Director of Aquaculture & Ecosystem Services

Crown Estate Scotland was created seven years ago as a commercial public body and we are now entering a new phase of growth and expansion. This involves a growing emphasis on collaboration and investment to fuel green economic recovery and grow the blue economy.

We manage the Scottish Crown Estate – including buildings, land, coastline, and seabed – on behalf of the people of Scotland. Our purpose is to invest in property, natural resources and people to drive economic development and deliver lasting social and environmental value.

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative leader to join our expanding Executive leadership team as we continue to build our capacity and capability. This is a new role which will lead a team of dedicated experts focused on aquaculture, marine ecosystem services and the bioeconomy in the marine environment.

We are looking for someone who can help us:

Generate prosperity and value for Scotland;

• Act as Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for large projects and Sponsor for internal cross-functional initiatives;
• Support the growth of sustainable business and industry in Scotland's seas and coasts;
• Promote sustainable ways of producing food and other marine products and services;
• Make places better for those who visit, live on and work on the Estate;
• Create opportunities for people to benefit from the property – including buildings, land, coastline and seabed – that form the Scottish Crown Estate; and
• Reflect our values of Integrity, Collaboration; Commercialism and Excellence.

The Estate is growing in value. It's current value is estimated at £653m. The Director of Aquaculture and Ecosystem Services will have responsibility for capital expenditure up to £1mill p/a, revenue expenditure up to £1mill p/a and income generation of between £10-£20mill p/a. They will work cross-functionally with the in-house team and external suppliers to deliver financial and non-financial value.

The aquaculture portfolio represents an important element of the Crown Estate Scotland business, and it is expected to evolve and change in the decades ahead, alongside new opportunities in the marine environment associated with ecosystem services, natural capital, and the bioeconomy. As part of our efforts to respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis and to support a just transition, advancing innovation in the marine environment will also become increasingly important as we move towards 2050.

Candidates should have a relevant degree, ideally Technical, Financial or Legal. You will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of business including financial management, financial analysis and forecasting, business case development, commercial acumen and market knowledge. We are looking for 5+ years experience of leading the successful delivery of a business unit with commercial arrangements that generate net profit of more than £10m per annum.

Direct experience of local government or central government business case process in relation to investment projects is highly desirable.

To apply, please send your CV to Ailsa Sutherland, Director, at FWB Park Brown at applications@fwbparkbrown.com. Alternatively, for an initial confidential discussion, please contact her at our Edinburgh office on 0131 539 7087.

You can download a full candidate brochure here