Chief Executive

NatureScot is seeking an exceptional leader to guide Scotland’s most important nature
conservation organisation into its next phase of development and delivery.

As we face the growing challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, we are looking for a
visionary Chief Executive to champion our mission, enhance our impact and lead our work in
protecting and restoring Scotland’s unique natural heritage.

For decades, NatureScot has been at the heart of Scotland’s conservation efforts, working with
communities, businesses and government to safeguard our landscapes, wildlife and biodiversity.
With a dedicated team across the country, we play a leading role in shaping policies,
implementing strategies, advising Ministers and promoting Scotland’s natural assets, ensuring
they are preserved for generations to come.

The Role:

As Chief Executive, you will provide strong, visible leadership, ensuring that NatureScot
remains at the forefront of Scotland’s nature conservation efforts.

You will be responsible for driving the organisation’s strategic vision, ensuring we meet our
goals of nature conservation, sustainability and societal impact.

Reporting to the Board, you will lead a talented and diverse team across Scotland, ensuring
operational excellence, financial sustainability, and continued growth.

You will be the public face of NatureScot, advocating for Scotland’s natural environment and
building relationships with key stakeholders across government, the private sector, and local
communities. Your leadership will be pivotal in driving the delivery of our strategy and
ensuring that the challenges facing nature conservation are met with innovative, effective
solutions.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking a strategic leader with the following attributes:

• A visionary leader with the experience and ability to drive change within a similarly sized
  organisation, ideally within a government agency or conservation-focused sector.
• A skilled problem-solver, able to manage multiple complex issues and develop practical
  solutions while ensuring alignment with our core mission.
• An outstanding communicator and networker, with the ability to represent NatureScot at the
  highest levels and build strong, productive relationships with key decision-makers across
  diverse sectors.
• Public-facing, media-savvy and confident in dealing with stakeholders ranging from
  government ministers to local farmers, communities and environmental groups.
• A strong strategic and financial mindset, with a deep understanding of managing budgets and
  leading complex organisations through change and growth.
• A commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring that NatureScot
  remains a welcoming, accessible and collaborative organisation for all.
• A passionate advocate for nature, with a clear understanding of the importance of
  Scotland’s environment to both the economy and the future wellbeing of its people.