Operations Manager

As Operations Manager you will have a key role in a fast-paced operational function that is responsible for the effective administration 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 administration of all inspections and other work carried out by HMIE. You will lead a 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 processes as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the live inspection programme.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the administration of inspection programmes across sectors, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and resource availability.
• Manage inspection administration across an operational team.
• 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 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
Success Profiles have been developed by the Professions and can be found in the Job Profile for the individual role.

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.

Experience:

1. Working in a fast paced, operational environment with high volume scheduling activity and resource planning.
2. Working in an inspectorate environment or similar with experience of the principles and purposes of inspection.
3. 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 supporting statement (of no more than 750 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.

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.

Expected Timeline (Subject to change)
Sift - 15th October 2026
Interview - 23rd October 2026
Location - Interview via MS Teams

Skilled Worker Sponsorship
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.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only (external candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy).

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.

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
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. 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, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

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. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles 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.

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.

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot

Apply before 23:55 pm on 14th October 2026