Director of People and Strategy

Scottish Canals; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 94,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Glasgow is seeking a Director of People and Strategy to lead corporate strategy and drive organizational change within Scottish Canals. This high-profile role requires significant strategic leadership experience and outstanding communication skills to influence diverse teams and stakeholders. The position offers a salary of £94,648 – £103,424, a 35-hour week, and various benefits including enhanced sick pay and a contributory pension. Join us in preserving Scotland’s canal heritage and impacting the communities we serve.

Benefits

32 days annual leave plus 6 public holidays

Enhanced sick pay

Discounted shopping vouchers

Health cash plan

Life assurance (4x salary)

Contributory pension with up to 10% employer contribution

Qualifications

• Significant strategic leadership experience in large or complex organisations.
• Proven track record of delivering organisational change and transformation.
• Financial and resource management experience, including budget oversight.

Responsibilities

• Leading corporate strategy and organisational performance monitoring.
• Driving transformational change and cultural improvements.
• Senior point of contact for Trade Unions.

Skills

Strategic leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Change management

Job description

Salary: From £94,648 – £103,424

Closing Date: 26/01/2026

Department: Executive Management Team

Location: Glasgow

Hours Per Week: 35

Where to find us

Get Directions

Job Description

Scottish Canals is seeking to appoint a Director of People and Strategy to join our Executive Management Team at a pivotal time in the organisation’s development. Reporting to the CEO and contributing directly to the Board, this senior leadership role will lead corporate strategy, drive organisational change, and provide oversight of key business functions.

About Scottish Canals

Scottish Canals is the custodian of Scotland’s 5 canal networks (141 miles of scheduled national monuments) and surrounding estates, investing in waterways to generate lasting benefit for people and communities. We are much more than a transport network; the organisation contributes at every level to Scottish government’s national performance framework, through celebrating industrial heritage, tourism, active travel by providing quality green and blue spaces, and integral to contributing to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Operating across a broad range of activities - from boating and active travel networks to community economic regeneration and environmental enhancement - Scottish Canals works collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to support a wealthier, fairer, greener, and more resilient Scotland. Our values - We Care, We Create, We Collaborate and our people underpin everything we do.

The Role

Responsibilities

• Leading corporate strategy, business planning, stakeholder engagement and organisational performance monitoring.
• Driving transformational change and embedding cultural and behavioural improvements.
• Acting as senior point of contact for Trade Unions, leading negotiations and influencing change.
• Ensuring statutory compliance and robust governance across all business areas.
• Enhancing internal and external communications to engage staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and communities.

This role is high-profile, requiring a strategic thinker with the ability to influence across a complex, public-facing organisation.

The Candidate

The Successful Candidate Will Have

• Significant strategic leadership experience in large or complex organisations, ideally within the public sector, but serious consideration of transferable skills gained in comparable complex environments will be given.
• A proven track record of delivering organisational change and transformation, including cultural change and process improvement.
• Senior level leadership in one or more disciplines of Strategy Development, Health & Safety, Sustainability, Heritage, and Communications.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience operating in political or multi-partner environments.
• Financial and resource management experience, including budget oversight and performance frameworks.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and engagement skills, able to influence and inspire diverse teams.
• A values-driven, collaborative, and outcome-focused leadership style.

Terms & Benefits

• Permanent appointment, £94,648 – £103,424 (Pay Band J, pay award pending April 2026).
• 35‑hour working week with flexible working options.
• 32 days annual leave plus 6 public holidays.
• Enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan, life assurance (4x salary), and contributory pension with up to 10% employer contribution.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategy, culture, and people agenda of Scottish Canals while safeguarding Scotland’s canal heritage for future generations. The role offers a chance to work at the intersection of strategy, people, and public service, delivering tangible impact for staff, communities, and visitors.

Scottish Canals is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

To apply, please visit:

https://jobs.aspenpeople.co.uk/job/director-of-people-and-strategy-835.aspx

Take a look around the company

https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/corporate/join-our-team/