Deputy Principal, Private Secretary to Secretary of State for Scotland [Scotland Office]

Overview

Would you like to have an active role in delivering change in Scotland? We are looking for an exceptional individual to join the Scotland Office Private Office team.

This is a challenging, high-profile and rewarding role as Deputy Principal Private Secretary (DPPS) at the Scotland Office, working directly with the Secretary of State, Ministers and Special Advisers (SpAds). The postholder will take on a significant leadership role in the Department, deputising for the Principal Private Secretary from time to time, leading the Private Office Division

The Deputy Principal Private Secretary has a critical role in supporting the Secretary of State in delivering on the Scotland Office’s four priorities, and by extension on the delivery and communication of the Government’s missions in Scotland. As a team, we are all working on:

• Delivering programmes to support regional economic growth, implement the Industrial Strategy, and promote ‘Brand Scotland’ overseas

• Ensure Scotland is at the centre of the Clean Energy mission and UK Government's work to tackle poverty

• Demonstrating UK Government is delivering for Scotland by ensuring that mission outcomes are seen and felt in Scotland and by working with the Scottish Government

The Role

You will join a friendly, collaborative team. We are seeking someone who has leadership experience, is an enthusiastic and highly organised individual. You will be a proactive team player capable of balancing competing priorities and managing a demanding workload, while also horizon scanning and responding swiftly to emerging priorities.

In this pivotal leadership role within the Division, you will support the wider team in providing assistance to Junior Ministers and Special Advisers, fostering a positive and inclusive culture, and supporting the personal development of team members. You will need to communicate confidently and effectively with Ministers, Special Advisers, and officials at all levels, demonstrating excellent judgement and political awareness.

The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, empathic leader, motivated, and eager to develop their skills in a dynamic environment rich with opportunities for leadership and meaningful challenges. You should have a proactive attitude and creative approach to managing the Secretary of State’s time, quickly grasp complex issues across policy and communications areas, and thrive in a fast-paced setting.

Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills are essential, along with sound judgement and resilience under pressure. This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to make a tangible impact while further developing their capabilities within a supportive, high-profile environment.

Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Deputise for the Principal Private Secretary as needed.

• Lead a high-performing team based in London and/or Edinburgh. Line management of the Private Secretaries (SEO) to the Secretary of State and Junior Minister.

• Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Private Office, building and sustaining a high-performing, inclusive and resilient team of Private Secretaries, diary managers and correspondence management.

• Ensuring day-to-day Ministerial business is transacted efficiently and in a timely manner, managing the workflow across Private Offices, identifying and prioritising work to very tight deadlines;

• Build strong internal relationships with Ministers, SpAds and departmental teams; and externally across UK and Scottish Governments, and with key stakeholders to gain credibility for the Secretary of State and Department. Manage change, supporting Ministers and the department as the role adapts to meet Ministerial expectations and business needs.

• Lead on a portfolio of policies and priorities, including economic growth. Ensuring the department provides cohesive advice to Ministers and that their direction is translated into clear and concrete actions for officials to take forward. Work across the Scotland Office help negotiate and influence successful outcomes to deliver the Ministerial team’s priorities

• Regularly review Private Office processes to ensure they are efficient, fit for purpose and maintain a high quality of service.

• Acting as a leader within the Private Office helps to develop the right culture and behaviours and supports individuals to do well in their roles. Supporting the personal development of team members. Assume a wider corporate leadership role within the Department,

Skills

Essential:

• Strong leadership experience of managing, coaching and developing a team; (Lead Criteria)

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively at all levels to resolve difficult issues. Capable of liaising confidently with high-level stakeholders and representing the organisation.

• Excellent political awareness and proven experience of working effectively with Ministers or senior officials, to influence and work collaboratively at all levels to resolve difficult issues. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement in decision-making under pressure.

• Strategic and creative thinker, recognising where improvements can be made and leading on implementation.

• Demonstrated capacity to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment whilst maintaining attention to detail and under pressure.

Desirable:

• Knowledge or interest in Scottish policy issues, and/or devolution / economic growth

• Experience in identifying and implementing continuous improvement

Additional Information

This is a permanent position to replace a leaver. If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact the PPS (Craig) and this can be arranged via joseph.beck@ukgovscotland.gov.uk

The role is at Grade 7 level and will be based in the Scotland Office in our London site, Dover House. The role comes with an additional stipend, known as a Private Office Allowance, worth an extra £9,180 per year. The Scotland Office is not an employer in its own right. Staff recruited to work at the Scotland Office will be employees of the Ministry of Justice who provide employment services on our behalf.

Private Office Expectations

In order to ensure the consistency of support offered to the Minister, it is expected that the successful candidate would commit to remaining in the post for at least 18 months.

As the role is within a private office, the role requires an ability to work in a fast-paced environment and sometimes to work unsociable hours.

The role will be based in London, and will require:

• Regular in-person responsibilities

• Frequent travel around Scotland and internationally to support the Minister on visits and meetings with key stakeholders.

• Unsociable hours, including the team rota for weekend duty

As such, the role includes a Private Office allowance. The role is not suitable for part-time or job share.

Security clearance

This role requires SC level clearance. Applicants for National Security Clearance (SC) must be resident in the UK for 5 years immediately prior to their application for Security Clearance. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years), you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.

If you do not meet the above requirement, you may still be considered for the role if, for example:

• You have been serving overseas with HM Armed Forces or in some other official

• capacity as a representative of HM Government.

• You were studying abroad.

• You were living overseas with your parents.