At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance, digital and infrastructure strategies for a vital public service.
- Company: Join the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a key player in community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong career development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public service while ensuring community safety across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree or significant experience in a similar executive role required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving change and innovation in public service.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The SFRS protects one of the largest geographical areas of any Fire and Rescue Service with over 350 Community Fire Stations and corporate locations across Scotland. We manage a diverse range of risks, from urban cities to remote and rural island locations. Our Corporate Services teams provide the enabling, professional services that support front line delivery.
About the role
The Director of Finance, Digital & Infrastructure plays a key role as part of the SFRS’ Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), providing strategic leadership and direction to all Finance, Digital and Infrastructure activity for the Service. Alongside responsibility for their own portfolio, they will also have broader accountability for executive responsibilities as part of the SLT.
The Director of Finance, Digital & Infrastructure will lead the financial, digital and asset management strategies of the organisation, ensuring robust stewardship of public funds, delivering effective procurement processes, and collaborating to develop and maintain the physical, digital and technology infrastructure needed for our people to do their jobs safely and well, and to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
The Directorate consists of three functions of Finance and Procurement, Asset Management, and Digital and Technology Services. The Directorate has a key role in supporting organisational change and service reform via a range of interventions that support the achievement of SFRS strategic objectives, and which underpin service delivery, partnership working, effectiveness and performance.
Key Role Responsibilities
- Setting the strategic direction for Finance, Digital & Infrastructure across SFRS, leading the development and implementation of service-wide related strategies.
- Providing leadership and strategic direction across all functional areas within the remit, enabling continuous improvement.
- Promoting strong financial management across the organisation.
- Providing effective financial and asset management planning, including leading development of the annual budget, capital programme and multi-year financial and asset plans.
- Leading on the development and implementation of the Digital, Data and Technology Strategy for the organisation.
- Developing, maintaining and ensuring compliance with effective policies and procedures across all areas within the post’s remit.
- Ensuring high-quality, effective financial, technology and asset services are provided to the organisation.
- Providing timely, accurate and insightful financial reporting to the Board, Strategic Leadership Team, Scottish Government and budget holders.
- Overseeing production of annual statutory accounts for each financial year.
- Leading the organisation’s risk management policy and procedures.
- Providing a safe and healthy working environment.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.
- Championing diversity, equality and inclusion, ensuring all decision making, practices and policies promote a culture of fairness and opportunity.
Strategic Leadership Responsibilities
- Ensuring that the SFRS improves the safety and wellbeing of people throughout Scotland, by working with others in the public, private, and third sectors, on prevention, protection, and emergency response.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to the Chief Officer (Accountable Officer), Deputy Chief Officers and Strategic Leadership Team on all professional areas within the post’s remit.
- Working with the Board and Strategic Leadership Team colleagues to horizon scan, develop innovative solutions and policies to deal with emerging issues and developments.
- Driving the delivery of the SFRS and Finance, Digital & Infrastructure directorate priorities whilst retaining the focus on internal and external engagement.
- Developing an efficient, effective national organisation which delivers Best Value.
- Liaising as appropriate with other organisations including internal and external auditors, other service authorities, government bodies, trade unions, and represent the CO and Service at appropriate external events and committees.
- Ensuring that the financial resources and strategic risks of the Service and of the Finance, Digital & Infrastructure directorate are managed effectively and efficiently.
- Providing leadership and vision during significant organisational change, ensuring the benefits are delivered and sustained.
- Leading, managing and directing the SFRS in the execution of the Board’s policies.
- Acting within a stringent corporate governance framework maintaining the highest standards of conduct appropriate at this level of the organisation.
- Leading/contributing effectively to multi-partner projects.
- Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including Scottish Government, Parliament and Scotland’s local authorities.
- Understanding and actively supporting the role of the Scottish Government.
- Recognising the impact of Government and legislation on SFRS strategy and services.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) or significant, relevant experience in a comparable role.
- Proven executive-level delivery in a large, complex organisation; leading a broad portfolio or more than one function at executive level.
- Proven senior leadership experience in financial planning and management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience of successfully leading major change programmes across multi-functional areas and achieving tangible improvements.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of building relationships, advising, influencing and inspiring confidence with various internal and external stakeholders and partners.
- Demonstrable strategic political awareness.
- Public sector experience, particularly understanding of public sector financial management and governance requirements.
- Proven senior leadership experience in any of procurement, asset management or information technology.
- Experience of strategic planning and organisational change activity in a complex organisation.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker who can deliver tangible results.
- Collaborative leader who creates an inclusive environment of continuous improvement, inspiring trust and respect.
- Commitment to public service values.
Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday 6th March 2026 at 12:00 noon.
Director of Finance, Digital & Infrastructure in London employer: UK Agri-Tech Centre
Contact Detail:
UK Agri-Tech Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance, Digital & Infrastructure in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and digital sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the SFRS and its strategic goals. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help them achieve their objectives. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in financial management and strategic leadership clearly. The more comfortable you are discussing your achievements, the more confident you’ll appear in the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the position and highlighting a key point from your conversation can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance, Digital & Infrastructure in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance, digital, and infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Use specific examples from your past roles where you've led teams or projects successfully. This will help us see your potential fit within our Strategic Leadership Team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This makes it easier for us to see your strengths at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Agri-Tech Centre
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and financial strategies in the past. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your experience in financial planning and management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your leadership style during the interview. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've led teams through change or improved processes. Highlight your ability to inspire trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the SFRS's strategic objectives and how the Finance, Digital & Infrastructure directorate fits into that vision. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially in terms of improving efficiency and effectiveness across the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.