director of infrastructure and organisational development
your next chapter in an extraordinary place to live
your next chapter in an extraordinary place to live
Join our Corporate Leadership Team as one of three directors reporting directly to the Chief Executive. You'll lead the foundation that enables everything else we do - from the roads our residents travel on, to the people strategies that shape our organisational culture.
Your directorate spans infrastructure operations, planning and regulatory services, property and asset management, and human resources - four distinct areas united by a common purpose: enabling resilient, sustainable services for island communities.
[SALARY_TBC] per annum (inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance) with interview and relocation expenses covered
Director-level position with genuine influence over organisational strategy and service transformation
Manageable work-life balance in a place where you can truly disconnect and enjoy life
Lead services that directly affect every resident across 70+ islands, with opportunities for genuine innovation
You'll provide strategic leadership across infrastructure and organisational development, working with four Heads of Service and their teams to:
We're seeking a strategic leader with proven senior management experience who can see connections across this diverse portfolio. You'll bring vision over technical expertise, values-driven leadership, and a genuine commitment to developing both services and people.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Oliver Reid, Chief Executive at oliver.reid@orkney.gov.uk
All four services share common themes: resilience, sustainability, people development, and asset management. Your role is to see the connections, drive strategic thinking across operational excellence, and balance day-to-day delivery with long-term transformation.
Roads, fleet, waste, quarries, grounds and civil engineering - these are the services people see and depend on every day.
Keeping them running smoothly across an archipelago requires both operational excellence and creative thinking about what island geography demands.
We balance growth with protection - helping development happen whilst safeguarding what makes these islands special.
From marine planning to building standards, environmental health to trading standards, this service enables economic development without losing our character or heritage.
The physical buildings and digital systems that make modern council services possible. This spans everything from ICT infrastructure to capital projects, estates management to business continuity planning.
It's about managing what we've got whilst investing strategically in what we'll need.
As the islands' largest employer with roughly 1,800 staff, how we develop our people matters
This service leads on workforce planning, employee relations, learning and development, and organisational culture - not just for HR, but shaping how the whole council operates and evolves.
Roads, fleet, waste, quarries, grounds and civil engineering - these are the services people see and depend on every day.
Keeping them running smoothly across an archipelago requires both operational excellence and creative thinking about what island geography demands.
We balance growth with protection - helping development happen whilst safeguarding what makes these islands special.
From marine planning to building standards, environmental health to trading standards, this service enables economic development without losing our character or heritage.
The physical buildings and digital systems that make modern council services possible. This spans everything from ICT infrastructure to capital projects, estates management to business continuity planning.
It's about managing what we've got whilst investing strategically in what we'll need.
As the islands' largest employer with roughly 1,800 staff, how we develop our people matters
This service leads on workforce planning, employee relations, learning and development, and organisational culture - not just for HR, but shaping how the whole council operates and evolves.
Our values - collaborative, accountable, respectful and considerate - aren't just words. They're how we work with communities, with each other, and how we expect our senior team to lead.
Working across service boundaries is essential. Infrastructure planning informs workforce strategies. Property assets enable service transformation. ICT underpins everything. You'll build partnerships with unions, communities, and external stakeholders whilst fostering collaboration within your diverse directorate.
With a £27 million funding gap through to 2028 and a £188 million Strategic Reserve Fund to protect, financial stewardship matters. You'll make difficult decisions, own outcomes, and demonstrate transparent leadership through challenging times whilst maintaining service excellence.
Respect flows through everything - from how infrastructure teams respond to winter emergencies, to how HR handles sensitive employee matters. Island communities depend on these services. Your teams deserve support and development. Respectful leadership creates the foundation for resilient services.
Every decision has ripple effects across island communities. Road closures affect school transport. Capital projects impact local businesses. Workforce policies shape lives. Considerate leadership means thinking beyond immediate pressures to long-term sustainability and community impact.
As the islands' largest employer with approximately 1,800 staff, we're committed to being an outstanding employer, developing our people, and transforming our systems. This isn't just HR's responsibility - it's embedded across all services, from infrastructure safety culture to digital transformation enabling flexible working.
Orkney consistently ranks amongst the UK's best places to live, combining outstanding natural landscapes with rich cultural heritage and strong communities.
Imagine cycling past 5,000-year-old stone circles on your way to work, or watching puffins nest on sea cliffs during lunch. Here, UNESCO World Heritage sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are your neighbours, whilst seals, orcas and the Northern Lights provide regular entertainment.
Orkney offers something increasingly rare: meaningful work in a place where ancient history meets modern innovation, where neighbours become lifelong friends, and where your children can roam safely in landscapes that have inspired generations.
We understand moving to Orkney is a significant decision. We provide interview and relocation expenses in accordance with Council Policy to help you and your family transition smoothly.
Short commutes, manageable schedules, and beautiful surroundings create space for life outside work. Many residents enjoy coastal walks, water sports, and outdoor activities right from their doorstep.
Island life fosters genuine connections where neighbours become friends. Local events, festivals, and shared activities create lasting relationships and meaningful support networks.
Low crime rates, clean air, and natural surroundings create an ideal setting for families. Excellent schools and abundant outdoor learning opportunities support children's development.
Active cultural scene with traditional music, festivals, and world-renowned archaeological sites. The islands blend ancient history with contemporary innovation and creativity.
From summer festivals and midnight sun to winter's Northern Lights and cosy island pubs, Orkney offers distinctive seasonal experiences. Whether it's cycling coastal routes, exploring ancient sites, or joining local celebrations, there's always something to discover. Discover more at Orkney.com
Shape infrastructure and organisational capability whilst discovering what island life can offer.
[SALARY_TBC]
(inc. Distant Islands Allowance)
permanent, full-time
[HOURS_TBC] per week
Council Offices, Kirkwall
Orkney, KW15 1NY
[DATE_TBC]