At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering strategic sourcing and managing complex contracts in social care.
- Company: Join Scotland Excel, a key player in public sector procurement in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous holidays, a pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social care services and influence change across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Business-related degree and experience in public sector procurement preferred.
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.
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 ScotlandExcel@LHH.com.
Service Manager (Social Care) employer: Scotland Excel
Scotland Excel is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the public sector while working in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, you will thrive as part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in shaping social care services across Scotland. Join us in driving positive change and supporting vulnerable communities, all while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Social Care)
✨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 impact on social care. Show us that you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in procurement and management can drive change in social care. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that expertise to our team.
✨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 Scotland Excel and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager (Social Care)
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 fit into our vision!
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 it reflects your passion for making a difference in social care.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. In your application, highlight examples of your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We want to know how you can inspire and guide others!
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 ready to embrace e-technologies, which is a big plus for us!
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. Brush up on Scotland Excel's role in local government 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 of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex projects in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, think about how you can illustrate your relationship-building skills. Have anecdotes ready that highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively with different parties.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about procurement processes and financial information interpretation. Brush up on relevant systems and tools, especially Microsoft Office. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will set you apart from other candidates.
