The Head of Field Operations

Looking to lead a high-impact national meat field operation and shape the future of Official Controls delivery across Scotland. The Head of Field Operations (HOFO) provides operational leadership to approximately 100 field‑based staff delivering meat Official Controls within Food Standards Scotland (FSS), as part of the Meat Operations branch in the Operational Delivery Division. The team’s mission is to ensure effective, consistent delivery of Official Controls across slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments throughout Scotland.

You will focus on leading geographically dispersed operational teams, strengthening management capability, setting performance objectives, and overseeing delivery through a performance management framework aligned to the FSS 2026–2031 Strategy. The main objective is to drive high‑performing teams, ensuring a consistent standard of service nationwide while supporting continuous development and growth of staff and operational capability.

Responsibilities:

• Build meaningful strategic stakeholder relationships across the meat sector in Scotland and in approved slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments to maintain support for FSS policies in relation to the delivery of Official Controls.
• Provide direction, support and definitive advice to colleagues and stakeholders as required, line manage 3 Operations Managers with around 100 staff in over 30 locations and hold overall responsibility for 3 cost centres.
• Ensure learning and development activities are delivered so that staff have the knowledge, skills and confidence to perform their duties effectively.
• Lead the performance management system across teams, ensuring KPIs are met.
• Provide interpretation of management information and briefing in area of responsibility as required.
• Maintain own professional knowledge and ensure staff are updated in a timely basis of any changes to corporate processes relevant to their roles.
• Provide operational input into FSS policy development, particularly the development and application of charging systems.
• Represent FSS in key stakeholder groups such as the Partnership Working Group and Scottish Meat Industry Forum and engage with Senior meat industry representatives.
• Develop and deliver a sustainable resourcing model to ensure that FSS has access to a supply of staff to meet future demand.
• Lead the Field Operations management team to ensure effective communication systems are operated for field staff across Scotland.
• Drive the field‑related operational delivery Health and Safety initiatives.

Success Profile:

• Connections and communication with stakeholders – Practitioner level
• Operational leadership and management – Practitioner level

As part of the interview process, the following key behaviours will be assessed: Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which should evidence how you meet the technical/professional skills listed in the Success Profile above.

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Location: This post is home‑based anywhere in Scotland and will require travel to different FSS‑approved establishments and the FSS and other Scottish Government offices, with likelihood of overnight accommodation needed at times.

Security checks: Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre‑employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has a wide and diverse remit which covers all aspects of the food chain which can impact on public health – aiming to protect consumers from food safety risks and promote healthy eating. Our mission is to be Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards and healthy eating; using data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that inspires consumer confidence and improves public health.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi‑leave. This post is a full‑time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns and proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.