Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction for People, Communications & Engagement in a transformative role.
- Company: Join the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a vital public service across Scotland.
- Benefits: Make a national impact while shaping an inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a leadership team that drives change and supports safer communities.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience with a strong track record in complex organisations.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence corporate strategy and engage with diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ 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, including our People, Communications & Engagement Directorate, provide the enabling, professional services that support front line delivery.
About the Role
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join our Strategic Leadership Team as Director of People, Communications & Engagement. This is a pivotal role at a time of significant organisational transformation — an opportunity to shape the culture, leadership, and strategic direction of the UK’s largest fire and rescue service.
The Director of People, Communications & Engagement will lead a newly formed Directorate that brings together the full breadth of People, Communications and Engagement functions. You will provide strategic leadership across all areas of People Services, Talent, Organisational Development, Workforce Planning, Media & Communications, and Public Engagement.
Working as part of the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), you will influence corporate strategy, drive service-wide improvement, and ensure SFRS continues to deliver for communities across Scotland through a high‑performing, inclusive and engaged workforce. This role offers the chance to lead at scale, shape organisational culture, and ensure SFRS remains an employer of choice that reflects Scotland’s diverse communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction for People, Communications & Engagement across SFRS.
- Lead the development and implementation of service-wide strategies that foster a high-performing, values‑driven culture.
- Oversee all People functions, including recruitment, employee relations, talent development, reward, and workforce planning.
- Provide executive leadership on all internal and external communications, including media relations, political engagement, digital platforms and corporate communications.
- Lead public engagement activity, ensuring transparent and meaningful consultation with communities and stakeholders.
- Drive organisational change and reform, ensuring SFRS remains agile, innovative, and future‑focused.
- Champion diversity, equality and inclusion, embedding fairness, dignity and opportunity in all aspects of the organisation.
- Provide strategic advice to the Chief Officer, Board, and SLT colleagues.
- Manage Directorate resources, risk and governance to the highest standard.
- Build and maintain relationships with partners including Scottish Government, Parliament, local authorities and trade unions.
Candidate requirements
- You will be an accomplished senior HR leader with a strong track record of delivering results within a large and complex organisation.
- Able to operate confidently at executive level, you will bring:
- Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management / Strategic Learning & Development (or equivalent experience).
- Extensive senior leadership experience across HR, organisational development and/or major change programmes.
- Experienced leadership of broad, multi‑functional teams.
- Strong understanding of employment law, workforce planning and HR best practice.
- Significant experience advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence and inspire at all levels.
- Demonstrable political awareness and experience engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Experience in highly unionised or public sector environments.
- Senior‑level leadership of strategic internal or external communications.
Personal Attributes:
- A strategic thinker who delivers tangible results.
- Collaborative, inclusive and values‑driven.
- Committed to public service and continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
SFRS offers a unique opportunity to make a difference at national scale — supporting safer communities and shaping the future of a vital public service. You will join a highly committed leadership team working in partnership to deliver meaningful and lasting impact across Scotland.
Director of People, Communications & Engagement 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 People, Communications & Engagement in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t underestimate the power of personal connections when it comes to landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our answers and boost our confidence. The more we practice, the more natural we’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep us top of mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the position and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People, Communications & Engagement in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of People, Communications & Engagement role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR and leadership, and show how you can contribute to SFRS's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back on showcasing your past achievements in leading teams and driving organisational change. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and influence at all levels.
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should be clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, this is your chance to make a strong first impression, so clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Agri-Tech Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the SFRS's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their strategic direction will help you align your experience with their goals, especially in areas like organisational development and public engagement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for a senior role, be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and driven change in previous roles, particularly in complex environments like public services.
✨Engage with Their Challenges
Think about the unique challenges faced by the SFRS, such as workforce planning and community engagement. Be prepared to share your insights on how to tackle these issues and enhance their organisational culture.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves significant communication responsibilities, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and foster collaboration across various levels.
