Head of Research and Commercial Development

Scottish Development International

. Lead the design, development and implementation of a new commercial research service .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomLead💰 £62,111 - £77,439 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in leading the development and implementation of public-facing customer services, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, governance, and compliance within the public sector. Proven ability to drive income generation and establish credibility as a research partner.

Highest-signal resume keywords

LeadershipStakeholder EngagementIncome GenerationPublic Sector ObligationsService Quality Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Service DevelopmentGovernance EstablishmentCommercial Service ImplementationData HandlingFinancial Impact Monitoring

Soft Skills

Adaptability to ChangeCommunicationDecision MakingInsight GatheringBig Picture Thinking

Certifications & Qualifications

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Industry Keywords

Public SectorResearch ServiceStakeholder EngagementIncome DiversificationCompliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design, development and implementation of a new commercial research service
Set and communicate the vision and purpose for the research service
Handle data and information sensitively in accordance with business procedures and/or law
Engage internal and external stakeholders, suppliers and customers to gather insight and develop the service
Work across NRS service areas to develop research products
Collaborate with communications and marketing colleagues to position, promote and disseminate research products
Partner with policy, procurement and finance colleagues to meet statutory, compliance, policy and income requirements
Monitor service quality, financial impact and public value outcomes
Drive income generation and funding diversification
Establish NRS as a credible research partner and support UKRI recognition and future investment
Report to the Director of Customer Services Operations and Archives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience of leading the development and implementation of a new public-facing customer service across multiple teams
Experience establishing governance, processes and stakeholder engagement arrangements
Experience introducing commercial or income-generating services
Knowledge of public sector obligations
Connections and communication – Practitioner
Adaptability to change – Practitioner
Data and insight – Practitioner
Delivery and decision making at speed – Practitioner
Seeing the big picture – Level 4
Leadership – Level 4
Managing a quality service – Level 4
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK
Skilled Worker sponsorship is unavailable
CV and supporting statement of no more than 1500 words required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Supportive and inclusive working environment
Flexible and hybrid working options
35-hour standard working week
Civil Service employee benefits
Recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them