Project Manager: Change Management

Job Description

The overarching purpose of the Improvement Service’s Transformation, Performance and Improvement team is to support councils and partnerships to deliver transformational and operational level change to improve outcomes for local communities across Scotland. This includes leading the Programme Management Office (PMO) in support of the Solace/IS Transformation Programme. The team also supports other IS programme teams in the delivery of projects where a focus on change implementation will increasingly feature. The team also supports other IS programme teams in the delivery of projects where a focus on change implementation will increasingly feature.

There is a growing need for the public sector to embrace alternative operating models, adaptive and agile organisational structures, effective partnering and engagement, and invest in developing the skills and capacity of those delivering public services – in short, robust collective transformational change capacity.

We support councils and partnerships deliver transformational and operational level change. The role will deliver this by;

• Working as part of the IS/Solace Programme Management Office to manage projects within the Solace/IS Transformation programme in line with the strategic direction of the thinkpiece. Ensuring a consistent project management approach is taken from project inception through to delivery;
• Building change and transformation skills and knowledge capacity across the local government sector.
• Facilitating collaboration and networking for change and transformation colleagues across local government and partner agencies. This includes developing and facilitating our Change Managers Network both through our online community and events.
• Providing bespoke support to councils based on their identified need. Such as supporting councils and partnerships to consider how they redesign local services to deliver the changes that will support better outcomes by reducing inequalities across local communities. Furthermore, supporting councils and partnerships to undertake service reviews and develop business cases and options appraisal demonstrating an evidence base for change.

The Project Manager in Change Management will work to the Programme Manager in Change Management. The post holder will also work with other IS project and programme managers and a number of key stakeholders, including councils, CPPs, other national improvement agencies, Scottish Government, audit and inspection bodies etc. The post-holder will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of elements of the Change Management Programme Plan, as discussed and agreed with the Programme Manager.

 

Information

Location:

West Lothian Council, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF.

It is anticipated that the role will involve a blended model of office and home working. This flexible approach will be agreed between employee and line manager.

Duration: Fixed term until 31 March 2027

Hours: 36 hours

Closing date: 19 June 2026

Interview Date

A competence-based interview will take place in-person on 1 June 2026 at West Lothian Council Civic Centre, Howden Road South, Livingston, EH54 6FF  (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email in advance of the interview).   

For more information about competency-based interviews, see our 'Guide to Competency-based Interviews'.  

Additionally, you may also find it beneficial to watch our Working at the Improvement Service Video. and read our current Business Plan 2025-26. 

Background

The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 Million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services.

Working for the IS means joining a team of professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities.

Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy.

The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture.

The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer. We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.