Resource Spending Lead - C1

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Resource Spending Unit plays a central role in shaping the Scottish Government’s resource budget, reporting and scrutiny of spending places, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring effective allocation of public funds. The postholder will lead work across the budget cycle, working closely with portfolios, Public Service Reform colleagues, and senior leaders to drive improved outcomes and value for money.

This is a high-profile role at the centre strategic spending analysis, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of key fiscal outputs including supporting the Budget, Medium Term Financial Strategy, and Spending Review processes.

Key responsibilities

• Resource spending analysis and advice, supporting development of the Scottish Budget and review of multi-year spending forecasts and allocations.
• Provide strategic financial advice to senior officials and Ministers on spending priorities, pressures and trade-offs
• Lead portfolio engagement, with portfolio budgeting leads with engagement with policy teams, finance leads and public bodies to understand spending drivers and risks
• Analyse and review financial returns and analysis, ensuring robust data on forecasts, pressures, savings and delivery plans
• Drive improved understanding of public spending, this could include areas such as supporting place-based and preventative budgeting approaches
• Support cross-government decision making, aligning resources to priorities such as Public Service Reform and Programme for Government commitments
• Ensure fiscal discipline and value for money, including identifying opportunities for reprioritisation and efficiency

Experience

Evidence strong financial or analytical background, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide clear advice

Technical/Professional Skills

work at pace and manage competing priorities within tight deadlines

demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills; and

provide clear communication at varying levels of seniority and audiences, including drafting concise briefings and submissions

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months.

This post is based in Victoria Quay, Edinburgh. In line with our current ways of working, our team follows a hybrid working approach, where colleagues use a mix of office based and remote working.

The post is a full-time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

• Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive 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 Tuesday 27 October.
• If you have questions about your application, please contact [email protected]

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. 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.