Scottish Rail Holdings - Chief Executive

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive of Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH). This appointment marks a great opportunity to play a leadership role within a flagship Scottish public organisation.

The new Chief Executive will join us at an exciting time in our development, as Scotland’s Railway continues to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic and seeks to play a prominent role in Scotland’s drive towards net zero.

Scotland’s Railway is a dynamic network of organisations that demands an equally dynamic leader who can deliver an effective and innovative approach to the planning, management, and delivery of rail passenger and freight services in support of the Scottish Government’s objectives, as set out in the National Transport Strategy.

Our new Chief Executive will provide inspiring executive leadership, advocate for Scotland’s Railway, and drive significant improvements in performance. Working closely with myself and the SRH Board, the Chief Executive will fully contribute to, and participate in, the strategic management and governance of all resources entrusted to SRH by the Scottish Parliament, enabling a rigorous approach which offers best value to the public purse and high-quality services that deliver on the objectives of the Scottish Government.

The new Chief Executive will have a crucial role in maintaining and securing collaboration and partnerships with organisations across the industry, working together to improve outcomes for people and communities. We are looking for a leader who can share our values, which underpin how we work with our partners, and guide our work as a Board.

We are keen to attract exceptional applicants with senior level experience for this significant public appointment. A railway background is not essential, but you do need significant experience in leading impactful work to improve outcomes in public service or a comparable complex business.

We are looking for someone with a wide range of skills who is sensitive to the diverse needs of the people of Scotland and their expectations of public transport. We want to hire someone who is passionate about the benefits that Scotland’s Railway can have on individuals and communities, and the contribution made by the whole industry in delivering economic growth, social inclusion, and the achievement of net zero by 2045.

Specific details on the requirements for this role are included in the person specification section of this pack.

If what I have described sounds like a challenge to which you can rise, then I hope you will submit an application.

Richard Cairns

Chair, Scottish Rail Holdings