Head of Sport, Creative and Hospitality

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (“SQA”) is at the heart of Scotland’s world class education and training system, supporting the development of skills, knowledge and understanding.

We are now recruiting a Head of Service to lead the team responsible for all SQA qualifications and assessments in Sport, Creative and Hospitality. With a high uptake among pupils and students, these are key strategic areas for Scotland and its economy.

The successful candidate will report to the Director of Qualifications Development, leading a team of Qualifications Managers, Qualification Co-ordinators, Qualification Officers, and Subject Implementation Managers.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on the development of new qualifications to meet existing and future needs in this dynamic area
• Overseeing the annual exam diet, including the production of high quality assessment materials
• Leading on the provision of support to SQA’s centres
• Developing and building effective stakeholder networks, and leveraging value from them

The successful candidate will have a strong track record in leadership and people management and experience of working, and delivering, in the education sector. He/she will be an effective, credible and authoritative communicator, with excellent analytical skills, and the ability to solve complex problems.

The role will be based at SQA’s Glasgow Office, but the postholder will also visit the Dalkeith office on a regular basis. Relocation expenses will be payable, where appropriate.

The position carries a salary in the range of £50,662 to £57,443 pa. The successful candidate will be eligible to join a Career Average Pension Scheme where SQA contributes 19.3% of salary; the employee contribution is 8.1% of salary. We also offer staff well-being and health assistance programmes; development opportunities; and 27 days’ annual and 14 days’ public holidays.

Are you interested in contributing to SQA’s work in Sport, Creative and Hospitality, areas of strategic importance to Scotland? Then send your CV, with a short covering email, to Gordon Cairns, our retained search consultant, at gcairns@cairnswalker.co.uk.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and encourage applications from all members of the community. We are committed to the Two Tick Initiative and offer a guaranteed interview to any applicant who considers themself to be disabled and who meets the competency requirements for the post.

SQA are happy to talk flexible working.