Head of Technical Unit

Description

Are you looking for a role that will have a crucial part in delivering the response to the Grenfell enquiry

You will have responsibility for the management of the two teams which maintain the seven sections of the Technical Handbooks supporting the development of regulations and standards to maintain their relevance in responding to changes in how we collectively deliver and manage our built environment and in the needs of Scotlands people. One team is also responsible for the management of the Building Safety Forum a mechanism to engage a wide range of stakeholders on risk topics relevant to the performance or safety of our existing building stock.

You will form part of the senior management team of the Division offering commentary and insight to Directors and Ministers on the ongoing role of building regulations as a function of government. You will contribute to the management of the people and resources in the effective delivery of Ministerial policy objectives.

You and your teams will work with colleagues across government with local authority verifiers and with delivery partners across the construction sector.

Responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Director to deliver key priorities and areas of work making well-informed decisions ensuring stakeholder views are appropriately built in to decision making; ensuring that Ministerial commitments which can be supported through the building standards system are met.
• Provide effective leadership to the Unit and direct line management to the leaders of the two technical teams.
• Develop and oversee the workplan for the ongoing review consolidation and enhancement of the technical aspects of building regulations and the standards applicable to all construction work which falls within the scope of the building standards system.
• Oversight of the preparation and amendment to building standards legislation and guidance documents together with engagement activities which support development work direct engagement and larger public consultations.
• Oversight of the schedule and budget of research projects to support a robust and costed evidence base for changes to building standards.
• Provide representation on building standards matters in engagement with Ministers other government administrations and partner organisations involved in the delivery of the built environment
• Engage with policy colleagues across the Scottish Government on matters of shared interest to support the understanding of the role of building standards as a vehicle for positive change.
• Supporting unit members in stakeholder engagement dealing with formal requests for building standards views relaxations or dispensations.
• Monitor and report of the effectiveness of implementation of the technical provisions of the building standards system to support ongoing review of provisions and processes.
• Coordinate and lead communications via established engagement channels such as the Review working Groups the Building Safety Forum Building Standards Leadership Forum and Stakeholder Group.

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 :

Experience :

Behaviours :

How to Apply

If you are interested in this post please submit your CV and supporting statement (1500 words) setting out details of how you meet the skills experience and behaviours for the post. Closing time and date - midnight on 30th June 2025.

Candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to an interview with the recruiting manager and other panel members. The interview will include a presentation and a set of questions from a panel to assess your suitability.

Interviews will be scheduled for Mid July with dates TBC post-sifting.

About us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including : education health the economy justice housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

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

This post is based in Denholm House Livingston. Our team follows a hybrid working approach where colleagues use a mix of office based and home working. For this post a minimum of two working days in the Denholm House office is required each week.

The role will require limited travel around Scotland and less frequently to other parts of the post is a full-time permanent role working full days Monday to Friday. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week.

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 diversityand how we offer and support recruitment adjustmentsfor 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 Guidefor further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Further information about this opportunity is available from Head of Building Standards Division Stephen Garvin ().

Required Experience :

Director

Key Skills

Hr Internship,B2C,Analysis,Drafting,Automobile Service,Arabic

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1