Operations and Business Team Leader - C1 in Glasgow

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Emma Caldwell Public Inquiry, established under the Inquiries Act 2005, is an independent investigation into matters of significant national interest. Although independent of the Scottish Government, it is largely staffed by civil servants on assignment from SG, working under the direction of the Chair, Lord Scott.

The Inquiry team is responsible for the full range of administrative and operational functions, including policy development, strategic planning, finance, facilities, security, and communications. As a public and high-profile inquiry, it will address complex and sensitive issues, requiring robust risk management and careful stakeholder engagement. We are looking to recruit a C1 team leader for the duration of the Inquiry.

The Operations and Business Team Leader is a crucial role, managing the Inquiry’s relationships with external contractors, co-ordinating facilities and logistics in the Inquiry office and oversight of expenditure and forecasting. This is a cross-cutting role which will require the post-holder to work with teams across the Inquiry, within SG and with external stakeholders to ensure the team delivers a quality service and that the Inquiry is perceived as trusted, open and accessible.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations team to deliver planning and all logistics required to fit-out (RIBA stage 5 – 7) and maintain the Inquiry office including liaison with lead building contractor, building management team and sub-contractors; securing cleaning and facilities management services; co-ordination of security assessments and ongoing risk mitigations and support for the smooth running of public hearings;
• Responsibility for maintaining and improving robust financial management, forecasting and reporting of Inquiry expenditure, including supporting the Chair in meeting their statutory duty to avoid unnecessary costs; proper governance arrangements and application of the SPFM, and thorough analysis of expenditure for publication and associated media lines (in collaboration with the Head of Communications);
• Lead on ensuring position management, processes, systems and resources to support the Inquiry operationally are in place, working collaboratively with suppliers and other Inquiry teams and take account of feedback;
• Manage and develop positive relationships with contractors supplying data protection officer, hearing broadcast and law accountancy functions, ensuring evaluation and contractual obligations are met within set durations and budgets;
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with building management, facilities contacts of other tenants, SG security and iTecs, Mitie and sub-contractors to ensure the ongoing functionality of Inquiry office and associated equipment and services;
• Provide proactive support and strategic advice to the Deputy Secretary / Head of Operations / SLT as required, ensuring timely visibility of key matters and appropriate consultation on significant risks, issues and decisions;
• Line management of one B3/two B2s and counter-signing responsibility for the wider Operations team.

Experience required

Working knowledge of RIBA framework and proven ability to provide leadership in a project delivery environment, providing a quality service and collaborating with a wide range of professional services.

Working Pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position. This post is a full-time role. Due to the nature of delivering public hearings annual leave and flexible working hours will be restricted at times during this post. While job sharers and individuals on any working pattern are welcome to apply, the likely restrictions should be noted and may not suit all.

Further Information

Further information about this opportunity is available from pamela.beer@emmacaldwellinquiry.scot or christopher.crowther@emmacaldwellinquiry.scot. The Inquiry aims to uphold the highest standards of independence and impartiality. Before applying, all candidates are asked to consider if their career history gives rise to any conflict of interest with the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference. Any queries regarding this should be sent to the recruiting manager.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancy closes at 23:59 on Tuesday 28 July.

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for TBC. Apply before: 28/07/2026 (23:59).