Overview
Director - General Net Zero role at Guardian Jobs
Join to apply for the Director - General Net Zero role at Guardian Jobs
The Scottish Government has a unique opportunity for a Director General for Net Zero, to lead a dynamic team of five Directorates and three Executive Agencies which include 4,400 staff in five locations. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead with purpose and impact, fostering an inclusive culture where diverse talent is empowered to thrive.
The purpose of this role is to forge and deliver a coherent, joined-up strategy and subsequent outcomes which bring a just transition of the economy whilst delivering transformational change across the whole of government. You will deliver the ambitious and far-reaching transformation of society and economy to achieve Net Zero targets, ensure a just transition for communities and individuals, and address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity. Harnessing the economic opportunities of the transition to Net Zero and improving our biodiversity across both land and marine will be critical. As a key advisor to Ministers, you will offer confident evidence-based advice and will be able to connect with a wide range of stakeholders across organisations and boundaries to translate strategic vision into action.
Responsibilities
* Lead transformational change across the whole of Government, acting as a key communicator when engaging the public, business and third sector. Representing Scottish Government at the highest levels and focusing on one of the four top priorities for government to tackle the climate emergency.
* As part of the top leadership team, make collective decisions on key priorities that affect Scotland, including delivering Public Service Reform. This also includes workforce planning for the civil service and taking forward policies such as hybrid working and diversity and inclusion to support our people.
* Deliver an ambitious policy agenda that meets our emissions reduction targets and puts Scotland firmly on the pathway to Net Zero by 2045.
* Lead Directors to champion close working with other colleagues across government, with public bodies and other key delivery partners and external stakeholders. Ensuring delivery of outcomes for the benefit of the people of Scotland, developing a culture of collaboration and innovation.
* Ensure that the key services and sectors the country depends on are delivered and supported – transport, water, energy, agriculture, food and drink, marine economies of fishing and aquaculture, environment, the circular economy and forestry.
* As a key advisor to Ministers, offer confident evidence-based advice and be able to connect with a wide range of stakeholders across organisations and boundaries to translate strategic vision into action.
* Be committed to leading and enabling the continuing development of a high performing Director General family and Senior Team comprising eight Directors, with a strong, inclusive, positive working culture.
Experience & Qualifications
* Leadership at Executive Team and Board level: Significant experience of leading the development and delivery of organisational strategy in a large and complex organisation, within government, the public sector or private sector
* Demonstrable experience of financial management of significant resource and capital budgets, together with overarching corporate governance experience
* Proven ability to deliver strategic objectives at pace and sustain them through periods of ambiguity and organisational change
* Significant experience of major programme and project delivery and operational delivery will be key in leading the portfolio
* Achievement of measurable outcomes across a range of specialist subject areas, through effective cross-boundary working and partnership with a wide range of stakeholders
Behaviours
* Seeing the big picture (Level 6)
* Delivering at pace (Level 6)
* Leadership (Level 6)
* Communicating and Influencing (Level 6)
* Making effective decisions (Level 6)
How To Apply
Candidates must apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 500 words) that directly addresses the Experience criteria listed above. General or unrelated statements will not be accepted and may result in your application being sifted out. Please ensure your statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the specified experience requirements.
During the interview and assessment process we will test your skills and experience as well as behaviours aligned to this role. If you are shortlisted you will be provided with full details of the next stages of the selection and assessment process. This may include an individual psychological assessment and a stakeholder /staff engagement exercise. Assessments are scheduled for the weeks commencing 22, 29 September and 6 October however this may be subject to change. Some of the assessments are likely to take place in person, further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Additional
Closing date: 7 September 2025 at 23:55. Interviews: w/c 20 October 2025. Timing is subject to change.
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Business Development and Sales
Industries
* Advertising Services
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
#J-18808-Ljbffr