Board Members
The Board of Scotland Food & Drink is seeking to appoint two Non-Executive Directors from within the food and drink industry, with Board and/or committee experience. We are also seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director with expertise in marketing and/or communications.
Scotland Food & Drink exists to empower food and drink businesses to achieve their full potential, contributing to economic growth, environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of our communities. Our vision is that Scotland is the best place in the world to own, operate or work for a food and drink business. Our mission is twofold: firstly, to deliver the national food and drink strategy, endorsed by our Partnership; and secondly, to lead and grow the industry as a representative, member-owned organisation.
The Board contributes to the work of Scotland Food & Drink, ensuring the organisation remains relevant to all stakeholders and provides world class leadership on behalf of the industry.
Summary of the Roles
As Board Members, you will exercise corporate responsibilities for the business, support the Executive Team in developing its membership and commercial activities, and work with the Partnership to influence the strategic development of the food and drink industry both at home and in the overseas markets.
Skills Sought
We are seeking to appoint two Non-Executive Directors from within the food and drink industry, ideally with Board and/or committee experience. We are also seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director with expertise in marketing and/or communications.
Time Commitment
The Board meets at least four times per year, and depending on the agenda, the duration can be from three hours to six hours. Board members are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings annually in pursuance of good governance best practice.
There are three committees of the Scotland Food & Drink Board, each with their own Terms of Reference and delegated authority. They are the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, the Remuneration Committee, and the Nominations Committee.
- The Finance Committee meets four times a year (and otherwise as required).
- In addition, there are requests to attend a number of Scotland Food & Drink flagship events throughout the year.
Location
Most Board meetings take place at Scotland Food & Drink’s Head Office in Ratho, Edinburgh with occasional regional meetings across Scotland.
Length of Term
Three years with the possibility of reappointment for a second term of three years.
Remuneration
£200 per Board meeting attended, plus travel and subsistence expenses.
Application Timeline
- Application deadline: 30 June 2026.
- Interviews expected to be completed by: 30 July 2026.
- New Board members as observers at the August Board meeting and fully appointed by 1 September 2026.
About the Roles
The Industry Non-Executives will bring sector knowledge, strategic insight and commercial awareness to support Scotland Food & Drink’s long-term objectives, growth and governance. They will contribute to Board discussions, provide constructive challenge and support the Executive Team in navigating opportunities and challenges within the industry.
The Non-Executive Director will have expertise in marketing and/or communications in a food or drink organisation, and will provide advisory expertise on stakeholder engagement, strategic marketing, reputation management and external communications. They will support the organisation in strengthening its profile, enhancing engagement with members and partners, and ensuring effective communication of its purpose, vision, and values.
All Non-Executive Directors will play a key role in supporting effective governance, contributing independent perspectives, and helping to shape the future direction and success of the organisation.
The roles will involve:
- Contributing to the development and review of the strategic direction of Scotland Food & Drink and supporting its implementation through constructive challenge and insight.
- Providing independent expertise, sector knowledge and strategic guidance to support the organisation’s long-term objectives and growth.
- Supporting effective governance and ensuring the organisation operates in line with its values, objectives and regulatory responsibilities.
- Bringing external perspectives, industry insight and professional experience to Board discussions and decision-making.
- Supporting stakeholder engagement and acting as an ambassador for Scotland Food & Drink within the wider industry and business community.
- For the marketing and communications role specifically, providing guidance on strategic marketing, reputation management, communications and external engagement.
- Participating in Board and, where appropriate, committee meetings, contributing to oversight, strategic evaluation and organisational performance.
- Supporting the Executive Team through constructive challenge and strategic advice.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria:
Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:
- A proven track record of Board or equivalent senior-level experience in the private, public or third sector, ideally within relevant industry or functional areas (not essential).
- A strong interest in and commitment to the growth, resilience and sustainability of Scotland’s food and drink industry.
- For candidates with marketing and communications expertise, demonstrable experience in brand development, stakeholder engagement, communications strategy and reputation management at a senior level.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex issues objectively and contribute to effective, solution-focused decision-making and planning.
- Ambition for the continued success of the sector and a commitment to fostering innovative collaboration between industry, government and wider stakeholders.
- A clear understanding of and commitment to the principles of corporate governance.
- The ability to contribute constructively and respectfully, providing appropriate challenge and insight within a Board or committee environment.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and act as an ambassador for the organisation.
- A commitment to the principles of good governance, including selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Alignment with and commitment to the values of Scotland Food & Drink.
Our Values
As an employer, we believe working with us should be a hugely positive experience, our core values are:
Ambition: We pursue excellence with unwavering ambition.Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together.
Innovation: We embrace a culture of continuous improvement and creativity.
Celebration: We believe in recognising and celebrating achievements.
Authenticity: We are committed to honesty, transparency, and integrity.
Balance: We believe in finding balance between work and the rest of our lives.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we recognise that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive.
Appointments and Tenure
Non-executive Directors are appointed by the Nominations Committee and Chair of the Board and are accountable for the wider Governance and Strategy of Scotland Food & Drink.
Board member appointments are for three years with the possibility of reappointment for a further three years term at the discretion of the Chair.
Any reappointment is subject to satisfactory biannual appraisals of performance during the first term in post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment as each case is considered on its merits, considering the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience.
Remuneration and Allowances
Board members receive £200 per Board meeting attended, plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses, necessarily incurred in line with travel and subsistence policy and rates of Scotland Food & Drink.
Next Steps
Application and Selection Process
We welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds who bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experience to our team. If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit your application to fiona.ure@foodanddrink.scot by 30 June 2026.
Please provide:
- Your CV.
- A cover note detailing your background and suitability for this role – previous board experience is essential.
- Email addresses for two referees.
After Application Submission
- Once the shortlist has been agreed, you will be advised by email whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to interview with the Nominations Committee, including the CEO and Chair.
- The preferred candidates will be invited to a second interview with other members of the Board.
- Please also contact Fiona Ure if you would like any further details or would like to arrange an exploratory discussion.
We plan to complete this process and welcome our new Board Member by 1 August 2026.
To view our Candidate Brochure please click here