Head of Offshore Wind Investment Unit - C2

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Scottish Government seeks a strategic Unit Head to lead the cross public sector Offshore Wind Investment Programme in Glasgow, driving private investment into ports and supply chains and supporting Scotland as a global offshore wind leader. Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will govern delivery, lead the OWIP Board and communications, oversee budgeting and financial controls, and line manage the team while collaborating with SG colleagues, enterprise agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank. This role is open only to Priority Movers. Submit a statement up to 500 words by 11:59 pm on Friday 31 July, with any questions to [email protected], and consult the Candidate Guide for details. Tips: emphasise governance, funding oversight, cross-sector collaboration and measurable outcomes.

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered. 

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Offshore Wind Directorate to lead delivery of the cross-public sector Offshore Wind Investment Programme. As Unit Head, you will lead delivery of a programme that generates economic benefit for communities across Scotland through investment in ports and supply chains.

This is a high-profile role, responsible for driving forward a unique and innovative programme with partners from across the Scottish Government, our enterprise agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank to unlock private investment, accelerate regional growth, and capture long-term economic value. You will play a key role in supporting offshore wind deployment through leveraging private investment into essential infrastructure projects and supply chain growth. 

Reporting to the Deputy Director for Offshore Wind Programme and Investment, you will influence national policy, lead collaborative delivery, and help position Scotland as a global leader in offshore wind, with ports and supply chain development at the heart of economic growth and the transition to net zero.

Overview of Directorate

The Offshore Wind Directorate leads on policy and programmes related to offshore renewables, marine energy and sectoral marine planning, to support the continued growth of the offshore wind sector.

The Directorate’s core aim is to maximise the significant economic benefits from the growth of offshore renewables for Scotland’s economy, citizens and environment as we transition to net zero. We also have a key role in ensuring the balance of economic and environmental objectives, with other users of the marine environment.

We support the development of Scotland’s offshore wind economy by: 

• working across the public sector to deploy strategic investment in ports and supply chain that grows our manufacturing base, attracting capital, inward investment, driving economic growth and job creation; 
• demonstrating the potential role for marine energy in Scotland’s low carbon energy system; 
• delivering enabling programmes e.g. through the Energy Act to streamline consenting, improve regulatory certainty, and accelerate deployment;
• managing the constraints and opportunities of Scotland’s transition to net zero through the sustainable expansion of offshore renewables, enabled by sectoral marine planning that provides clarity, reduces risk, and supports balanced use of the marine space

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Offshore Wind Investment Programme, providing assurance to the SRO and AO that the programme is being delivered in line with the business case, governance framework and all relevant financial, project and governance guidelines.
• Lead finance monitoring exercises and support annual budget commissions for the Programme.
• Work with the OWIP Delivery Board and Working Group members to ensure the effective delivery of the programme, providing challenge and support as well as coordination of communications strategy.
• Provide leadership and management of the team, including coaching and supporting learning and development.
• Support to the DD and OSW SMT, providing technical advice and deputising as needed.
• Work with the wider PMO to support the whole OSW Programme delivery, collaborate with other unit heads and across the DG and wider SG to promote and ensure that OSW and OWIP is positioned correctly in all policy areas. 
• Remain flexible and able to support on wider Division and Directorate work.
• Line management responsibility for one C1 and countersigning responsibility for one B3. 

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C2 employees. 

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancy closes at 11:59pm on Friday the 31st July.

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact g[email protected] 

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.