Overview
Join to apply for the Principal Property Advisor role at The Scottish Government.
Role summary
Lead, enable and deliver excellent public sector property policy and services for Scottish Ministers. As a Principal Property Adviser you will represent Property and Construction Division (PCD) to deliver commercial property advice, manage the Scottish Minister’s core estate, and work collaboratively with wider Scottish public sector bodies to identify and deliver property projects arising from the Single Scottish Estate (SSE) programme across Scotland and to inform Scottish Government policy development relating to the built environment. You will lead the delivery of commercial property advice to a range of public sector stakeholders, covering acquisition and disposal of leased and owned assets, strategic asset management, shaping the future of the public sector estate, and providing advice to secure the best possible commercial position for the property needs of Scottish Ministers.
Responsibilities
* Managing a team of surveyors providing property advice in the delivery of the Scottish Government Estate and in support of Public Bodies with estates interests.
* Leading property projects covering asset management, acquisition and disposal and property investment.
* Providing robust commercial property advice, scrutiny and assurance during the commercial negotiations, including writing tenders for procurement of external advisers and directing negotiating strategies.
* Overseeing accurate and timely input to internal management reporting tools and advisory papers and annual budgeting.
* Providing strategic leadership on property through the Single Scottish Estate program.
Qualifications
You must be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - MRICS/FRICS.
Experience and Skills
* Property professional expertise: application of extensive up-to-date knowledge from post-qualification experience including Scottish Landlord and Tenant, Scottish property law, land economics, commercial awareness and negotiating skills, strategic asset management to inform key decisions.
* Commercial Acumen: track record of managing a complex property supply chain, using different forms of contract and handling challenging commercial relationships. Knowledge of the external property market relevant to the role and ability to secure the best deal for government.
Behaviours
* Leadership – Level 4
* Communicating and Influencing – Level 4
* Working together – Level 4
How to Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) with evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed above. AI tools may be used to support your application, but statements must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Applications with plagiarised content will be withdrawn. See candidate guidance for acceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
Assessment timeline
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 17 November 2025, but may change.
About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of policy areas and offer rewarding careers. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, delivering vital public services. We uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working pattern
Standard hours are 35 hours per week with flexible options. From October 2025, hybrid roles may require in-person work 40% of the time in an office or other location.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete BPSS before appointment. BPSS includes Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). Details on BPSS are available on the UK Government website.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and aim to recruit a diverse workforce. We offer recruitment adjustments and more about our diversity commitment.
Apply before
3 November 2025 (23:59)
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