Are you interested in being at the forefront of developing Scotland’s new taxes?
The newly created Tax Policy and Legislative Change team within Revenue Scotland is responsible for delivering and assisting in the development of Scotland’s devolved taxes. This is your chance to develop the team that shapes and delivers the structure and content of Scotland’s new taxes. We are working in conjunction with our Scottish Government Exchequer colleagues to deliver an ambitious programme of new taxes over the next three years, and beyond.
Revenue Scotland occupies a unique role in being able to bring its tax professionalism to the consideration of a wide range of taxes in Scotland. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape Revenue Scotland’s approach to tax more broadly in Scotland. By ensuring Revenue Scotland provides a credible voice, informed by our tax technical and operational expertise you will engage with stakeholders to inform decisions on Revenue Scotland’s future organisational responsibilities.
This role requires a self-motivated individual with excellent leadership and communication skills, proven capabilities in building working relationships with stakeholders. You will have had relevant policy experience in tax, delivered through a project management approach.
- Engage and work with SG Policy officials and a range of broader stakeholders to deliver a legislative programme of work to transform, expand and enhance Revenue Scotland’s legislation, functions and powers in the devolved taxes.
- Lead for RS on the design and delivery of legislation and operational policy for the devolved taxes using the skills and experience from across the tax function within RS.
- Expand Revenue Scotland’s outreach by identifying and engaging with known and new key stakeholders to further the development of operationally competent tax legislation.
- Adopt project management techniques to deliver an efficient programme of legislative change.
- Leadership and management of small tax design team, setting vision and purpose.
- As a member of Revenue Scotland’s wider leadership team, you will champion diversity and inclusion and make a significant contribution to the leadership and performance of the organisation as a whole.
- You will promote collaborative working across teams and professional boundaries to establish a multi-disciplinary approach that enables you to respond creatively to issues and challenges.
Responsibilities
You will possess a relevant tax qualification of one of the following, such as:
- Advanced Diploma in International Tax (ADIT)
- Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)
- Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies membership qualification (such as ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Post Graduate legal qualification specialising in tax
- HMRC TSP or predecessor qualification (TPDP, IDP, ITS2, CPT, FT2)
Proof of qualifications will be checked at the assessment stage.
- Strategic thinking - anticipating and diverting future problems, applying a strong understanding of the organisation’s strategic objectives, policy aims and operational demands
- Stakeholder management - building excellent and diverse stakeholder networks, collaborating to overcome challenges
- You will have experience of developing tax legislation that can be made operational digitally.
- You will have experience of utilising recognised project management techniques to deliver complex, multi party pieces of work over a sustained period.
- Communicating and influencing - Level 4
- Delivering at pace - Level 4
- Leadership - Level 4
How to apply
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and assessment. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 17 August 2026 however, this may be subject to change.
Recruitment Principles
Qualifications
Revenue Scotland is a diverse, high performing organisation that has a reputation for delivering excellence and a commitment to continually improving the way we work while supporting the health, well-being, and development of our employees. Revenue Scotland is a great place to develop new skills, and you will be supported in your role with learning and development to enable you to perform at your best.
Look at our video to find out more about working for Revenue Scotland.
If you would like to learn more about Revenue Scotland, please visit our website. Our Corporate Plan sets out our strategic objectives for the next three years
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options. Our hybrid working principles require you to attend your assigned office, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh at least 2/3 days each month. Our hybrid approach supports a blend of home and workplace working, this should be agreed with the line manager to achieve the right balance between collaboration, in-person engagement and flexibility. You can also work from our Glasgow hub office if required.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them in our Revenue Scotland Candidate Guide
Revenue Scotland is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. The interview and assessment process are primarily conducted in person unless you require a reasonable adjustment. Interview questions will be issued 24 hours in advance. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please let us know viarsrecruitment@revenue.scot.
Our Revenue Scotland Candidate Guide provides further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Further information
Revenue Scotland is a Non-Ministerial Office which is a part of Scottish Government Main Bargaining unit and have adopted Scottish Government main terms and conditions and pay arrangements.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules
As part of any recruitment process, Scottish Government and associated public bodies collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and applicants for public appointments.
Personal information you provide in the recruitment process will be made available to Scottish Government and our additional data processors.
Minimum Time in Post
The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
Apply Before: 23rd July (23:59) - This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only.
Head of Tax Policy and Legislative Change 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.
