Business Manager

Historic Environment Scotland; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A national heritage organization in Scotland is seeking a Business Manager to lead operations within the Cultural Assets directorate. This role involves managing a team, enhancing business processes, and supporting strategic goals. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong planning, project management, and leadership skills, effectively navigating complex situations. The position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model. Join us to make a significant impact in heritage management and organizational success.

Benefits

28% employer contribution pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Support for professional development

Flexible working hours

Free entry to properties

Qualifications

• Demonstrable ability to distil complex information into clear management insights.
• Experience handling sensitive information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence and support strategic decision-making.
• Manage the Business Support team of 12 staff.
• Coordinate corporate performance reporting and governance compliance.

Skills

Strong organisational & strategic planning skills

Ability to analyse complex information

Project management skills

Self-motivation and problem-solving

Experience in managing staff

Job description

Description

Starting salary : 40158

Contract type : Permanent

Grade : 4

Location : Longmore House Salisbury Place Edinburgh EH9 1SH (with hybrid working)

Working Hours : Monday - Friday 35 hours per week

Interviews : To be held in person at The Engine Shed Stirling on week commencing 27 October 2025

The Business Manager plays a pivotal role within the Cultural Assets directorate and forms part of the Senior Management Team (SMT). This is led by the Director and made up of Heads of Service to deliver the Corporate & Operating Plan objectives as well as those required within the Directorate Plan. The role includes responsibility for the Business Support team totalling 12 staff with direct line management for three colleagues.

For more information about the post and information about the team please access the full job description for this post. Please note that if you dont have Office 365 installed on your device this can be opened using your browser.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role

As Business Manager you will be central to driving operational excellence supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring the smooth running of the directorate. Your leadership will empower the team to deliver on key priorities champion best practice and maintain high standards across all areas of responsibility.

You handle complex situations calmly anticipate needs and keep your Director informed by staying aware of whats happening across the organisation. You organise and prioritise effectively communicate clearly to various audiences and turn complex information into straightforward recommendations. You foster strong relationships across the organisation support your Director and teams and positively influence outcomes. You spot opportunities to improve business processes and lead practical solutions. You manage effective workflows and reporting monitor project progress and ensure information is shared efficiently.

Supporting the Director

• Manage and support various corporate performance reporting & progress updates.
• Coordinate collate draft and complete high-level reports corporate responses and briefings as required for HES senior management and the Scottish Government sponsor body ensuring deadlines are met.
• Co-ordinate all complaints received by the Directorate advising actioning and recording as required.
• Lead on various Directorate or cross organisational projects as requested.
• Draft and submit responses to general correspondence.

Business Improvement and Compliance

• Ensure consistent and appropriate implementation of organisational policies and procedures.
• Champion & provide specialist knowledge on Freedom of Information / Environment Information Regulations on behalf of the directorate.
• Ensure directorate compliance in governance matters such as Certificates of Assurance audits and information management.
• Take overall responsibility for the efficient operation of the directorate office support function and budget management.
• Take a key role in the directorates Business Continuity Planning Risk Management process and People Plan.
• Review current processes and recommend new systems to improve efficiency.
• Support and lead where appropriate on specific recruitment activities including workforce planning and vacancy management.
• Edit and proof-read high-level documentation.
• Produce / provide clear and accessible information / guidance for colleagues.

Working with Others

• Oversee the Business Support Team for the Directorate directly line managing the Executive Assistant to the Director and two Business Support Managers who each supervise their own teams.
• Ensure that the team have the necessary support skills and training to carry out work efficiently and deliver a high-quality standard of work.
• Inform Directorate colleagues of team or organisational changes after reviewing for clarity completeness and sensitivities.
• Organise key Directorate events.
• Facilitate and support Directorate or Heads of Service meetings as appropriate disseminating any actions and enabling follow‑up activity.
• Act as the main point of contact for queries about the directorate.

Key requirements of the role

In order for you to be successful in this post we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1200 words) using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life home life education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Essential

• Strong organisational & strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrable ability to assimilate and analyse complex information from a wide range of sources / disciplines and distil this into clear management information suitable for a differing target audience.
• Ability to prioritise tasks competing demands & work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Well-developed project management skills managing process of idea to execution.
• Ability to anticipate and avert problems.
• Proven experience of self-motivation with the ability to show initiative use own judgement and problem-solve effectively.
• Experience in managing or leading staff.
• Experience of handling sensitive information with discretion.

Find out more about desirable skills and experience in the full job description.

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age race gender or gender identity religious beliefs marital status sexual orientation disability or support of our Gaelic Language Plan we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format please reach out to us via email at or call our Head Office at 0 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that at this time we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

To submit your application online please read our How to Apply followed by Apply Now button to begin your application.

Required Experience

Manager

Key Skills

Business Development, Sales Experience, Management Experience, Microsoft Outlook, QuickBooks, Lawson, Banking, Business Management, Conflict Management, Strategic Planning, Leadership Experience, negotiation

Employment Type : Full‑Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1