At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering strategic sourcing and managing complex contracts in social care.
- Company: Join Scotland Excel, a leading public sector organisation making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous holidays, a pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to driving meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's public services and support vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Business-related degree or equivalent with public sector procurement and management experience.
The predicted salary is between 66448 - 70590 £ per year.
Paisley (Hybrid)
£66,448 - £70,590 (Grade 13)
18 Month FTC (Maternity Cover)
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 a 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 ensuring 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.
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.
To apply, please send a tailored CV and a covering letter (max. 2 pages), outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying by Sunday 21st June.
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 or by email to .
Service Manager (Social Care) in Paisley employer: Scotland Excel
Scotland Excel is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact on public services in Scotland. With a hybrid working model, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their careers. Joining our Strategic Commissioning Team means being at the forefront of social care innovation, where your expertise will directly contribute to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals in our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Social Care) in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Scotland Excel and their current projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in the organisation and how you can contribute to their mission in social care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant procurement experience to make a strong impression.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the team at Scotland Excel.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager (Social Care) in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and management, and don’t forget to showcase any social care experience, even if it’s not extensive. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Keep it concise, but make sure to convey your passion for making a difference in public services.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage a team effectively, so share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with e-technologies, which is a big plus for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scotland Excel
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of social care and procurement. Familiarise yourself with Scotland Excel's role in the public sector and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led teams or managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations in procurement or contract management. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future direction of Scotland Excel in social care or how they measure success in their contracts. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.
