This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Housing Directorate and work within the Housing Agency Transition team as the Head of Design for the creation of the More Homes Housing Agency (MHS). MHS is being established as a new Executive Agency of the Scottish Government in response to the scale and urgency of Scotland’s housing challenges.
The creation of MHS reflects a commitment to address current system blockers by simplifying how housing delivery is supported and remove functional siloes, strengthening operational focus, and enabling greater scale and speed of delivery across all tenures.
To support the move from programme design to implementation, a dedicated, time-limited Transition Team has been established. The Transition Team’s primary goal is to design, coordinate and oversee the establishment of MHS, ensuring the agency is set up in a coherent, well governed and deliverable way. This includes designing and implementing a phased approach to MHS capability and functions in line with our rapidly emerging PSR ambitions.
Housing will spend approximately £4.9bn through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) over the period of this Parliament. MHS will take on the delivery of a number of key housing priorities to support the supply of more homes
in Scotland. This includes the delivery of the AHSP and target of 110,000 homes as the agency becomes fully operational by 1 April 2028.
The successful Head of Design will use their programme management skills and experience of establishing a new body to lead the team through this significant change. You will also be responsible for providing leadership across the wider directorate and SG portfolios to ensure that the relevant policy areas with SG feed into the process and will be responsible for delivering our test for change programme and designing and delivering a target operating model that will reach the 110,000 homes target and provide value for money. This includes having a key role on the programmes governance Board where you will ensure we follow best practice, keeping Directors aware of progress and testing next steps with the programme.
As well as the Head of Design in the Housing Agency transition team, you will also be the Deputy to the SCS Programme Director who has responsibility for the Housing Agency Transition Team proving support to around 20 members of staff. You will deputise on the Housing Directorate Senior Leadership Team where you will get an opportunity to contribute to the wider Directorate leadership as well as contribute to some of the corporate asks on PFG, Finance, People and Risk. You will also have an important communications role where you will be expected to communicate regularly with Directorate staff and the TUS to keep everyone involved in relation to agency developments.
This is a great opportunity to work with Ministers and Senior Leaders across the government to deliver a key manifesto commitment at pace and communicate with internal and external stakeholders as we progress the work on the agency.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Lead on the delivery of the new agency by April 2027 and ensure the agency is fully operational by April 2028 (on phase 1 functions).
- Agree functions and a phasing approach through working with colleagues across SG (particularly housing, planning, local government, economy) and relevant public sector bodies to test and iterate high level functions agreed with Ministers.
- Design and deliver a target operating model for phase 1 with iterative ongoing transference of functionality to ensure the Agency is operational by April 2027 and fully functional the following year (phase 1). This will include the transference of the £4.9bn Affordable Housing supply programme and business as usual continues to deliver 110,000 homes.
- Deputise for the Deputy Director at internal and external stakeholder engagements, as well as Ministerial meetings and take decisions in the DD’s absence to meet all commitments.
- Deputise as a member of the Directorate SMT ensuring the directorate is working collaboratively to meet transformational changes in line with tight timescales.
- Play a key role in keeping the Executive Team and Ministers informed of progress.
- Lead contact across the Directorate and SG to ensure that the transition team consider all policies that could have an impact on smooth agency transition.
- Lead on communications with internal and external stakeholders including keeping staff and SG TUS up to date on developments.
- Ensure that governance and decisions are taken using best practice governance .
Qualifications
Team Working Arrangements
We operate a hybrid working model, with all colleagues expected to spend a minimum of two days per week in an office location.
The Programme Team meet weekly in person, alternating between Glasgow and Edinburgh. These sessions are an important forum for collaboration, collective problem-solving and maintaining pace of delivery. Team members are therefore encouraged to attend regularly, recognising the value these meetings bring in ensuring alignment across workstreams and supporting effective programme delivery.
The post is a full time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.
Further Information
Further information about this opportunity is available from MoreHomesScotlandAgencyTeam@gov.scot
Working Pattern
This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 18 months.
How to Apply
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).
Selection Process
All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.
Informal discussion dates tbc.
Further Information
If you have specific questions about the role, please contact MoreHomesScotlandAgencyTeam@gov.scot
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Head of Design - C2 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
