Research Data Scotland

Role                               Chief Executive Officer

Pay                                 £100,000 – £112,000 per annum

Hours                           RDS Four Day (32 hours) per week

Employment type   Permanent. We are happy to discuss a secondment from similarly minded organisations providing you have prior agreement from your department director or line manager.

Reports to                  Chair

Direct reports           3 (Chief Operating Officer, Chief Data Officer, Chief Information Officer)

Research Data Scotland (RDS) is seeking an inspiring and authentic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next stage of its development and impact. Established in 2021 by the Scottish Government, RDS is an independent charity working to make it faster and simpler for researchers to access public sector data for research. Working with partners across Scotland and the UK, our ambition is to improve lives by enabling research and supporting better, evidence-based decision-making.

As CEO, you will work closely with the Board, Leadership Team, colleagues and partners to shape and deliver RDS’s strategic direction, drive organisational performance and ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

You will also be a visible ambassador for RDS, developing influential relationships across Scotland and the UK and working collaboratively with government, policymakers, funders, partners and the wider data research community.

We’re looking for someone who brings executive level leadership experience and a strong track record of developing and delivering strategy. Significant stakeholder engagement and influencing experience is also required in particular with UK or Scottish Government bodies and departments. You will also demonstrate strong financial oversight, governance and risk management experience, together with the ability to lead in complex, ambiguous and changing environments.

Knowledge of the Scottish data landscape is not essential but would be advantageous.

This is an opportunity to lead an ambitious organisation with a clear public purpose and an important role in Scotland’s data research system.

Please see the attached document below for a detailed Job Specification.

Closing Date: Friday 30^th October 2026

Benefits

• Four Day (32 hours) working week. The RDS Board have approved RDS to offer a Four-Day (32-hour) working week until at least 31 March 2028. As Chief Executive, occasional flexibility will be required to working days to address specific business needs, attend Board meetings and/or represent the organisation at key events.
• Flexible working arrangements. RDS is a remote-first organisation based in Edinburgh. Some flexibility would be expected around office attendance vs home working and so while it’s not a requirement of the role to be Edinburgh based, it can be fairly anticipated that many of the in-person stakeholder relationship meetings will be in and around Edinburgh.
• Pension: employers’ contribution 5% or 10% (dependant on employee contribution) rising to 15% or 20% (dependant on employee contribution) after probation completion.
• Annual Leave: Up to 33 days/annum (service related – starting at 30 days/annum with an increase after 2 years).
• Flexible Benefits: MyLifestyle (retailer discounts, cycle to work scheme, dental insurance, eye tests, discounted gym membership and more)
• Employee Assistance programme with counselling
• Group Death in Service scheme (2 x annual salary)