Director General Exchequer, Strategy and Performance

Director General Exchequer, Strategy and Performance (DG ESP) – Scottish Government

The Scottish Government is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader for the newly created post of Director General Exchequer, Strategy and Performance (DG ESP). This high-profile role sits at the absolute “strategic centre” of government, formed by merging the former portfolios of Strategy, External Affairs, and the Scottish Exchequer. As DG ESP, you will be a primary advisor to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, steering Scotland’s fiscal sustainability, public service reform, and international standing during a period of significant constitutional and economic complexity.

The Role: At the Heart of Government

This is a “foundational” leadership role. You will not only manage a workforce of 600 staff and a £500 million budget, but you will also help design the final architecture of this new directorate. You are responsible for ensuring that the Scottish Government’s long-term ambitions are matched by rigorous fiscal management and operational excellence. From setting the annual Budget to managing international development and civil contingencies, your portfolio touches every vital organ of Scottish public life.

Key Responsibilities

• Fiscal Stewardship: Lead on tax strategy, the Medium Term Financial Strategy, and public sector pay policy to ensure a fiscally sustainable Scotland.

• Strategic Oversight: Support the First Minister in developing the Programme for Government and drive the National Performance Framework.

• Public Service Reform: Act as the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for reform, accelerating the transition to person-centred, outcome-focused public services.

• International & Constitutional Affairs: Manage relationships with the UK Government (HM Treasury, HMRC) and international institutions, overseeing a network of global representative offices.

• Resilience & Delivery: Oversee the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) to support Ministers during civil contingencies and emergency incidents.

• Corporate Governance: Serve on the Corporate Board, working alongside Non-Executive Directors to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Key Priority Areas

As a member of the Executive Team, you will:

• Lead Inclusive Teams: Foster a culture of kindness, resilience, and adaptability across a diverse professional portfolio.

• Manage High-Stakes Partnerships: Build trusted relationships with the Scottish Fiscal Commission, Revenue Scotland, and Audit Scotland.

• Drive Transformation: Champion the Public Service Reform agenda across the wider public sector landscape in Scotland.

• Promote Equity: Act as a corporate champion for diversity, inclusion, and belonging, working closely with staff networks and trade unions.

Person Specification: The Ideal Leader

The Scottish Government is looking for a leader who thrives in ambiguity and complexity. You must demonstrate:

• Strategic Influence: The ability to provide evidence-based advice to Ministers that balances short-term pressures with long-term fiscal risks.

• Collaborative Leadership: A track record of building high-performing teams and fostering collaboration across traditional departmental boundaries.

• Fiscal Credibility: Experience in managing large-scale budgets and navigating complex financial levers within a government or large-scale institutional context.

• Change Management: The capability to inspire and enable large-scale organisational change during a period of shifting constitutional and international contexts.

Benefits & Culture

• Salary: Competitive Senior Civil Service (SCS) Grade 3 equivalent.

• Pension: Access to the generous Civil Service pension scheme.

• Impact: A unique opportunity to shape the future of Scotland’s economy, public services, and global identity.

• Support: Work within a culture that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and the professional development of its senior leaders.