Shape the future of Scotland’s food environment
We are recruiting a new Chief Executive to lead Food Standards Scotland and champion our mission to deliver a safer, healthier food environment the public can rely on.
You will guide a talented workforce of around 300 people and manage a £24 million budget, ensuring the organisation continues to protect consumers and maintain its national and international credibility as a trusted regulator of food safety.
If you have experience leading expert teams and delivering complex priorities on behalf of a Board, we encourage you to apply.
Apply now
- Role: Chief Executive of Food Standards Scotland
- Salary: £111,916 – £121,143
- Apply before: 10/03/26, 23:55
Please ensure you read the full job advert and Success Profile before applying.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who has led highly skilled teams and delivered Board‑agreed priorities in environments that move quickly, through stability, major transformation, or crisis.
You’ll need to communicate with clarity and credibility, work confidently with a Board, and bring the judgement needed to assess situations fast and steer complex programmes.
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you’ll lead the organisation’s strategic direction, supporting and developing a confident workforce to deliver agreed outcomes.
You’ll oversee major projects and change activity, manage a £24 million budget, and work closely with the Chair and Board as Accountable Officer.
You’ll be responsible for maintaining Food Standards Scotland’s reputation, strengthening relationships across government and industry, and leading the handling of food‑related incidents while upholding the organisation’s core principles.
Food Standards Scotland
We are Scotland’s public sector food body, established to protect consumers’ health and wellbeing through three statutory objectives under the Food (Scotland) Act 2015.
Governed by an eight‑member Board, our remit spans the full food chain. We work with all 32 local authorities to regulate food hygiene and standards and deliver official controls for meat, eggs, wine, and animal feed.
Our SAFER programme is driving major digital and operational transformation. Since the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, we have taken on functions previously held at European level, and we continue to build the evidence base that supports Scotland’s dietary health goals.
Further info
Our benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits including:
- A competitive salary
- A generous pension scheme and annual leave package
- A range of flexible working options with base locations across Scotland
- The opportunity to deliver meaningful work for the people of Scotland
- Access to ongoing professional development
- An inclusive and supportive workplace
Committed to diversity
We are committed to recruiting a workforce which is reflective of our diverse population, where individual contributions are encouraged and valued.
We want to ensure that all applicants have the opportunity to perform at their best and we offer recruitment and workplace adjustments to anyone who needs them.
Senior Civil Service Candidate Guide
For helpful info on how to apply, our recruitment principles, requesting adjustments, and more, check out our Senior Civil Service Candidate Guide.
Ready to apply?
We strongly encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. Follow the link to view the full role description.
Salary: £111,916 – £121,143
Apply before: 10/03/26, 23:55