Public Sector Executive Search

The public sector faces increasing demands to deliver better outcomes with finite resources while responding to changing public expectations, workforce challenges, policy reform, and ongoing organisational change.

Effective leadership is fundamental to meeting these challenges and delivering meaningful impact for communities and individuals.

National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh’s city centre, representing knowledge, leadership and public impact. Livingston James specialises in Public Sector Executive Search, connecting organisations across Scotland and the UK with high-calibre executive, non-executive and board-level talent.

At Livingston James, we work with a diverse range of public organisations, bodies and agencies to identify and appoint executive and senior leaders.

Our experience spans public bodies, agencies, arm’s-length organisations, regulators, and organisations delivering services of national and regional importance. We support clients in securing leaders who can navigate complex environments, build stakeholder confidence and deliver sustainable impact.

Our search approach combines rigorous market research with our extensive leadership network and understanding of the governance, regulatory and stakeholder considerations that shape public sector leadership.

We focus on identifying individuals who possess not only the required experience and expertise, but also the values, resilience and engagement skills needed to lead effectively in highly visible and accountable roles.

Whether supporting leadership succession, executive appointments, governance roles or organisational change, we help clients identify leaders who can create lasting value for their organisation and the communities they serve.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Get in touch directly...

To find out more about our Public Sector Executive Search services, please contact our Public Sector specialist, Douglas Adam.

Featured Assignments...

Famous for excellence.

Our dynamic team has experience advising in a wide range of industries and sectors.  We have led and developed businesses from board level, managing people and processes across countless specialisms and geographies. We can bring a unique perspective to your business needs.

Recent Case Studies...

Appointing two pivotal senior leadership roles for Albyn School

Glasgow 2026 Case study: Appointing the Executive team to deliver a new kind of games.

J.W. Filshill Case Study: Advising a Scottish headquartered wholesale business to embrace technological advancements and maintain its position as a market leader

Bute Energy Case Study: Supporting an investment backed onshore wind developer attract industry leading talent

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GROUP CHAIR

JAMIE LIVINGSTON

At Livingston James, an unwavering focus on the impact of our appointments is at the heart of everything we do.  We work in partnership with our clients and candidates to bring together leadership teams that transform organisations and careers for the better. 

Jamie Livingston

Together we achieve more.

Livingston James Group comprises two bespoke sub brands: Livingston James – our executive search and leadership advisory practice, and Rutherford Cross – our specialist finance recruitment practice. This wider group structure complements our robust search and assessment process, allowing clients to access our deep-rooted network and expertise.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.