At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy and research to shape Scotland's Good Food Nation ambitions.
- Company: Join the Scottish Food Commission, a new independent body focused on sustainable food systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a secure civil service pension.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team shaping a new organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's food policies and communities.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience in public policy and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60303 - 68911 £ per year.
Salary: £60,303 - £68,911 (Band F) FTE or £51,688 - £59,067 for 30 hours/week
Location: Home working, with regular in-person meetings and travel. Office base requirements may be considered
Job Type: Permanent contract
Hours: 30 hours per week, flexible and part time working can be considered
Closing Date: 23:59pm, 4th October 2026
Interview Date: Expected w/c 23 November
About Us: The Scottish Food Commission was established as a new independent statutory body within the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. The Commission’s purpose is to provide stewardship and oversight of Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambition, and to support progress towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for all. The Commission is now recruiting its first senior staff team. These initial roles will shape how the Commission operates, scrutinises evidence and policy, engages with relevant authorities and communities, and communicates its work with clarity, independence and impact.
Equalities: The Scottish Food Commission is an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class. We want this recruitment process to be inclusive. Candidates will be invited to tell us about any reasonable adjustments needed in relation to the application process, assessment exercise or interview.
The Role: The Head of Policy and Research is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the Commission’s policy scrutiny, research, evidence, data, analysis, expert advice and formal recommendations in relation to Scotland’s Good Food Nation. You will lead the Commission’s policy and research approach to scrutinising the national Good Food Nation Plan and relevant authority plans, ensuring that advice and recommendations are credible, independent, evidence-informed and practical. You will develop and maintain the Commission’s evidence and analytical frameworks, commission or support research where appropriate, and translate evidence into constructive policy advice for Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities.
You will work closely with the Head of Engagement and Communications to ensure policy and research are informed by diverse perspectives and communicated clearly, accessibly and impactfully, and with Corporate Services to ensure programmes are planned, governed and resourced effectively. The role requires strategic judgement, political awareness, strong analytical capability, an understanding of public policy, legislation and research methods, and the ability to translate complexity into practical, actionable advice.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will also have an organisational leadership role, working closely with the Chief Executive and other Heads of Function to ensure the Commission is effective, independent, collaborative and influential.
Scottish Food Commission Benefits: 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus Public Holidays. Flexible working. Salary sacrifice schemes. Civil service pension scheme – some benefits include: member contribution rates among the lowest in the public sector, tax relief on your contributions, generous employer contributions, a secure, inflation-proof pension for life, with no investment uncertainty, the option of tax-free lump sum on retirement, potential access to ill health and injury benefits if you become too ill to work, life assurance cover benefits for loved ones and dependants.
About You: Some of the skills you will need to be considered as our Head of Policy and Research include:
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience
- Experience of working in a public policy, legislative, scrutiny, regulatory, research, evidence, data or analytical environment
- Strong awareness of food systems policy context
- Ability to lead policy review and influence and inform public policy
- Understanding of how policy, evidence, legislation, delivery and accountability interact
- Exemplary communication skills
- Proven ability to design, lead or commission research and evidence programmes
- Experience of managing research projects, external suppliers or expert input
- Proven ability to manage sensitive relationships and communicate complex messages clearly
- Ability to exercise sound judgement in a politically aware but independent manner
- Strong management skills and the ability to lead and empower staff
- Ability to provide organisational leadership
- Experience of business planning and budget management
- Current UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel
- Permission to work in the UK
How to apply: To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button.
Please note that as the Food Commission is still in the early stages of being established, the Cairngorms National Park Authority is providing HR support for recruitment of initial roles.
Head of Policy and Research employer: Scottish Food Commission
The Scottish Food Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape Scotland's food policy landscape while working flexibly from home. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, the Commission provides generous benefits including a civil service pension scheme, ample annual leave, and a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Join us in making a meaningful impact on Scotland's Good Food Nation ambition, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help create a fairer, healthier food system for all.
