Lead an organisation at the heart of Scotland’s justice system
Could you steer the safe running of Scotland’s prisons and pioneer reforms that strengthen public safety?
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join as its new Chief Executive. You will lead a workforce of around 5,000 staff and report directly to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs.
This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to guide a vital national organisation through significant transformation—modernising services, addressing capacity challenges, and driving workforce reform. If you have the vision, resilience, and experience to deliver change at scale, we want to hear from you.
Apply now
- Role: Chief Executive, Scottish Prison Service
- Salary: £111,916 – £162,500
- Apply before: 09/01/26, 23:55
Please ensure you read the full job advert and Success Profile before applying.
About the role
As Chief Executive, you will shape the future of Scotland’s prison system, setting its strategic direction and delivering priorities that safeguard communities, support rehabilitation, and uphold public protection.
You will lead a bold transformation across the Scottish Prison Service, driving workforce reform to strengthen capability and resilience. Key priorities include tackling capacity challenges, reducing overcrowding, and ensuring the successful delivery of major capital and estate programmes.
Through a period of significant change and scrutiny, you will champion operational safety, staff morale, and public confidence, while fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for an outstanding leader who can drive transformation at scale. You’ll have a proven ability to steer complex organisations through change and cultural evolution, backed by strong experience in operational delivery, major capital programmes, and strong governance.
You’ll bring financial and commercial insight, political acumen, and the skill to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. In this high-profile, sensitive environment, you’ll thrive on challenge and lead with confidence.
If you’re looking for a rewarding opportunity to help create a safer Scotland, and make an impact on a national scale, we encourage you to apply.
Scottish Prison Service (SPS)
We are the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, committed to building a safer Scotland by unlocking potential and transforming lives.
Every day, we care for over 7,900 individuals, supported by a dedicated team of around 5000 people. We work in a complex and fast-changing environment, and collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We partner with justice agencies, local authorities, third-sector organisations, and national bodies to support rehabilitation and community safety.
We value transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and strong governance. Above all, we strive to deliver better outcomes for those in our care and for communities across Scotland.
Why should you apply?
“This is an important period for Scotland’s justice system as we strengthen the Scottish Prison Service’s role in rehabilitation, expand community-based justice, and embed person-centred, trauma-informed approaches. Our focus is clear: reducing reoffending, tackling inequality, and building safer, stronger communities through collaboration and innovation.
This is a highly visible and rewarding leadership role—an opportunity to create impact at a national level. You will inspire and motivate staff, guiding this vital organisation through a time of significant change and challenge.
We welcome applications from senior leaders from all backgrounds who have experience of leading large, complex organisations through change. If you are ready to deliver the vision of a safe, resilient prison service for Scotland, we want to hear from you.”
Neil Rennick, Director General of Education and Justice
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 – £162,500
Apply before: 09/01/26, 23:55