Head of Research and Commercial Development Service - C1

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.   

Would you like a job where you can lead the development and delivery of a new commercial research service for the National Records of Scotland (NRS) in a fast paced, high priority area?

This new research service represents a significant strategic opportunity for NRS to leverage its world‑leading archival, genealogical, demographic and census datasets to generate income that can be reinvested in public services. While these authoritative, historically verified assets create clear potential for high‑value research partnerships and commercial activity, realising this opportunity requires a dedicated operational leadership role to translate strategic intent into a structured, marketable, and sustainable service offer whilst ensuring that, alongside this new service, NRS continues to make data and information available to meet statutory responsibilities.

This dedicated lead role is essential to develop and implement the new service, drive income generation and funding diversification, and establish NRS as a credible research partner—particularly in support of UKRI recognition and future investment, using their skills to help market the service to the right audiences. This role will provide the coordination, external engagement, and governance needed to manage complex partnerships, protect NRS’s reputation for quality and integrity, and ensure the service delivers both financial return and public value. The role will report into the Director of Customer Services Operations and Archives and be part of the largest directorate within NRS, alongside working with other service and business areas across the organisation.

• Lead the design, development and implementation of the new research service.
• Set the vision and purpose for the new research service and using a range of communication channels to share this vision.
• Handle data and information sensitively in accordance with the business procedures and/or law
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers and customers, to gather insight, test and develop and implement the service to meet market demand.
• Work across NRS to engage with a range of service areas to develop research products.
• Collaborate with communications and marketing colleagues to ensure research products are effectively positioned, promoted and disseminated to maximise reach, demand and uptake.
• Partner directly with policy, procurement and finance colleagues to ensure that the new service meets statutory, compliance, policy and income requirements.
• Monitor the impact of the service both in terms of quality, financial impact and overall public value outcomes.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position. 

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager. 

Informal discussion dates tbc. 

Further Information 

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact [email protected] 

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.