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- Tasks: Lead the Scottish Food Commission and shape food policy in Scotland.
- Company: GatenbySanderson is a dynamic organisation focused on public service reform.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and competitive salary based on experience.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming Scotland's food landscape and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience at a senior level with a strong track record in management.
- Other info: This role is pivotal for the new executive body established under the Good Food Nation Act.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Base pay range
Scottish Food Commission
Location: Hybrid
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to
until the closing date of 23.55hrs, Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
The Scottish Food Commission is looking to appoint its first Chief Executive. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the Scottish food policy landscape. The Scottish Food Commission is a new executive non-departmental public body that is being established to provide oversight over provisions made in the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. The inaugural Chief Executive will lead the Commission in building relationships with Scottish Ministers, local authorities and health boards to assist in their Good Food Nation Plans, as well as exerting their soft leadership skills to promote the role of Good Food Nation Plans across Scotland.
The Good Food Nation policy attracts a substantial amount of interest within the food policy landscape. The Scottish Food Commission will likely be targeted by a diverse range of organisations, groups and individuals that have an interest in shaping the food system. As Chief Executive you will have to handle these competing interests and competently navigate this so that the Scottish Food Commission remains a well-regarded organisation.
We are looking for candidates with a track record of management and ability to work at pace to develop the organisational structures of this new organisation. You will be able to lead on shaping and developing this new organisation into an effective and well regarded new public body.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and skills
Experience
- Exceptional record of achievement at Director, Chief Executive or equivalent level in an organisation of comparable complexity and size.
- Leading, and managing, at a senior level through a period of significant development and change in a challenging economic environment.
- Experience of the preparation and implementation of strategic business plans.
- Proven experience of leading the creation, or improvement, of a national programme or organisation.
- You will have experience of leading confidently and working collaboratively with a board or senior leadership team to design and introduce new or improved strategies, programmes, systems, corporate policies, and organisation.
- Experience of building influential relationships with sponsors, partners and other relevant stakeholders that enable progression of the organisation’s objectives.
- Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills which inspire others to produce high level results.
- Demonstrable understanding of the duties placed on public bodies in the context of public service reform
- Proven track record of managing resources responsibly
- You will be able to demonstrate that you have put effective financial management in place. You should also have familiarity with the duties placed on public bodies with regards to the responsible management of resources.
- Demonstrable experience of building and developing confident and responsive teams, within a strong workplace culture, which can deliver on the organisation’s goals.
- Proven experience of analysing complex information from a variety of sources, engaging specialists as required.
- Track record of communicating sensitive or complex information in a clear and confident way to meet the needs of audiences.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and convincingly to engage a wide range of people and organisations.
- An understanding of the complexities of the food system
- Familiarity with evaluation of policies and projects
- Experience of working within the food system
- Experience of creating and managing an effective digital media presence
For further information please click Apply or for an informal conversation about the role please contact Orla Brennan of GatenbySanderson on 0113 205 6065.
Closing Date: 23.55hrs, Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Strategy/Planning, Business Development, and General Business
-
Industries
Government Administration and Government Relations Services
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Inaugural Chief Executive employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Inaugural Chief Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food policy sector. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet stakeholders and potential collaborators. Building these relationships can give you insights into the role and help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022 and its implications. Understanding the legislation will not only prepare you for discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed change in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you navigated them, as this will highlight your suitability for leading a new organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current trends and issues in the food system. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to speak confidently about the challenges and opportunities facing the Scottish Food Commission, making you a more compelling candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Inaugural Chief Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Inaugural Chief Executive role. Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Food Commission's objectives and how your experience aligns with their mission.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience that matches the job description. Focus on your achievements in leadership roles, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring you demonstrate your ability to navigate complex environments.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also outline how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate. Use specific examples to illustrate your leadership capabilities and understanding of the food policy landscape.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior leadership position.
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what the Chief Executive role entails, especially in relation to the Scottish Food Commission. Familiarise yourself with the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022 and think about how you can contribute to shaping food policy in Scotland.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how they relate to managing change and development in complex organisations. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and built influential relationships with stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial management is crucial for this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with budgeting and resource management. Highlight any strategies you've implemented that resulted in effective financial oversight in past positions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts on sensitive or complex topics clearly and convincingly. This will be essential in engaging with various audiences, from government officials to community groups, so ensure you can communicate your vision effectively.
