Policy Manager
- Hiring from
- United Kingdom
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
- Sep 30, 2026
This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.
Job Title - Policy Manager
Business Area/Directorate - Early Years Retention and Support Policy Manager Role
Location - VQ / AQ
Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy
Grade - B2
Advert type - Level Transfer
Duration - Permanent
Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from Core SG only.
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.
We are looking for a substantive policy manager at B2 level to join the Early Years Retention and Support Team in Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Division on level transfer to the Early Years Retention and Support policy manager role. This is an exciting position which will enable the post-holder to play a pivotal role in supporting Fair Work in ELC and to support the process of childcare transformation, which is a key Ministerial commitment.
Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Division plays a central role in delivering key Scottish Government commitments. Following the successful expansion of funded ELC to all three- and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds to 1140 hours per year in 2021, the Division works with local authorities and the wider childcare sector to ensure that this offer benefits children and families. The Division also provides policy leadership for the further transformation of ELC in light of significant new commitments to support children from nine months until the end of primary school.
We are looking for a policy manager to support an important programme of work in respect of Fair Work and the retention of the ELC workforce.
This is an exciting position which will enable the post-holder to play a pivotal role in supporting Fair Work in ELC and to support the process of childcare transformation, which is a key Ministerial commitment.
Responsibilities
- Support the design and development of policy, inform policy options and recommendations to Ministers in the area of Fair Work.
- Lead business of government work relating to policy such as MiCases, PQs, Parliamentary statements and ministerial briefings.
- Lead on stakeholder engagements and visits for Ministers on workforce, working with closely with delivery partners and Communications officials.
- Support effective engagement with key stakeholders and delivery partners including local authorities, Scottish Social Services Council and Care Inspectorate to promote buy-in and deliver actions which will support Ministers’ policy programmes.
- Work collaboratively within programme management structures to support governance arrangements, ensure delivery meets expected timescales and manage and mitigate risks.
Success Profile
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
Experience of building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, gaining trust and credibility and influencing and persuading others to deliver shared policy priorities.
Experience of delivering high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Behaviours
• Communicating and Influencing – Level 3
• Working Together – Level 3
• Making effective decisions - Level 3
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot
Working Pattern
This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.
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.
Further Information
Further information about this opportunity is available from scott.sutherland@gov.scot or victoria.bruce@gov.scot
How to Apply
Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.
Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Wednesday 7 October.
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 informal interview, scheduled for w/c TBC.
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.
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 observing the Civil Service Code and 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.
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.
Apply before: 07/10/2026 (23:59). This role is open to substantive B2 staff in core SG only.