Service Manager - Strategic Change & Organisational Development - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Vacancy Information

Hourly rate of pay: £39.03 - £43.97

Days and Hours of Work:
Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00
Days of working are negotiable, flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible.
To start 23 February 2026.

Applications will be accepted from those wishing to be considered for this role on a part-time basis. If you are applying for this role on a part time basis, please tell us in the Additional Information section of the application form.

East Lothian Council is seeking a Service Manager for Strategic Change and Organisational Development to lead a dynamic team and deliver strategic change initiatives that shape the future of our services.

About the Role:

You will play a pivotal role in managing the Council’s transformation portfolio, overseeing programmes that include service redesign, change management, organisational development, and digital learning. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll ensure high-performing teams, embed a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver projects that align with our Council Plan and strategic ambitions.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong leadership, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and drive cultural and organisational change.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of local government policy and legislative requirements.

Desirable:

• PRINCE2, MSP, Agile or similar project management qualifications.
• Experience in benefits realisation and strategic planning.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact, working collaboratively across services and with external partners to deliver modern, efficient, and customer-focused solutions.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ellie Dunnet.

Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies which can be found here. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview.

Please Note:
All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
This post is open only to current employees of East Lothian Council (this includes agency/casual/locum staff who are currently undertaking work for us).

Job Details

To ensure the co-ordinated management of the service to ensure effective and efficient delivery of a range of services and functions, which support the effective delivery of services throughout the Council, including, but not limited to: Transformation / Change, Service Design, Business Analysis, Change Management, Organisational Development.

To plan and deliver organisational development to enable sustained organisational performance through the involvement of its people. This includes change management, leadership development, digital learning, person centred learning, policy and practice, workforce development & planning and culture change.

To develop, manage and deliver a defined portfolio of transformation / change projects identified to support meeting the strategic ambitions of the Council.

To contribute and/or lead on Council wide projects resulting in successful implementation.

To be accountable for effective change management within the Service, across the Councils Portfolio of change projects, including establishing and maintaining the councils approach to business Change Management.

As part of the council’s Senior Leadership Team, responsible for effectively and successfully implementing key Council objectives, as set out in the Council Plan, and Single Outcome Agreement.

To display strong leadership qualities in leading, managing and planning operations of the service ensuring high performing teams and delivery of high-quality services.

To ensure that a culture of performance management and continuous improvement is embedded within the Service and throughout East Lothian Council.

Develop and sustain effective external relationships, appropriate partnerships and strategic alliances in pursuit of the Council’s interests.

Promote the transfer of skills, knowledge and understanding to staff, internal customers and suppliers wherever possible.

Be responsible for ensuring the Council complies with all legal requirements associated with Best Value and associated legislation and guidance.

To drive through and manage the Council's Transformation / Change Portfolio, refocusing and transforming services and influencing their long-term provision around customer needs to deliver modern, effective, efficient and economically viable services.

To lead and coordinate an additional programme of change management projects including shared services.

Contribute to the Councils Financial Strategy and manage the Councils Transformation / Change Portfolio.

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The ‘East Lothian Way’– values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Job Requirements

Relevant Qualifications
Degree level qualification or equivalent and/ or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and competencies gained through relevant experience.

Continuing Professional Development evidence.

Level 1 Disclosure Clearance
This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.

Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Additional Information

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo

If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us.

If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk

Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.