Job Summary: Head of Scottish Engagement (Clyde Transformation Programme)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is seeking a Grade 6 Communications & Engagement Lead to serve as the strategic voice for the Clyde Transformation Programme. This is a high-profile, “senior-tier” Civil Service role based in Glasgow, focused on the evolution of HMNB Clyde—the home of the UK’s Submarine Flotilla.

You will manage the intersection between military requirements and Scottish civilian interests, ensuring that this massive infrastructure and skills investment aligns with national and local government policies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

Government Liaison: Act as the primary link to the Scottish Government, ensuring the programme aligns with national infrastructure and skills development policies.
Political Navigation: Coordinate directly with MPs and Local Authorities to secure political support and manage the community impact of the naval base’s growth.
Community & Education: Build partnerships with community groups and education providers to promote STEM pathways and regional job growth.

2. Communication Leadership

Team Management: Lead the Clyde Transformation Communications Team, overseeing media relations, digital content, and external campaigns.
Crisis & Risk: Provide high-level advice to senior leadership (SCS) and the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) during periods of reputational risk or high-profile activity.
Internal Culture: Manage internal communications to support change management and organizational culture across the Submarine Directorate.

3. Programme Support

Governance: Contribute to cross-functional working groups and develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of engagement activity.
Event Management: Lead major events, including site visits to HMNB Clyde and large-scale stakeholder briefings.

Role Details

Salary: £72,840 per annum.
Grade: Grade 6 (Senior Management).
Location: Glasgow (with travel to HMNB Clyde and London as required).
Hours: Advertised at 37 hours per week (Full-time).
Security Requirement: Sole UK Nationals only. Dual citizenship is not permitted for this role due to the sensitive nature of the Submarine Directorate.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Experience:

Senior Leadership: Proven track record in communications or stakeholder management at a senior level.
Political Acumen: Strong understanding of devolved government structures and intergovernmental relations.
Influence: Ability to negotiate with credibility across complex military, government, and corporate landscapes.
Judgement: Exceptional ability to handle sensitive, contentious, or classified issues with discretion.

Desirable Experience:

Background in Defence or large-scale infrastructure projects.
Knowledge of the Scottish education and skills landscape.
Experience advising Board-level executives or Ministers.

Why this role is a “Clyde Transformation” Catalyst

The Clyde Transformation Programme is one of the largest capital investment projects in Scotland. It isn’t just about military readiness; it’s an economic engine for the region.

Infrastructure: Modernizing a world-class naval base.
Economics: Creating sustainable, high-skilled jobs in the West of Scotland.
Security: Ensuring the continuous sea-based deterrent remains operational and supported by the local community.

Application Tip: Master the “Intergovernmental” Narrative

This role sits at the delicate junction of UK Defence Policy (Reserved) and Scottish Education/Infrastructure Policy (Devolved).

Bridge the Gap: In your application, demonstrate how you have navigated “competing priorities” between different levels of government.
Focus on “Place”: Show that you understand the specific socio-economic context of the Clyde and the West of Scotland.
Leadership Style: As a Grade 6, emphasize your ability to empower a communications team while simultaneously acting as a peer-level advisor to military Admirals and senior Civil Servants.

Closing Date: Please check the Civil Service Jobs portal for the specific deadline (typically 2-3 weeks from the date of advertisement).

The Civil Service in Glasgow is one of the largest and most diverse employment sectors in the city, acting as a critical hub for both the UK Government and the Scottish Government. With over 11,000 civil servants based in the Glasgow area, the city serves as a “second headquarters” for major departments, offering roles that range from frontline customer service and operational delivery to high-level policy-making and digital innovation.

Major Departments & Hubs

Glasgow’s Civil Service presence is concentrated in modern hubs, particularly within the International Financial Services District (IFSD).

Cabinet Office (Second HQ): Located at Atlantic Quay, this office puts Glasgow at the heart of UK Government decision-making, housing units like UK Security Vetting (UKSV) and Government Business Services.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): Operates a major regional center in Glasgow and a significant specialist site in nearby East Kilbride. They are one of the city’s largest employers, focusing on tax professional services and digital delivery.
Scottish Government: While headquartered in Edinburgh, the Scottish Government has a massive Glasgow footprint, particularly at Atlantic Quay and Victoria Quay, managing devolved matters like Social Security Scotland, education, and transport.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): Maintains a heavy operational and digital presence in the city to support national benefit and pension infrastructure.
Other Key Entities: Includes Ofgem (energy regulation), the Home Office, Ministry of Defence, and Student Loans Company.

Key Organization Highlights

Feature	Details
Specialization	Public policy, operational delivery, tax, and social security
Key Glasgow Hubs	Atlantic Quay, 12 Bothwell St, and East Kilbride (HMRC)
Total Workforce	~11,500+ civil servants in the Glasgow area
Pay Scales (2026)	Administrative (~£26k) to Senior Leadership (£70k+)
Culture	Purpose-driven, inclusive, and virtual-first/hybrid oriented

Culture and Career Development

The Civil Service in Glasgow is characterized by a “people-first” culture that emphasizes long-term stability and social purpose.

Flexibility: Most departments utilize Smarter Working policies, offering hybrid models, flexible hours, and compressed work weeks to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Communities: Staff are encouraged to join one of 25+ Civil Service Professions (e.g., Digital, Data & Technology; Policy; Operational Delivery), providing structured paths for lateral moves and promotions.
Inclusion: Glasgow offices host vibrant staff networks, including the Race Equality Network, LGBTI+ Allies, and specialized networks for neurodiversity and mental health.
Benefits: Employees receive one of the most competitive pension schemes in the UK (Alpha), generous annual leave (typically 25–30 days plus public holidays), and dedicated “learning days” for personal growth.

To apply for this job please visit civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk.