Description Job Description Do you thrive in a fast paced environment? This is a “counsel-led inquiry”, which means that (legal) counsel determines the strategic vision and direction. It has two core functions: Secretariat and Legal. The Finance and Contracts Manager role will sit within the Secretariat, which is responsible for the operational elements of the Inquiry, including the inquiry’s budget and finances. This is one of a number of roles being introduced as part of a team being built to take forward the work to support Lord Weir in establishing the inquiry. For this role, there is a particular focus on both finance (including leading on management of the inquiry budget) and procurement (and the agreeing of related contracts) as the inquiry is being established. With the inquiry in its ‘setting-up’ phase, this is an opportunity to develop and establish both finance and procurement processes. This is an important role that will evolve as the inquiry progresses through its different phases. You will be a key contributor to strong governance, and will work closely with the Sponsor Team as required. As the inquiry develops, you may be required to undertake line management responsibilities. Whilst previous experience of working within an inquiry is not necessary, it will be advantageous to understand how an inquiry operates. Responsibilities Develop robust financial systems and processes to forecast and monitor spend; the systems and processes should meet the needs of the Inquiry and the Sponsor Team. Working with Scottish Government procurement colleagues and the Inquiry Secretary, lead on establishing contracts for the Inquiry. Monitor and control procurement working agreements and contracts, ensuring they align with budgets, flagging issues and identifying opportunities for cost savings to the Senior Management Team (SMT) Ensure that the Inquiry budget is produced on time and monitored throughout the financial year Provide monthly, quarterly and annual budget forecasts, working closely with the SMT to predict and plan expected spend. Examine and analyse budgets to track expenditure and identify emerging pressures and potential savings, highlighting areas for concern, and identifying and updating risks, issues and controls in support of the SMT. Provide regular financial management reports, analysis and advice on financial processes to the SMT and Sponsor Team. Staff recruitment and management, as the team grows. Responsibilities Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Understanding Forecasting – Practitioner Interrogating of Finance System - Practitioner Experience: Experience of managing or working with budgets and on procurement exercises, ideally within a public inquiry setting. Experience of producing and presenting strategic reports based on budgetary information. Experience of working autonomously to deliver competing demands within a fast-paced environment. Behaviours: Changing and Improving - Level 3 Making Effective Decisions - Level 3 Delivering at Pace - Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 10th March 2025 however this may be subject to change. Qualifications About Us In September 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and NHS recovery announced that a Public Inquiry would be held into the actions of former neurosurgeon Mr Eljamel and NHS Tayside. In February 2024, the Honourable Lord Weir was announced as Chair of the Inquiry. 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. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. 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. This content is to be included on all vacancies. Any additional information which is essential to the job advert can be published here, but the majority of roles should only require the link to our careers website. 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.