Description
Are you an experienced investigator of serious food crime seeking a new and challenging opportunity to lead a team of skilled investigators in a demanding environment?
The Senior Investigator is a key role within the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) structure of Food Standards Scotland (FSS). Reporting to the Head of the SFCIU, the post holder will support the SFCIU in developing the necessary processes and procedures that are required for the unit to align itself to the National Intelligence Model (NIM) and perform its remit as agreed by the FSS Board. You will lead, supervise, brief and task a team of investigators and ensure that all investigative activities of the Food Crime Investigation Team (FCIT) are aligned to the strategic direction of FSS, are lawful, cohesive and managed in accordance with relevant legislation, codes of practice and in line with FSS policy and guidance. You will actively support and guide those investigations undertaken by partner agencies where there is a food crime or food safety aspect and co-ordinate food crime preventative initiatives.
You will deputise for the Branch Head when required and will provide expertise on all investigation matters for FSS. You will be involved in collaborative working with Scottish Government, the Food Standards Agency, Police Scotland and with other parts of central and local government. The SFCIU will play a key supporting role for FSS in its aims to deliver better outcomes for consumers in Scotland and to fulfil its responsibilities as central competent authority for food and feed matters in Scotland.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
* Perform the Senior Investigating Officer role for FSS Food Crime investigations when required and manage the FCIT, including leading, guiding, supporting and directing the work of staff in the investigation of food crime, ensuring that they are developed and progressed effectively, in line with FSS Policy and Guidance, Codes of Practice and relevant legislation.
* Where the investigative lead is the local authority, play a supportive role in collaboratively developing key priority actions aimed at progressing investigations to an effective conclusion.
* Ensure that appropriate case management is in place to enable the submission of high quality reports in a timely fashion to the Procurator Fiscal and evidential packages are prepared to a standard capable of being actioned by external stakeholders or in collaboration with internal and/or external stakeholders.
* Provide support and guidance, and manage the co-ordination, collation and appropriate dissemination of coherent, authoritative reports, bulletins, briefings, etc., in relation to identified threats, risks and other related issues, for the benefit of internal and, where applicable, external stakeholders.
* Manage the development of preventative initiatives in relation to food crime and food safety, aimed at protecting consumers.
* Be an authoritative and credible representative of FSS, build and maintain effective working relationships and contact with relevant counterparts in the Scottish Government and related Departments, and key external partners, such as: the Food Standards Agency; Police Scotland and local government, to ensure that whilst consumers in Scotland are protected in line with FSS's objectives, that FSS also meets its responsibilities as the central competent food authority in Scotland.
* Provide clear and focused oral/written briefings to senior officers, Senior Management Team, FSS Board and Ministers where required.
* Perform out of hours on call duties where circumstances dictate the need and undertake any other duties consistent with the post as directed by supervisors.
Qualifications
Success profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills:
* Practical experience of working in line with the National Intelligence Model and substantial experience in the use of intelligence and intelligence products in support of criminal investigations.
* Proven planning and organisational ability to respond effectively to the demands of a fast-paced and changing environment, allied to strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, showing evidence of building good working relationships and commanding the confidence of stakeholders and partners.
Experience:
* Current experience leading a team of investigators, intelligence officers and analysts on serious, complex and/or protracted food crime investigations, including compiling standard prosecution reports, establishing and implementing a community impact assessment, and presenting evidence to a high standard towards achieving a successful outcome in solemn proceedings.
Behaviours:
* Making effective decisions - Level 3.
* Managing a quality service - Level 3.
You can find out more about Success Profiles here: Success profiles: candidate guide -
How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 23 February 2026, however this may be subject to change. About us 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. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working pattern 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. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. 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). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. Equality statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before: 15 February :59) This role is open for internal candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only.