Head of Operational Delivery - C2 in Aberdeen

The Operational Delivery Division works closely with other FSS Divisions and across other portfolios, to deliver official controls in approved meat establishments, animal feed controls, the FSS shellfish monitoring programme and wine standards as well as overseeing a range of SLAs with local authorities and other government departments. The Operational Delivery Division is structured across 4 Branches; Vet Profession & Vet Policy / Liaison, Field Operations, which consists of 3 geographic areas covering the whole of Scotland, Feed Delivery, Shellfish Monitoring and SLAs. It has around 145 staff and budgetary responsibility of c. £8M per annum.

The Head of Operational Delivery plays a key leadership role within FSS, overseeing a wide range of official controls delivery responsibilities as well as corporate and executive leadership functions. The role will require close working with FSS Executive Management and Corporate Governance teams, veterinary, meat, fish and shellfish sectors and senior colleagues across government. Ministerial engagement is also a prominent feature of this role.

The post-holder will lead a Division of around 145 staff responsible for the delivery of official controls in approved meat establishments, feed premises and wine standards. The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of various controls for other government departments and manages the Scottish shellfish monitoring programme.

As a member of FSS’s Executive Management Team, the post-holder will take an active part in strategic and corporate planning performance management to support effective delivery of FSS functions and objectives.

• Lead and empower the Division to deliver an effective contribution to FSS’s overarching strategic objectives, setting aims and objectives, taking decisions on strategy for delivery, promoting a positive culture of collaborative working, and managing resources to ensure they are deployed, monitored and assessed against outcomes.
• Provide leadership and direction for the development of expert knowledge, strategic support and advice which meets identified needs and priorities relating to the delivery of food and feed law enforcement and consumer protection by partners.
• Oversee the delivery of all meat Official Controls in slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments approved by FSS and the delivery of animal feed controls.
• Oversee the delivery of various controls for other government departments in the same establishments and manage the Scottish shellfish monitoring programme.
• As a member of FSS Executive Management Team and working with other Heads of Division, contribute actively to FSS strategic decision-making, risk management, corporate planning and performance, organisational development, financial management, and assurance.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge and high-level awareness of developing operational policy and practice and current issues in meat, animal feed, and shellfish controls and make recommendations on future strategic developments.
• Provide authoritative advice and guidance to FSS CEO and Deputy CEO on areas within the remit of the Division, and clear and authoritative briefing and advice to the wider Executive Management Team, FSS Board, Ministers and Scottish Parliamentary Committees as required.
• Be an authoritative and credible representative of FSS, managing stakeholder engagement and working relationships at a senior level with key industry and government stakeholders and partners, including the Scottish Government, UK and devolved government departments, and local authorities.
• Management and development of staff (line management of 3 x C1 and 1 x B3 staff and oversight of approximately 140 band B staff).

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C2 employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager. Informal discussion dates tbc. Please be advised this vacancy is open only to Priority Movers.

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact Geoff.Ogle@fss.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.