Business Support - B2

To lead on the delivery of business management and governance services across Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate (SPPD), ensuring effective corporate
governance, business planning, performance management and leadership decision-making. The postholder will also provide executive secretariat support to our Senior Management Team (SMT) and continuity and resilience cover for the executive support services provided to the Director’s Office

Few roles offer the breadth of exposure available in this post. Sitting at the centre of Directorate leadership, you will have a direct line of sight to strategic decision-making, organisational performance, governance and change activity. The role provides an outstanding platform for anyone looking to broaden their leadership experience, deepen their understanding of corporate management and make a significant contribution to the success of the Directorate.

Responsibilities

Directorate Business Management Leadership Strategic Planning and Performance :

• Lead the development, delivery and monitoring of the Directorate Business Plan, ensuring alignment with Scottish Government priorities and objectives.
• Provide strategic performance analysis, reporting and insight to support decision- making and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain effective management information and reporting arrangements to support delivery and accountability.

Corporate Governance and Assurance :

• Lead Directorate governance and assurance arrangements, ensuring compliance with corporate requirements and good governance principles.
• Oversee the management of Directorate risks, business continuity arrangements and assurance processes.
• Provide expert advice and coordinate responses to corporate commissions, audits and assurance activities.

Business Improvement and Change:

• Lead the review and improvement of Directorate business processes, systems and controls.
• Identify and deliver opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness and organisational performance
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement and support the delivery of change initiatives across the Directorate.

Senior Management Team Secretariat and Governance support :

• Provide secretariat support to the Senior Management Team (SMT) quarterly meetings.
• Monitor and track SMT decisions, actions and commitments from these meetings to support delivery of Directorate priorities.

Leadership Support :

• Provide governance and business management advice to SMT members and senior leaders.
• Coordinate Directorate planning, performance and leadership activities, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Support the Director in managing governance obligations

Accountability and Reporting :

• Produce high-quality briefings, reports and papers to inform SMT discussions and decisions.
• Monitor progress against agreed actions and priorities, providing assurance on delivery where required.
• Maintain accurate records of decisions and ensure appropriate governance and audit trails are in place.

Director's Office Resilience :

• Provide resilience and business management support to the Director's Office during periods of absence, increased demand or competing priorities.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Assistant and wider team to maintain continuity of support to senior leaders.
• Provide support as required to effective coordination of Director's Office priorities, actions and business planning activity.

Strategic Briefings, Commissions and Stakeholder Engagement / Strategic Briefings and Commission Management :

• Lead the coordination and tracking of Directorate commissions, briefings and corporate requests, ensuring effective prioritisation, oversight and timely delivery.
• Oversee the development, quality assurance and finalisation of submissions, briefing packs, correspondence and reports for Senior Civil Service colleagues.
• Ensure advice and written products are clear, coherent and aligned to Directorate priorities, maintaining consistency of narrative, presentation and messaging across all outputs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders across the Scottish Government and wider organisation.
• Represent the Directorate at relevant corporate forums, networks and governance groups.
• Act as a key liaison between the Director's Office, SMT and corporate functions, deputising for the Head of Business Management when required.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact jameshamilton2@gov.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.