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The Scottish Parliament; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh seeks a strategic leader to head the Scrutiny Group within the Parliamentary Business Directorate. You will influence governance, provide high‑level procedural advice, and work with Members to support the Parliament’s scrutiny and law‑making functions.

As a principal adviser, you’ll lead multi‑functional teams through organisational change, uphold integrity and impartiality, and build trusted relationships with external partners including the Scottish

Qualifications

• Experience advising on procedural and political handling matters.
• Proven success in leading multi-functional teams through major organisational change.
• Ability to collaborate with Members and external stakeholders to support strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity and impartiality in a high‑profile public body.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Scrutiny Group and the Committee Office teams supporting 14 of the 16 parliamentary committees.
• Provide strategic direction to SPICe and the Parliament’s impartial research service.
• Advise the Presiding Officer, Clerk/Chief Executive and Director for Parliamentary Business on complex issues.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Parliamentary procedure

Stakeholder management

People management

Change management

Job description

Would you like to make a difference in one of the most influential places in Scotland? Now's your chance!

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Scottish Parliament in a leadership role within the Parliamentary Business Directorate.

Reporting to the Director of Parliamentary Business, you’ll lead the Scrutiny Group which comprises of the Committee Office (encompassing the teams which support 14 of the 16 parliamentary committees); as well as providing strategic direction to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) –the Parliament’s impartial research and information service.

As a principal adviser to the Parliament, you’ll lead on complex procedural and political handling matters. You’ll be a trusted adviser to the Presiding Officer, Clerk/Chief Executive and Director for Parliamentary Business. You’ll work closely with Members to support the delivery of our Strategic Plan for Session 7.

You’ll have experience of providing high-level procedural advice on the most important issues that the Parliament deals with in relation to its law-making and scrutiny functions. Integrity to uphold personal and professional standards will be vital to ensure the impartiality required in this role and forge trusted relationships.

We’re looking for a strategic leader who can anticipate and influence future priorities.

You’ll have outstanding people management skills and proven experience of motivating and inspiring multi-functional teams, capable of leading colleagues confidently through major organisational change. You’ll be effective in representing the Parliament’s interests with external stakeholders, notably the Scottish Government, and collaborating with partner organisations

If you’re looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the Parliament’s vision, we’d love to hear from you.