The Scottish Government

Business Manager - Governance and Risk - B2

The Scottish Government  •  Edinburgh, GB (Hybrid)  •  3 hours ago
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Job Description

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.

We are looking for a Business Manager with strong organisational, governance and corporate skills, who is comfortable working across teams, supporting senior colleagues, and keeping complex activity on track.

This is a hands‑on, delivery focused role in a fast paced environment, suited to someone who enjoys clear priorities, contributing to important organisational outputs, and is capable of progressing on work on their own initiative.

As Business Manager, you will support the smooth running of key corporate and governance activity by providing coordination, tracking, and quality support across a defined set of priorities.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team and colleagues across SAAS, helping ensure information is pulled together, actions are followed up, and deadlines are met.

This role comes with clear objectives, established processes, and support from an experienced team, allowing you to make a positive contribution quickly.

Responsibilities

  • Support the coordination of governance activity, including agendas, papers and forward plans
  • Ensuring the good management of SAAS’ risk registers, and regular risk reporting to SAAS’ Executive Team and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
  • Help maintain and update business continuity documentation and directorate plans
  • Ensure SAAS’ audit recommendations are completed promptly, and wider audit activity is accurately tracked.
  • Track organisational actions and follow up updates with teams to support timely delivery
  • Prepare clear summaries, briefings and updates to support senior colleagues, including using PowerBI and other systems
  • Act as a helpful point of contact for governance‑related and corporate queries
  • Contribute to improving templates, trackers and ways of working to support efficiency
  • Provide flexible support to agreed corporate priorities during peak periods

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 grade 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).

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Thursday 9 July

If you have questions about your application please contact samantha.skinner@gov.scot

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principlesand we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About Us

SAAS is an executive agency of the Scottish Government and responsible for assessing and paying student awards for Scottish domiciled students in Higher Education throughout the UK. We administer budgets of around £1.4 billion each year, making payments to both educational institutions and over 190,000 students a year. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve.

More information on SAAS can be found on our website https://www.saas.gov.uk

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

Location

This role is based in Saughton House, Edinburgh

Working Arrangement

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. This role requires in person attendance of 6 days per month minimum. 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 on SAASCorporateOffice@gov.scot

SAAS has separate arrangements from core Scottish Government for Public and Privilege holidays. SAAS office is fully closed between Christmas and New Year.

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.

Apply before 23:59pm on 09/07/2026.

The Scottish Government

About The Scottish Government

The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for matters that are devolved from Westminster. Areas of responsibility include the economy, health, education, justice, rural affairs, environment, and transport.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
Edinburgh, GB
Year Founded
Unknown
Website
gov.scot
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