At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of the new More Homes Housing Agency.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's Housing Directorate in a pivotal role.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence housing policy and make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborate with government leaders and contribute to significant housing initiatives.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tackling Scotland’s housing challenges and shaping future solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and establishing new organisations required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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 removing 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 programme's 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 providing 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design - C2
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Scottish Government who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design - C2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Scottish Government!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Scottish Government. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Scottish Government.
