Delivery Lead Fish Health Inspectorate

Scottish Government•Aberdeen, WA

7d•£62,111 - £77,439•Hybrid

About The Position

The Marine Directorate is seeking a Head of the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) to lead a specialist team of 21 staff based in Aberdeen. The FHI protects Scotland’s aquaculture industry through disease surveillance, prevention, control and eradication, helping maintain confidence in aquatic animal health standards and Scotland’s approved disease-free status. The post provides leadership across a complex regulatory and scientific landscape. The role oversees delivery of Scotland’s fish health controls, ensures effective implementation of fish health legislation, and ensures robust evidence supports operational and policy decisions. It also provides expert advice and builds confidence among Ministers and stakeholders, with decisions informed by the best available scientific evidence. The successful candidate will bring expert knowledge of Scotland’s aquaculture sector and substantial experience applying fish health and aquaculture legislation, statutory requirements and regulatory frameworks in Scotland. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK; Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available. The post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only.

Requirements

Expert knowledge of the Scottish aquaculture sector.
Substantial experience applying fish health and aquaculture legislation, statutory requirements and regulatory frameworks within Scotland.
Evidence of meeting the specified behaviours: Making effective decisions (Level 4), Communicating and influencing (Level 4), Leadership (Level 4), and Seeing the big picture (Level 4).
Evidence of the technical and professional skills: Building and applying knowledge; Technical oversight and management.

Responsibilities

Manage, motivate and develop the FHI management team, ensuring required activities are completed efficiently and effectively through discussions, meetings, and clear instructions and guidance.
Provide strategic leadership of the Fish Health Inspectorate, liaising with the Senior Delivery Lead for Aquaculture, Fish Health and Biosecurity.
Communicate regularly with the FHI so team members understand how their objectives contribute to Marine Directorate and Scottish Government objectives and key policy drivers.
Manage implementation of regulations so that the FHI complies with the requirements and intent of Scottish Government policy and legislation.
Advise the Scottish Government, the aquaculture industry and stakeholders on fish health and aquaculture issues.
Prepare and manage the FHI budget to reflect operational requirements, support budget reprofiling to reflect current and future spending patterns, and recognise wider Scottish Government budgetary pressures.
Lead people and delivery management activities across the Fish Health Inspectorate.