Director of People, Communications & Engagement

The SFRS protects one of the largest geographical areas of any Fire and Rescue Service with over 350 Community Fire Stations and corporate locations across Scotland.  We manage a diverse range of risks, from urban cities to remote and rural island locations.  Our Corporate Services teams, including our People Directorate, provide the enabling, professional services that support front line delivery.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join our Strategic Leadership Team as Director of People, Communications & Engagement. This is a pivotal role at a time of significant organisational transformation — an opportunity to shape the culture, leadership, and strategic direction of the UK’s largest fire and rescue service.

The Director of People, Communications & Engagement will lead a newly formed Directorate that brings together the full breadth of People, Communications and Engagement functions. You will provide strategic leadership across all areas of People Services, Talent, Organisational Development, Workforce Planning, Media & Communications, and Public Engagement.

Working as part of the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), you will influence corporate strategy, drive service-wide improvement, and ensure SFRS continues to deliver for communities across Scotland through a high‑performing, inclusive and engaged workforce.

This role offers the chance to lead at scale, shape organisational culture, and ensure SFRS remains an employer of choice that reflects Scotland’s diverse communities.

As Director, you will:

• Set the strategic direction for People, Communications & Engagement across SFRS.
• Lead the development and implementation of service-wide strategies that foster a high-performing, values‑driven culture.
• Oversee all People functions, including recruitment, employee relations, talent development, reward, and workforce planning.
• Provide executive leadership on all internal and external communications, including media relations, political engagement, digital platforms and corporate communications.
• Lead public engagement activity, ensuring transparent and meaningful consultation with communities and stakeholders.
• Drive organisational change and reform, ensuring SFRS remains agile, innovative, and future‑focused.
• Champion diversity, equality and inclusion, embedding fairness, dignity and opportunity in all aspects of the organisation.
• Provide strategic advice to the Chief Officer, Board, and SLT colleagues.
• Manage Directorate resources, risk and governance to the highest standard.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners including Scottish Government, Parliament, local authorities and trade unions.

You will be an accomplished senior HR leader with a strong track record of delivering results within a large and complex organisation. Able to operate confidently at executive level, you will bring:

Essential:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience).
• Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management / Strategic Learning & Development (or equivalent experience).
• Extensive senior leadership experience across HR, organisational development and/or major change programmes.
• Experienced leadership of broad, multi-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of employment law, workforce planning and HR best practice.
• Significant experience advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence and inspire at all levels.
• Demonstrable political awareness and experience engaging with senior stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience in highly unionised or public sector environments.
• Senior-level leadership of strategic internal or external communications.

Personal Attributes:

• A strategic thinker who delivers tangible results.
• Collaborative, inclusive and values-driven.
• Committed to public service and continuous improvement.

SFRS offers a unique opportunity to make a difference at national scale — supporting safer communities and shaping the future of a vital public service. You will join a highly committed leadership team working in partnership to deliver meaningful and lasting impact across Scotland.