Head of Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement C1

The Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement Branch has responsibility for seasonal worker policy in Scotland and supports the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board which sets minimum terms and conditions for workers in agriculture forestry and horticulture.

The post holder will also lead on delivery of seasonal worker policy liaising closely with relevant policy colleagues and external stakeholder organisations across the UK to inform and advise Scottish Ministers.

Responsibilities

You will have responsibility for the direction and management of 5 staff in the Agricultural Wages and Rural Engagement Branch.

You will provide effective leadership and oversight for delivery of the teams operational and policy functions (Ag Wages Seasonal Workers Fox Control) and on continuous improvement.

You will coordinate the delivery of advice to support policy legislation and external stakeholders on aspects relevant to the Branchs interests and work jointly with the SASA Policy Unit and other colleagues in the Agriculture & Rural Economy Directorate on other issues facing the agriculture sector as required.
Lead on and oversee the provision of advice to Ministers senior officials and on national committees (including MiCase FMQ & PQs).
Work across government to deliver Ministerial commitments which impact seasonal workers such as support for the proposed new housing standard for seasonal workers.
Manage and develop a network of key relationships including engagement with a range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels including NFUS DEFRA Home Office and the Worker Support Centre and other relevant stakeholder groups.
Maintain the framework for the delivery of the Agricultural Workers Wages Inspections including Standard Operating Procedures and training function in association with RPID colleagues.
You will keep under review task allocation and resourcing within your Branch and advise senior management in relation to setting and oversight of your budget and in negotiating costs with delivery partners.
As a senior manager you will contribute to SASA and where required ARE corporate activities in support of the Scottish Governments objectives.