At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and govern asset management for Scotland's canal network, ensuring high-performing infrastructure.
- Company: Scottish Canals, dedicated to preserving and enhancing Scotland's canal heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 32 days leave, health cash plan, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's green spaces and community resilience.
- Qualifications: Honours degree in Engineering or Asset Management; leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 66672 - 72854 € per year.
About Us
Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change. Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities and services, from boating, and mooring, paddling, walking and wheeling, to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland. As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Asset Management to join our Engineering & Assets Directorate, based in Glasgow or Falkirk. In this senior leadership role, you will lead and govern the full Asset Management function across Scottish Canals, ensuring safe, compliant and high‑performing infrastructure through robust asset strategy, lifecycle planning, data intelligence and risk management. The role is offered on a permanent basis, working 35 hours per week.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for Scottish Canals’ Asset Management Policy, Strategy and Plan
- Lead the inspection, optimisation and lifecycle management of a national infrastructure portfolio
- Advise the Executive Management Team and Board on asset condition, risk exposure and long‑term investment needs
- Oversee multi‑year capital and revenue investment planning (circa £18.5m annually)
- Ensure statutory compliance, engineering governance and effective risk escalation
- Lead asset information systems, data integrity and digital innovation (including AMX)
- Develop and lead a high‑performing Asset Management Division (13 staff)
- Foster strong cross‑directorate collaboration and continuous improvement
About the Reward
This role offers a salary of £66,672 – £72,854 (Band H), plus a standby allowance. Scottish Canals also provide: 32 days annual leave plus 6 public holidays, enhanced sick pay, health cash plan, discounted shopping vouchers, contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
About You
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Honours degree in Engineering, Asset Management or a related discipline
- Chartered or Incorporated status (ICE, IAM or equivalent)
- Strong knowledge of asset lifecycle management, engineering risk and statutory compliance
- Experience with digital asset information systems (e.g. AMX)
Skills & Experience
- Proven leadership in a complex, regulated infrastructure or engineering environment
- Experience managing significant budgets and multi‑year capital programmes
- Strong analytical, risk‑based decision‑making capability
- Ability to develop long‑term investment strategies and business cases
- Excellent communication and influencing skills at senior and Board level
Qualities & Abilities
- Strategic, collaborative and values‑driven leader
- Committed to continuous improvement and innovation
- Strong people leadership with a focus on capability and engagement
- Demonstrates Scottish Canals’ values: Care, Create, Collaborate
Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a sufficient number of applications be received.
Head of Asset Management employer: Scottish Canals
Scottish Canals is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including 32 days of annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a contributory pension scheme, all while working in the vibrant locations of Glasgow or Falkirk. Join us in our mission to safeguard Scotland's canal heritage and create lasting benefits for communities, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Asset Management
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Scottish Canals. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Scottish Canals thoroughly. Understand their vision and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in asset management can help Scottish Canals thrive. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the amazing work at Scottish Canals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Asset Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Scottish Canals shine through! We want to see how much you care about our mission and how you can contribute to our vision of a greener, more resilient Scotland.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Asset Management role. Highlight your relevant experience in asset management, engineering, and leadership. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of asset management principles, especially in relation to infrastructure. Brush up on your knowledge of lifecycle management and risk assessment, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in complex environments. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or projects, and be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
✨Understand Scottish Canals' Vision
Familiarise yourself with Scottish Canals’ mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around care, creation, and collaboration, and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Anticipate questions about long-term investment strategies and budget management. Have a few ideas ready on how you would approach capital planning and risk management, as this will demonstrate your strategic thinking capabilities.
