Job description
Looking to lead the veterinary and technical leadership team responsible for delivering meat Official Controls across Scotland?
The Head Veterinarian provides technical leadership to approximately 100 field-based staff delivering meat Official Controls within Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and reports to the Head of Operational Delivery. The role engages with external veterinary stakeholders, including Chief Veterinary Officers, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Scottish Government policy teams, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and academic institutions.
The Head Veterinarian contributes to veterinary policy matters and provides timely reports to FSS management and the Board to help shape the future delivery of Official Controls in Scotland. The role manages a range of technical portfolios, works closely with the FSA and other government departments (OGDs), and leads the publication of Official Controls guidance through the Scottish Manual for Official Controls.
Responsibilities
- Build meaningful strategic stakeholder relationships to maintain support for FSS policies relating to the delivery of meat Official Controls.
- Provide direction, support and definitive veterinary technical advice to colleagues and stakeholders as required.
- Develop and deliver learning and development opportunities to ensure that Authorised Officers (AOs) have the knowledge, skills and appropriate training to perform their duties effectively.
- Provide interpretation of management information and briefings in areas of responsibility, as required.
- Maintain professional knowledge and ensure staff are updated in a timely manner on any changes to Official Controls or legislation relevant to their roles.
- Provide specialist professional input into FSS operational policy development.
- Develop and deliver a recruitment outreach programme to ensure FSS has access to a supply of Official Veterinarians to meet future demand.
- Commission relevant veterinary research to address emerging meat-related public health issues and contribute to the design and delivery of FSS meat hygiene research as part of foodborne disease and surveillance strategies.
- Manage a cost centre in accordance with FSS and Scottish Government financial processes.
- As a member of the Operational Management Team, provide definitive veterinary advice in support of relevant operational initiatives and change programmes, including the audit and approval of Food Business Operators.
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