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- 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: Engage with Ministers and stakeholders in a dynamic and influential environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of agricultural workers and shape government policy.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in policy or enforcement roles.
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 employer: 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
✨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 experience aligns with the role's responsibilities, especially around seasonal worker policy and stakeholder engagement. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership skills! In interviews, we need to highlight examples where we've successfully led teams or projects. This will demonstrate our ability to manage the specialist team effectively and set strategic direction.
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can make an impact in agricultural wages and rural engagement, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills and experiences!
Showcase Leadership Skills: As a Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement, leadership is key. Use your written application to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex casework. Share examples that illustrate your strategic direction and decision-making prowess.
Engage with Policy Knowledge: We’re looking for someone who understands the intricacies of agricultural policy. In your application, reference any relevant knowledge or experience you have with government policies, especially those related to seasonal workers and agricultural wages.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 or projects in the past, focusing on how you set direction and ensure fairness in casework.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials and external partners. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've used to balance complex interests and how you’ve effectively communicated with different audiences.
✨Prepare for Ministerial Briefings
Since advising and briefing Ministers is part of the role, practice articulating complex policy issues clearly and concisely. Think about how you would present key information to senior leaders and be ready to answer questions they might have.