Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement in Edinburgh
Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement

Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Scottish Government

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to ensure fair pay and protections for agricultural workers in Scotland.
  • Company: Join a key branch influencing Scotland's rural and agricultural policies.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities to engage with senior leaders.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence and career advancement potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of agricultural workers and shape government policy.
  • Qualifications: Experience in policy leadership and stakeholder engagement is essential.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Are you ready to make an impact in a high‑profile area where you’ll collaborate with senior leaders, shape communications across government policy areas, and engage directly with Ministers? This is a unique opportunity to lead the Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement Branch, a high‑profile and influential area of work at the heart of Scotland’s rural and agricultural policy landscape.

The Branch has responsibility for seasonal worker policy in Scotland and provides critical support to the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board, which sets minimum pay, terms and conditions for workers across agriculture, forestry and horticulture.

As Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement, you will manage a small, specialist team delivering enforcement casework to ensure agricultural workers receive the pay and protections set out in the Scottish Agricultural Wages Order. You will provide clear leadership, set strategic direction, and ensure casework is handled fairly, proportionately and consistently.

Alongside this, you will lead on the delivery of seasonal worker policy, working closely with policy colleagues across the Scottish Government, UK counterparts and a wide range of external stakeholders. The role involves advising and briefing Scottish Ministers, contributing to cross‑government discussions, and balancing complex policy, operational and stakeholder considerations.

Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government

As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and impactful work environment where your contributions directly influence Scotland's rural and agricultural policies. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork. Located at the heart of Scotland, you will engage with senior leaders and Ministers, making a meaningful difference in the lives of agricultural workers while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant and dynamic sector.
Scottish Government

Contact Detail:

Scottish Government Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement in Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the agricultural and rural engagement sectors. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in agricultural wages and rural policies. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with the role and demonstrate our understanding of the challenges faced in this area. Knowledge is power!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase our leadership skills! In interviews, we need to highlight our experience in managing teams and delivering strategic direction. Use specific examples to illustrate how we've successfully led projects or initiatives in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our applications and any updates directly from there. Let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement in Edinburgh

Leadership
Strategic Direction
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Development
Communication Skills
Casework Management
Collaboration
Advising Senior Leaders
Understanding of Agricultural Policy
Enforcement Knowledge
Problem-Solving Skills
Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Operational Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement role. Highlight your experience in agricultural policy and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're the right fit for the job.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be collaborating with senior leaders and engaging with Ministers, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you can effectively convey complex information.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any previous experience you have with enforcement casework or working with agricultural policies. This will help us see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Scotland’s rural and agricultural policy landscape.

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government

✨Know Your Policy Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in Scotland’s agricultural policies, especially those related to wages and seasonal workers. Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Agricultural Wages Order and be ready to discuss how it impacts workers and employers alike.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a potential leader of a specialist team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, handled casework, and ensured fair treatment for all stakeholders in previous roles.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Highlight your experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials and external partners. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building relationships and collaborating with others to achieve policy goals.

✨Prepare for Ministerial Briefings

Since advising and briefing Ministers is part of the role, practice articulating complex information clearly and concisely. Think about how you would present key issues and recommendations to senior leaders in a way that’s easy to understand.

Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement in Edinburgh
Scottish Government
Location: Edinburgh

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