Planning and Resourcing Lead

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would like to invite applications for the post of Planning and Resourcing Lead, based in Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters on a permanent basis. This is a full-time opportunity, working 35 hours per week.

This is a full-time post however applications from individuals seeking to work on a part time, job share or flexible working basis would be considered.

We are happy to talk flexible working and already offer this for a number of roles in the organisation, meaning that many of our employees enjoy the freedom of choosing a working pattern that suits them as much as it suits the organisation. The Portfolio Office team are hybrid working, with the main office base being our SFRS Headquarters in Cambuslang. The successful candidate will be able to enjoy a mix of working from home, base location or other SFRS location as required by their role and key activities. 

Leading on all aspects of project and programme planning, including the development, updating and monitoring of plans and schedules. The post holder will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that all aspects of projects, programmes and the overall portfolio is defined and planned for delivery. The role provides clarity on key milestones to define what, when and how activities will be organised to ensure the outcomes of projects and programmes can be achieved, with the resources available.

Reporting to the Change Centre of Excellence Manager, they will be accountable for establishing and implementing effective Service wide approaches to planning, scheduling, dependency and resource management. They identify tasks, activities, interdependencies and outputs for the projects and programmes that constitute the portfolio and work in conjunction with the project and programme teams to track and monitor progress against plans throughout the change lifecycle.

The post holder will lead in the provision of expert scheduling and resource advice to projects and programmes which will supporting helping to define the people resources required for projects and programmes at different stages, and to identify, secure deployment, flex and develop those resources to support successful delivery. They will work closely with project and programme managers to ensure resource requirements are met and oversee Demand and Capacity Planning activities. Resources may be people focussed or physical.

The post holder will also be responsible for providing a portfolio planning approach aligned to the annual business planning cycle which will provide a portfolio plan that reflects the strategic priorities of the organisation both in terms of content and prioritisation and scheduling of constituent projects and programmes.

Essential Criteria for this role would include a Project Practitioner Course e.g. PRINCE2, Agile or APM, experience of Benefits Management, ability to analyse complex data and provide insights and tailored recommendations and reporting outputs, strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, ability to present information clearly to wide and diverse groups of stakeholders, demonstrable experience in similar role i.e. enterprise wide (including complex inter-dependent programmes consisting of multiple projects aligning benefits and reporting to a set of organisational outcomes.

 

 

 

Desirable Criteria for this role would include knowledge of business change lifecycles, working with Agile and LEAN delivery methods, working with waterfall delivery methodology, broad understanding of Financial Management, experience of a “Best Value” approach to benefits management and realisation, experience of project delivery, risk identification, project planning and be able to give relevant advice on all aspects of the project benefits lifecycle from inception through to delivery and realisation.

Management responsibilities for this role include:

Lead, develop and manage the performance of employees within area of responsibility, providing leadership and coordinating the work of the team. This will specifically include line management, recruitment, and performance management by scheduling and co-ordinating the work of the team.

Ensure that all staff within the Business Change & Implementation Manager’s remit have a set of defined objectives, PDP and are supported with regular 1-2-1s and guidance.

Manage finances and budgets effectively in accordance with the SFRS Financial Regulations to ensure the most cost-effective delivery of services where possible identifying and make recommendation on potential savings.

Ensure that all employees within area of responsibility are provided with the training and development required to enable them to carry out their role to the standards required. Represent the SFRS at appropriate external events and meetings in accordance with the remit and status of the post.

Ensure that benefits are managed and delivered within a best value framework and that performance is regularly monitored and continuous improvement identified. Represent SFRS to external bodies/committees and groups as required and Chair any internal and/or external meetings.

Full details of the role and our recruitment process can be found in the attached information pack. 

Salary on appointment will normally be at the lower salary point, with progression subject to regular review - in line with the SFRS performance appraisal arrangements.  A higher salary placing will be considered in exceptional circumstances subject to experience demonstrated.

This post is also subject to the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exemptions) Scotland Order 2013. Therefore, the successful candidate's will be subject to a Standard Disclosure record check through Disclosure Scotland.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourage applications from all sectors of the community. In addition, we are committed to being a “Disability Confident Employer” and will ensure that all applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role are invited for interview.

If you would like to apply in a different format, please email People Services at SFRS.PODVacancies@firescotland.gov.uk.

Please note, a fully completed application form must be submitted as SFRS do not accept CVs in support of applications for employment.