Job Description
Director of People and Strategy
Scottish Canals | Hybrid – Glasgow or Falkirk
£94,648 – £103,424 | 35 hours per week | Permanent
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. Its values – We Care, We Create, We Collaborate and our people underpin everything we do.
The Role
The Director of People and Strategy will provide leadership across multiple functions, including People (HR), Health & Safety, Sustainability, Heritage, Communications, and Project Management (PMO). Key responsibilities include:
* 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.
Contact
For a confidential discussion, please contact Lauryn Pringle at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.
More information can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite at: https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/scottishcanals/
To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter (as one document) below.
Closing date
Monday 26th January 2026
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