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- Tasks: Lead the Scotland office, ensuring smooth operations and effective delivery of key workstreams.
- Company: Join the Electoral Commission, the UK's independent body for overseeing elections and political finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities to engage with senior political figures.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on democracy in Scotland while working in a high-profile leadership role.
- Qualifications: Significant management experience, ideally in public or third sector, with strong political engagement skills.
- Other info: Flexibility is key as tasks may shift with the political landscape.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Electoral Commission, the independent body that oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK, is currently seeking an outstanding candidate to join our small but high-performing team in Scotland in the role of Manager. This is a senior and highly influential role within the Commission's devolved operations, second only to the Head of Office in Scotland, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the integrity and transparency of democracy in Scotland.
As Manager, you will have responsibility for the successful operation of the office, and your leadership will ensure that key workstreams are delivered effectively, internal operations run smoothly, and external expectations are met with professionalism and authority. Working closely with the Head of Scotland, you will provide oversight to major areas of policy, planning, communications, electoral administration, and regulatory activity.
A significant part of your remit will involve engaging with senior stakeholders across Scottish and UK politics. You will represent the Commission at meetings with Ministers, MSPs, and government officials, and when required provide oral evidence to Scottish Parliament Committees. You will also play a central role in preparing key documents for Parliament, including the Annual Report and Accounts for the Scottish Parliament.
Flexibility and adaptability will be crucial qualities, as work plans are subject to frequent shifts, often dictated by the political landscape. You will be responsible for managing the Scotland Office's operational plans and budget, ensuring work progresses within agreed timescales and aligns with wider Commission strategy. This includes responding to public and stakeholder queries, overseeing policy development, contributing to election reviews, and ensuring that Scotland's electoral and regulatory environment is well understood within the Commission's wider UK context.
We are looking for a self-starting, confident leader with significant management and policy experience, ideally gained in a public or third sector environment. You should have a strong understanding of parliamentary processes and experience of engaging with senior political and governmental stakeholders. Familiarity with elections or regulatory work would be highly desirable, as would a sound grasp of the legislative and operational landscape governing electoral law and political finance in Scotland.
The successful candidate will be collaborative and resilient, capable of managing complexity and working under public scrutiny. If you are passionate about supporting democracy, thrive in a dynamic environment, and are ready to take on a visible leadership role with real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Offers of appointment are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Manager employer: The Electoral Commission
Contact Detail:
The Electoral Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Electoral Commission's recent reports and publications. Understanding their current priorities and challenges will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those involved in electoral processes or political finance. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of the Electoral Commission. Think about specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in a public or third sector context.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current political developments in Scotland and the UK. Being well-informed will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to understanding the political landscape that the Commission operates within.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Carefully read the job description for the Manager position at The Electoral Commission. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your management and policy experience, particularly in public or third sector environments. Provide specific examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders and navigated complex political landscapes.
Demonstrate Passion for Democracy: Showcase your enthusiasm for supporting democracy and transparency in your application. Discuss any relevant experiences or projects that reflect your commitment to these values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for a role of this nature.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Electoral Commission
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Manager role within the Electoral Commission. Familiarise yourself with their key responsibilities, especially around policy oversight and stakeholder engagement, as this will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership capabilities, particularly in managing teams and projects. Highlight instances where you've successfully navigated complex situations or led initiatives that had a significant impact on your organisation.
✨Engage with Current Political Context
Stay updated on current political issues and electoral processes in Scotland. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the political landscape will show your commitment and understanding of the environment in which the Commission operates.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Interaction
Since the role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, practice how you would approach these interactions. Think about how to communicate effectively with Ministers and MSPs, and be ready to discuss how you would handle public scrutiny and stakeholder queries.
