At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Solace Scotland's mission and develop strategies for local authorities.
- Company: Join a dynamic partnership between Solace and the Improvement Service.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: This is a secondment opportunity for staff within Scottish local authorities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and community outcomes in Scotland.
- Qualifications: Organisational skills and experience in local authority settings are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43068 - 49992 £ per year.
Post Title: Solace Scotland Business Manager
Salary: £43,068 - £49,992 per year
Hours: 36 hours per week (Can be worked flexibly in agreement with line manager)
Location: Hybrid/Livingston
Duration of contract: 24 Months
Are you a highly professional and organised self-starter working in a Scottish Local Authority, looking for experience working at a national level? Are you interested in a secondment opportunity? Then read on:
Solace and the IS have agreed to work in partnership to recruit the Business Manager and although the successful candidate will be working directly with Solace and the Solace Scotland branch, this role will be hosted by the Improvement Service.
The Business Manager will support the business activities of Solace Scotland and help deliver Solace’s mission and objectives. Reporting to the Chair of Solace Scotland and the Improvement Service Chief Executive you will:
- Support the development of Solace Scotland strategies and plans and prepare think pieces on topical issues
- Research, analyse, interpret, and collate complex information for a variety of sources
- Respond to letters and consultations and assist in developing presentations and speaking notes
- Be the main point of contact and interface with Solace UK for any Solace Scotland events and for the annual Solace Scotland conference
- Maximise opportunities for Solace members and Councils across Scotland to benefit from the professional development and sector support that Solace provides
- Share insight and intelligence with Policy colleagues across the UK to maximise the voice of Solace within UK Government and devolved administrations
- Attend meetings and participate in Working Groups on behalf of Solace Scotland
- Develop strong and productive relationships with Solace Scotland Business Partners
- Support a culture of continuous improvement
You will support the Office Bearers in driving, developing, and promoting Solace Scotland’s purpose and objectives with councils and partner organisations. You will be required to monitor delivery of the Solace Scotland Branch work programme and agreed activities and undertake research for Solace Scotland and its portfolio leads as well as Solace UK. You will work with the Improvement Service to ensure that the work of the Improvement Service programmes is plugged into the relevant Solace portfolios and wider work of the Solace Scotland Branch.
If you have excellent attention to detail and you are an effective organiser and relationship builder, we want to hear from you.
Interview information
A competence-based interview will take place in-person at West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF, West Lothian, United Kingdom on 21 st November 2025 (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email in advance of the interview)
This post is a partnership between the Improvement Service and Solace.This is a secondment opportunity and is only open to staff within the 32 Scottish local authorities.
Solace UK (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers) is the UK’s membership network for current and future public sector leaders, offering learning, consultancy, recruitment, and advocacy, with all profits reinvested to strengthen local government.It represents over 1900 members across the UK, and has regional branches across the country, including in Scotland.Solace UK’s objectives are to:
- Grow a diverse and engaged membership to share knowledge and strengthen leadership
- Shape national debate and policy to advocate for the value of local government
- Champion diversity, equity, and professional standards so leaders reflect their communities
- Living our values: open, dynamic, nurturing and expert
Solace Scotland is the Scottish branch of Solace.It represents senior strategic leaders across Scottish local authorities, providing a platform for collaboration, leadership development and polity influence.Solace Scotland plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of public services through initiatives such as the Local Government Transformation Programme, which aims to reimagine council service delivery and strengthen outcomes for communities. The Solace Scotland branch meets monthly.
The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 Million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services.
Working for the IS means joining professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities.
Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices, and culture. The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer.We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.
Solace Scotland Business Manager in Livingston employer: Improvement Service
At Solace Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development. Located in the heart of West Lothian, our hybrid working model offers flexibility while you engage with a network of over 1900 public sector leaders, enhancing your career through meaningful contributions to local governance and community outcomes. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of public services in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solace Scotland Business Manager in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local authorities and beyond. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities like the Solace Scotland Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Solace Scotland and the Improvement Service thoroughly. Understand their mission and objectives, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do a mock interview with you. Focus on those competence-based questions and make sure you can articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and keen to be part of the Solace community.
We think you need these skills to ace Solace Scotland Business Manager in Livingston
How to prepare for a job interview at Improvement Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Business Manager at Solace Scotland. Familiarise yourself with their mission, objectives, and recent initiatives. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or events. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised tasks and ensured everything ran smoothly.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for the Business Manager role.
✨Prepare for Competence-Based Questions
Expect competence-based questions during the interview. Prepare by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly and effectively.
