Senior Business Manager

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.

Business management is a critical function within Transport Scotland - it provides the structure, insight and strategic direction that enables our organisation to operate efficiently, adapt to change and deliver exceptional results. By connecting people, processes, resources and priorities, Business Management ensures that day-to-day operations align with long-term goals and that informed decisions are made at every level.

The business management function within Transport Scotland has recently undergone a review and a new structure has been determined. Business management will continue to be embedded within each directorate, providing support to deputy directors covering all TS directorates. In order to achieve greater efficiency, consistency and resilience, the Business Managers will be managed by this new B3 Senior Business Manager role.

The Senior Business Manager role will sit within Corporate Services and be managed by the Head of Corporate Services.

The business management service will include personal assistant roles currently offered to each deputy director. The business manager role will directly manage the PA. The Senior Business Manager will have countersigning responsibility for the PA roles.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Management of the Business Management Function
• Lead, manage and develop a team of Business Managers, setting clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations
• Provide effective operational leadership, ensuring consistent processes, standards, and ways of working across all Directorates
• Build capability through coaching, performance management, and structured development
• Establish clear service standards, governance frameworks, and performance measures, ensuring delivery against agreed targets
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing Business Manager network, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

2. Strategic Oversight of Business Planning, Assurance and Governance
• Oversee and assure the quality and consistency of:
o Directorate business plans
o Certificates of Assurance
o Risk and governance processes
• Provide strategic advice, challenge and insight to Business Managers and senior leaders
• Identify cross-Directorate service risks, trends and performance issues, escalating where appropriate

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Customer-Focused Delivery
• Engage regularly with Directorates to:
o Monitor Business Manager performance
o Ensure support meets business needs
o Identify opportunities for improvement
• Act as the primary escalation point for business management issues
• Support effective communication across Directorates, including meetings, briefings and corporate engagement

4. Operational Delivery, Performance Management and Continuous Improvement
• Support performance on key business management functions, including:
o FOIs, Parliamentary Questions and Ministerial correspondence
o Directorate governance and communications activity
• Ensure business support processes are efficient, effective and consistently applied
• Promote the use of digital tools and processes to improve delivery

5. Workforce and Resource Management
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment and resource allocation across the business management team
• Ensure the business managers regularly report accurate and up-to-date organisational structures, workforce data feeding in to our resource plan
• Support and oversee effective recruitment, onboarding and induction processes

6. Resilience, Risk Management and Direct Support
• Provide resilience across the Business Management function, including cover for Business Managers during absence or peak demand
• Deliver direct operational support where required, including working with Directors on urgent or priority issues
• Monitor, manage and escalate risks to service delivery, ensuring timely mitigation

• 7. Information Management and Insight
  • Ensure the effective management, sharing and use of information across the function
  • Use data and insight to:
  o Monitor performance
  o Inform decision-making
  o Identify risks and improvement opportunities
  • Ensure compliance with data management, record keeping and security requireme

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B1 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).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact julie.wallace@transport.gov.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.