Head of Intelligence, Insight and Research

Job Description

Head of Intelligence, Insight and Research, Permanent, £64,113pa, 35 hours per week

Help shape the future of Scotland’s legal profession.

The Law Society of Scotland is looking for an exceptional leader to join our External Relations team as our new Head of Intelligence, Insight and Research.

This is a high-impact role at the heart of our organisation — one that combines leadership, strategic thinking, and curiosity. You’ll lead our data, research, and insight work, ensuring the Society as the professional body for over 13,000 Scottish solicitors has the evidence and intelligence it needs to inform decisions, influence policy, and support our members.

At the centre of our organisation are the values of Respect, Openness, Progress, Inclusion, and Integrity which drive our teams to deliver the best possible service for the legal sector and beyond. 

Key Responsibilities for this role

As Head of Intelligence, Insight and Research, you’ll:

• Lead the development of our data and insight strategy, turning evidence into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Deepen our understanding of the legal services market, rule of law, and access to justice in Scotland.
• Oversee all research activity — from planning and commissioning projects to ensuring outputs drive real impact.
• Manage and develop a talented team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Work closely with senior leaders, providing trusted insight and advice across the organisation.
• Manage budgets and contribute to wider directorate goals as part of the external relations leadership team.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of External Relations when required.

Key Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

You will be an experienced research, data, or insight professional with a strategic mindset and a passion for turning information into influence. You’ll bring:

• A proven record of leading research or insight functions, ideally in a professional, policy, or public sector environment.
• Strong analytical and communication skills — able to interpret complex data and tell compelling stories with it.
• Experience commissioning and managing research projects and external partners.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and presenting findings that shape decision-making.
• A collaborative, people-focused leadership style.

What we offer our employees?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our colleague’s professional and personal needs. Some of these include:

• A hybrid working environment.
• Flexible working, to allow you to work around your lifestyle and commitments.
• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
• A competitive pension provision scheme
• Excellent family friendly benefits
• Learning and Development opportunities to enhance your skills or through programmes leading to professional or academic qualification.
• Private medical insurance including dental and optical.
• Various health and wellbeing benefits such as confidential counselling services, bike to work scheme, eyecare, and offers on well-known brands through our Lifestyle savings offering.

The Law Society of Scotland is proud to hold a Leaders in Diversity Award in recognition of our commitment to advance fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement both within our organisation and in the Scottish legal sector. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity page.

If you are looking for a new opportunity within the society, we would love to hear from you.

If this opportunity sounds like the one for you, click Apply now.

This vacancy will close at 11:30am on 25 November 2025.

We are unable to provide feedback to applicants who are not selected for interviews.