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- Tasks: Lead teams managing building regulations and standards for Scotland's built environment.
- Company: The Scottish Government is dedicated to improving lives through effective public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive pay, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on building safety and regulations while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Professional background in construction with strong communication and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Livingston with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Technical Unit role at The Scottish Government Join to apply for the Head of Technical Unit role at The Scottish Government Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. The Scottish Government provided pay range This range is provided by The Scottish Government. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range Are you looking for a role that will have a crucial part in delivering the response to the Grenfell enquiry? You will have responsibility for the management of the two teams which maintain the seven sections of the Technical Handbooks, supporting the development of regulations and standards to maintain their relevance in responding to changes in how we collectively deliver and manage our built environment and in the needs of Scotland’s people. One team is also responsible for the management of the Building Safety Forum, a mechanism to engage a wide range of stakeholders on risk topics relevant to the performance or safety of our existing building stock. You will form part of the senior management team of the Division, offering commentary and insight to Directors and Ministers on the ongoing role of building regulations as a function of government. You will contribute to the management of the people and resources in the effective delivery of Ministerial policy objectives. You and your teams will work with colleagues across government, with local authority verifiers and with delivery partners across the construction sector. Support the Deputy Director to deliver key priorities and areas of work, making well-informed decisions ensuring stakeholder views are appropriately built in to decision making; ensuring that Ministerial commitments which can be supported through the building standards system are met. Provide effective leadership to the Unit and direct line management to the leaders of the two technical teams. Develop and oversee the workplan for the ongoing review, consolidation and enhancement of the technical aspects of building regulations and the standards applicable to all construction work which falls within the scope of the building standards system. Oversight of the preparation and amendment to building standards legislation and guidance documents, together with engagement activities which support development work, direct engagement and larger public consultations. Oversight of the schedule and budget of research projects to support a robust and costed evidence base for changes to building standards. Provide representation on building standards matters in engagement with Ministers, other government administrations and partner organisations involved in the delivery of the built environment Engage with policy colleagues across the Scottish Government on matters of shared interest to support the understanding of the role of building standards as a vehicle for positive change. Supporting unit members in stakeholder engagement dealing with formal requests for building standards ‘views, relaxations or dispensations’. Monitor and report of the effectiveness of implementation of the technical provisions of the building standards system to support ongoing review of provisions and processes. Coordinate and lead communications via established engagement channels such as the Review working Groups, the Building Safety Forum, Building Standards Leadership Forum and Stakeholder Group. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills Background in construction with professional qualification, building engineer / scientist or equivalent. Excellent communication skills, negotiation skills and decision skills. Maintaining delivery momentum. Experience Extensive knowledge of the building standards system, in particular technical matters set out in the Technical Handbooks. Behaviours Seeing the bigger picture – level 4. Leadership – level 4. Working together – level 4. How To Apply If you are interested in this post please submit your CV and supporting statement (1500 words) setting out details of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours for the post. Closing time and date – midnight on 25th June 2025. Candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to an interview with the recruiting manager and other panel members. The interview will include a presentation and a set of questions from a panel to assess your suitability. Interviews will be scheduled for Mid July with dates TBC post-sifting. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern This post is based in Denholm House, Livingston. Our team follows a hybrid working approach, where colleagues use a mix of office based and home working. For this post a minimum of two working days in the Denholm House office is required each week. The role will require limited travel around Scotland and less frequently to other parts of the UK. The post is a full-time permanent role, working full days Monday to Friday. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Further information about this opportunity is available from Head of Building Standards Division, Stephen Garvin (Stephen.garvin@gov.scot). Seniority level Seniority level Director Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Government Administration Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Scottish Government by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Head Technician” roles. 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Head of Technical Unit employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
Stephen.garvin@gov.scot
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical Unit
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current building standards and regulations in Scotland. Understanding the nuances of the Technical Handbooks will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction and building safety sectors. Engaging with stakeholders and attending relevant forums can provide insights into the challenges and expectations of the role, making you a more informed candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by developing a clear understanding of the Grenfell enquiry's implications on building regulations. Being able to discuss this topic intelligently will show your awareness of current issues affecting the sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership skills by reflecting on past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to lead and make informed decisions under pressure.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical Unit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Technical Unit position. Familiarise yourself with the key areas mentioned in the job description, such as building regulations, stakeholder engagement, and team management.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your background in construction, leadership abilities, and any experience with building standards or technical handbooks.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should be concise yet comprehensive, detailing how you meet the required skills, experience, and behaviours for the role. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your qualifications and impact.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and supporting statement. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Technical Unit role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially regarding building standards and stakeholder engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and leadership skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed teams or navigated complex stakeholder relationships.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, be prepared to demonstrate these during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and consider how you can convey complex technical information in an accessible way.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Stay updated on current issues related to building regulations and safety in Scotland. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the sector will show your commitment and knowledge, making you a more compelling candidate.
