Operations Manager

Looking for an exciting opportunity to join the newly established HMIE as an Operations Manager? As Operations Manager you will have a key role in a fast-paced operational function that is responsible for the effective planning and resourcing of inspection activity as published in HMIE’s annual programme of inspection. You will be crucial in ensuring that there are robust operational systems and processes in place that support the planning of all inspections and other work carried out by HMIE. You will lead a small team responsible for inspection logistics, resource scheduling, data management, and stakeholder liaison. Working with Assistant Directors of HMIE you will have a pivotal role in influencing, shaping and implementing HMIE’s planning of inspections as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the live inspection programme. Lead the planning and scheduling of inspection programmes across sectors, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and resource availability. Manage inspection logistics and inspector deployment. Maintain and improve systems for tracking inspection progress, reporting outputs, and managing operational risks. Ensure accurate data entry and reporting for inspection activity, contributing to performance monitoring and improvement. Line manage a small team supporting inspection delivery, providing leadership, coaching, and development. Work closely with HMIE leadership and Centralised Services colleagues to ensure inspection operations are efficient, compliant, and continuously improving. Contribute to business continuity planning and risk mitigation for inspection delivery. Support the preparation of briefings, reports, and dashboards for senior leaders and external stakeholders. Success Profiles We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here For this post, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed: Experience: Working in a fast paced, operational environment with high volume scheduling activity and resource planning. Working in an inspectorate environment or similar with experience of the principles and purposes of inspection Experience of using advanced Excel spreadsheets and CRM systems to manage scheduling, resource deployment, tracking and reporting across multiple sectors and teams Behaviours: Leadership – level 3 Managing a quality service – level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here . How to Apply Apply online, providing a CV and a Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the Success Profiles above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. We aim to provide feedback on request. However, if we receive a large number of applications it may not be possible for us to provide specific feedback on your application. We will provide feedback on request to candidates who attend an interview/assessment. Expected Timeline (may be subject to change) Sifting – Week commencing 10/08/26 Interview – Late August Location – In Person at The Optima, 58 Robertson Street, High Street, Glasgow. Reserve List In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months. About Us His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) provides independent inspection of education in Scotland. We carry out inspections across sectors, from early years to adult learning to: Assess quality Support improvement Inform policy Our work gives assurance to learners, families, educators and to Parliament. More information is available on HMIE website . As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules . Working pattern 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, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Security checks 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). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide . Recruitment Principles As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases. Equality statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website . Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK. Apply before 23:59 - 06/08/26 This post is open to Internal Scottish Government candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only.