Head of Electoral Commission Scotland

The Electoral Commission is the independent body that regulates elections and political finance across the UK. Working with governments, parliaments, electoral administrators, political parties and campaigners, it plays a vital role in supporting confidence, transparency and integrity in the democratic process. With responsibility for ensuring elections remain secure, accessible and fit for the future, the Commission sits at the heart of an evolving constitutional and electoral landscape. 

The Commission is now seeking to appoint a Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland to provide strategic leadership for its work in Scotland and lead the delivery of its forthcoming Corporate Plan for Scotland. This is a high-profile appointment with significant influence across Scotland’s electoral landscape. Reporting into the Director of Devolution and Law, you will lead a growing Edinburgh-based team and act as the organisation’s senior representative and spokesperson in Scotland. You will build trusted relationships with the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government, electoral administrators, political parties, civic society organisations and the media, ensuring the Commission’s work reflects Scotland’s distinct constitutional and political environment. 

Leading a multifunctional team, you will be responsible for delivering the Commission’s devolved and reserved functions in Scotland. This includes overseeing support for electoral administrators, helping ensure elections are delivered effectively and with integrity, contributing to the regulation and transparency of political finance, and providing expert advice to Commissioners and senior colleagues on Scotland’s constitutional and political context. You will lead strategic and operational planning for the Scotland team, oversee budgets and resources, contribute to policy development and legislative scrutiny, and play a key role in shaping the wider strategic direction of the Electoral Commission across the UK. 

We are seeking an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams within complex organisations. You will bring strong strategic judgement, experience of operating in a governance, regulatory, policy or public interest environment, and the ability to translate organisational strategy into effective delivery. Equally important will be your ability to build credibility with senior stakeholders, influence across a wide range of interests and represent an independent organisation with confidence and impartiality. 

Candidates should have experience of business planning, project or programme leadership and budget management, alongside excellent communication and relationship-building skills. A strong understanding of Scotland’s political, constitutional and media landscape is essential, together with the judgement and political sensitivity required to operate effectively in a highly visible and often scrutinised environment. Experience of electoral administration, political finance, regulation or public policy would be advantageous.