At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering strategic sourcing and managing complex contracts.
- Company: Scotland Excel, a key player in public sector procurement for local government.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, generous holidays, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to driving meaningful change across Scotland.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social care services and support vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Business-related degree or equivalent with public sector procurement experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for local government in Scotland. Established in 2008, they are a leading public sector shared service and operate as a non‑profit organisation funded by Scotland's 32 local authorities. Scotland Excel has a contract portfolio that supports the delivery of a wide range of essential public services provided by councils and includes contracts for children's services and adult social care.
We work closely with a wide range of key stakeholders to develop national solutions which embed national care policies and best practice and provide local commissioners with a choice of high‑quality services which meet the individual needs of people who require support. The services commissioned support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
We are seeking an 18‑month maternity cover for a critical senior manager role leading the team in the delivery of strategic sourcing activity and best practice contract management. You will be joining the Strategic Commissioning Team at an exciting time as we work with our members to determine the strategy for Scotland Excel's future role in social care. Working within the Strategic Commissioning Team places you at the centre of this important and evolving landscape.
In this role you will provide leadership to a team of highly experienced and dedicated commissioning professionals bringing practical experience of delivering and managing complex contracts. You will support your direct‑report category managers by bringing knowledge, expertise and practical experience of tackling complex procurement or commissioning work. Social care experience is preferred but not necessary as your category‑manager direct reports are experienced commissioners and experts in their respective category areas.
You will provide procurement and commercial expertise to support them in the delivery of high‑value complex contracts. This will include developing and implementing sourcing strategies and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. You will support your direct reports to oversee the end‑to‑end procurement process, drive continuous improvement, manage provider performance, and ensure best value through a robust commercial approach.
We are seeking a highly capable candidate with a business‑related degree or equivalent qualification with public sector procurement experience and significant management experience. You will have a strong commercial aptitude and be able to confidently work with complex service budget breakdown information and have experience in leading commercial negotiations.
The ideal candidate will be skilled in using Microsoft Office and procurement related systems, comfortable applying e technologies, and able to interpret financial information with confidence. We are looking for someone who can plan, organise, influence and communicate effectively, demonstrating proven leadership, sound decision‑making abilities and practical people‑management experience.
If you are an experienced individual with a strong and proven track record of delivery within a complex procurement environment and you are excited by the chance to influence nationally and drive meaningful change across Scotland's public services, we'd love to hear from you.
What we offer: When joining Scotland Excel, you will have access to a fantastic range of benefits including a hybrid and flexible approach to work which can include a nine‑day fortnight, a defined benefits pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and opportunities for professional development. Scotland Excel is committed to diversity and inclusion and is a Disability Confident registered employer who welcomes applications from all backgrounds. If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme please let us know when applying.
Service Manager - 479672 in Paisley employer: Scotland Excel
Scotland Excel is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a significant impact across Scotland's public sector. With a strong focus on employee engagement, we offer a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working opportunities, all within a dynamic and supportive team environment. Our commitment to professional development through extensive training opportunities ensures that our employees can grow and thrive while contributing to innovative procurement solutions that benefit local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - 479672 in Paisley
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Scotland Excel, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Scotland Excel and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - 479672 in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scotland Excel and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scotland Excel
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scotland Excel, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scotland Excel.
