About us
We're the community and economic development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Find out what we do, how we work and how we can help you.
We are HIE - video
About Highlands and Islands Enterprise
HIE is the economic and community development agency for an area covering more than half of Scotland’s land mass, stretching from Shetland in the north to the southern tip of Argyll and including almost 100 inhabited islands.
Our Strategy 2023-28 sets out HIE's long-term vision and ambitions for the Highlands and Islands as well as the outcomes we aim to achieve. The strategy is built around four pillars of people, place, planet and prosperity, three cross-cutting themes of net zero, fair work and inclusive growth, and regional transformational opportunities.
We work collaboratively with the Scottish Government and partner organisations to align strategies and resources in ways that will optimise effective delivery of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and the New Deal for Business.
Our Board oversees the work of the organisation, reporting to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Gaelic. It has corporate responsibility for ensuring that HIE fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Scottish Ministers and for promoting the efficient and effective use of resources.
The Chair of HIE holds a high profile position delivering dynamic leadership of HIE’s Board. Working with the CEO and the wider organisation, they are an ambassador and an advocate for HIE and for the Highlands and Islands.
About the role
The Chair of HIE holds a high profile position delivering dynamic leadership of HIE’s Board. Working with the Chief Executive and the wider organisation, they are an ambassador and an advocate for HIE and the Highlands and Islands .
This role relies on building positive relationships of influence amongst the business community, politicians and wider stakeholder groups. To maximise HIE’s contribution to economic and community development, the Chair must be able to develop and deliver the strategic vision and strategies required. The successful candidate will need to be adept at operating and managing within a changing environment.
These skills will complement the Chair’s ability to make sure the Board is:
- diverse, acting collectively and collaboratively; aligning with the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and its Economic Strategy
- effective and maintains the highest standards of corporate governance and financial management.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate:
- ability to lead a board to make strategic decisions in a complex environment;
- strong knowledge and understanding of the economies of the Highlands and Islands and Scotland;
- passion for the culture of the Highlands and Islands;
- ability to build and manage relationships with stakeholders to deliver effective partnership working;
- strong knowledge of good governance, and
- ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences in both writing and in speech.
How to apply
An application pack and full details on how to apply for the role can be found at Scottish Government Public Appointments.
Application closing date / time: Monday 7 July 2025 at 5.00pm.
Interviews are scheduled to take place in Inverness on Tuesday 5 August 2025.
If you have questions, would like to find out more, or would like to discuss this vacancy with the current Chair, please contact the Executive Support Team at HIE, on 01463 245245 (ask for HIE Executive Support) or email execsupport@hient.co.uk.
You can also find out more about HIE on our website or by following related links below.
Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.
Term
The appointment will be for a period of three years from 1 October 2025.
Remuneration and time commitment
Remuneration is £496.42 per day for a time commitment of 91 days per year. Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable
Find out more
Find out more about HIE, our region and some of the projects we're involved in.
Our Growth Sectors
Find out more about the unique business and community sectors within the Highlands and Islands
Regional projects
We're involved in significant development projects that help grow the economy of our area and businesses thrive