At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business operations to improve Scotland's prisons and support inspection programmes.
- Company: Join His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland, a vital independent body.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to improving public services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of prisoners and contribute to meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in budget management and recruitment, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43785 - 53515 £ per year.
Do you want to play a key role in improving Scotland's prisons by driving the business operations behind independent monitoring and inspection? His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) is an independent body responsible for the inspection and monitoring of Scotland's 17 prisons. Its purpose is to assess the treatment of prisoners and the conditions in which they are held, reporting publicly on its findings. HMIPS also inspects the conditions in which prisoners are transported or held under prisoner escort arrangements.
The Business Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective operation of HMIPS. The post holder leads key business management activities, supports inspection programmes and provides strategic business support to the Chief Inspector and wider organisation.
Responsibilities
- Respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Subject Access Request (SAR) requests in a timely manner.
- Act as the HMIPS Hiring Manager, leading the recruitment and secondment of staff.
- Manage the HMIPS budget to ensure effective financial control and provide timely responses to all information requests.
- Produce and present quarterly financial forecast papers for HMIPS.
- Support and contribute to quarterly Strategic Meetings.
- Maintain and update the HMIPS Risk Register and organisational objectives, providing formal quarterly updates to the Chief Inspector and Strategic Meeting.
- Support the day-to-day management and coordination of inspection activity, including inspection planning and the production of associated timelines.
- Work with the Lead Inspector to recruit, induct and train Guest Inspectors, Associate Inspectors and new inspectors.
- Maintain accurate records of inspector availability, time commitments and expense claims.
- Act as a member of the pre-inspection survey team and participate in inspections to support prisoner focus groups.
- Manage inspection reports through to publication, including submission to APS and arranging publication on the HMIPS website.
- Manage SPS responses to inspection reports by maintaining accurate trackers and coordinating the timely publication of responses on the HMIPS website.
- Liaise with volunteers, key partners, relevant Scottish Government colleagues, external organisations and HMIPS colleagues as appropriate.
Experience
- Experience of using Oracle as a BCLO (Budget Centre Liaison Officer) and Hiring Manager.
- Experience of using Oracle as a Senior Business Manager.
Behaviours:
- Communicating and Influencing - Level 3
- Working Together - Level 3
- Delivering at Pace - Level 3
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours and experience listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and Job Simulation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 5th October 2026 however this may be subject to change.
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time.
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further information can be found on our Careers Website. Apply before 23:59 on 30th August 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only.
Business Manager in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Scottish Government. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Scottish Government, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Scottish Government, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Scottish Government could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
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