Interim Chief Asset Management Officer
*CLOSING DATE 28.8.26*
Contract – 4 days per week
Edinburgh / Hybrid - expected 50% of contracted hours to be office based, plus occasional Glenlivet presence
Immediate start - estimated 6 months up to 12 months
Competitive day rate
Venesky Brown is working in partnership with Crown Estate Scotland to secure an experienced Interim Chief Asset Management Officer (CAMO) to provide executive leadership across one of Scotland's most distinctive and diverse asset portfolios.
Crown Estate Scotland is a public corporation responsible for managing the Scottish Crown Estate - a diverse portfolio encompassing land, property and seabed, with interests spanning rural and commercial property, coastal assets, aquaculture, offshore energy and infrastructure, development, capital investment and decarbonisation.
The organisation is entering an important period of transformation as it begins delivery of its ambitious Corporate Plan 2026-31, including a significant step change in investment in property and income generation.
A new senior leadership structure is being established, with three Chief Officers joining the Chief Executive to form the Corporate Leadership Team. While permanent executive recruitment is underway, Venesky Brown is seeking an outstanding Interim Chief Asset Management Officer who can join Crown Estate Scotland immediately and provide strategic leadership through this transition.
The role
Reporting to the Chief Executive and operating as a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team, the Interim CAMO will provide strategic leadership across Property (Rural, Commercial and Coastal), Aquaculture & Marine Ecosystem Services, Offshore Energy & Infrastructure, and Development, Capital Delivery & Decarbonisation.
Experienced Directors lead operational delivery within these areas. The Interim CAMO will provide the executive leadership that brings these specialist functions together, ensuring strategic alignment, strong performance and effective delivery against Crown Estate Scotland's wider objectives.
- Leading an organisational review and developing recommendations and options for the permanent Chief Officer team.
- Providing strategic leadership across Property, Aquaculture & Marine Ecosystem Services, Offshore Energy & Infrastructure, Development, Capital Delivery and Decarbonisation.
- Leading preparation for the Portfolio Committee and attending Board meetings.
- Working collaboratively with the Corporate Leadership Team to establish new executive ways of working.
- Helping establish the Senior Leadership Group and its responsibilities.
- Providing strategic leadership and oversight of Crown Estate Scotland's Decarbonisation and Biodiversity Strategies.
- Supporting delivery of the Corporate Plan 2026-31, including ambitions for investment, income generation and long-term value creation.
- Sharing collective responsibility for Crown Estate Scotland's strategic management, organisational performance, governance and Best Value.
About you
Venesky Brown is seeking a highly credible senior asset leader who can quickly understand a complex portfolio, establish strong relationships and provide clarity and direction at executive and Board level.
You will bring previous Chief Officer or equivalent senior executive experience, together with:
- Significant strategic asset management leadership experience.
- Deep knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas: asset management; offshore energy and infrastructure; aquaculture and marine ecosystem services; capital planning and delivery; property management; estate management; property development; or contract management.
- A demonstrable track record of successfully leading transformational change.
- Strong commercial judgement and an understanding of how complex asset portfolios can generate sustainable long-term value and income.
- The ability to lead and influence across diverse, specialist teams.
- Strong Board and senior stakeholder credibility.
- A values-led, inclusive and coaching leadership style.
A blend of private, public and/or third-sector experience would be particularly valuable, bringing together commercial asset expertise and an understanding of public-sector accountability and values.
The assignment
This is an immediate-start interim opportunity, estimated to run for up to 12 months. The role may be engaged on a Contractor Daily Rate (inside IR35) or possible Public Sector Secondment basis, and part-time arrangements will also be considered.
Visible leadership is important, with an expectation of approximately two to three days per week in Crown Estate Scotland's Edinburgh office, alongside occasional presence at the Glenlivet office.
This is a particularly significant opportunity for an experienced interim asset leader to influence the future management and development of the Scottish Crown Estate while helping Crown Estate Scotland establish the leadership structures and ways of working required to deliver its ambitions through 2031.
Venesky Brown is managing this interim appointment in partnership with Crown Estate Scotland. For a confidential discussion, contact Suzanne Sweetin at Venesky Brown: suzanne@venesky-brown.co.uk