area, offering opportunities for international engagement, cross-team working, stakeholder engagement and close working with Ministers and Special Advisers. You will lead a team within the Marine Economy and Communities Portfolio of Marine Directorate, working closely with colleagues across the Portfolio and wider Directorate. Strong engagement with science colleagues will be critical given the nature of the role. The Directorate covers a wide range of policy and operational responsibilities including the marine environment, fisheries, marine planning, fisheries compliance, science, evidence, digital, and data functions. The Directorate plays a central role in delivering Scotland’s ambitions for a sustainable marine environment and a thriving, internationally competitive seafood industry.

International marine and fisheries issues are increasingly complex, shaped by external pressures such as climate change, global market dynamics, and evolving international governance arrangements. The post-holder works closely with colleagues across the Directorate, within the wider Scottish Government, and with UK Government and international partners to ensure Scotland’s interests are represented effectively. Strong relationship‑building and collaborative working are essential to identifying shared priorities and ensuring consistent, joined‑up policy development.

The role requires a whole‑systems approach, recognising the inter-dependencies across marine policy areas and operational delivery. It contributes to the development of strategic frameworks that guide the Directorate’s work, ensuring policy decisions are informed by robust evidence and aligned with wider national strategies, including those relating to climate, trade, and economic development.

Responsibilities

• Lead a delivery team in planning, developing, and delivering strategic marine policy that supports Scotland’s international obligations and national priorities, working in partnership across fisheries management teams to ensure that international strategies reflect and support the delivery of domestic priorities and actions.
• Provide senior oversight and guidance for Scotland’s position in international fisheries negotiations, leading a small team of negotiators and ensuring robust evidence-based approaches and effective stakeholder engagement, in particular, working collaboratively with UK Government colleagues to understand and influence the UK position, and building relationships with coastal state partners.
• Provide leadership and effective management of the team, ensuring staff are supported to meet objectives and wellbeing needs, embedding a culture of learning and development.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C2 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).

Vacancy closes at 12:00pm on Friday the 10th April.

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 malcolm.pentland@gov.scot.

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