Scottish Forestry
Project Manager
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Project Manager – Operational Services and Transformation (PMO Team)
Location Edinburgh, Scotland, EH11 3XG
About the Team
The Operational Services and Transformation Team (OS&T) leads organisation-wide change, delivering key digital and development services. Within this team, there are several key units:
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Programme Management Office (PMO): Provides structure, governance, and project management for the Improvement and Delivery Programme, led by the Head of Programme Management Office.
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Geo-Information Service Team: Offers mapping and geographical services for Scottish Forestry, including data capture, analysis, and reporting.
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Digital Services Team: Responsible for development, maintenance, and support of existing operational delivery systems, particularly the case management system.
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Forestry Development Team: Provides professional forestry input into operational delivery, helping to develop and improve customer services and identify partnership opportunities.
The GIS, Digital Service, and Forestry Development teams report to the Head of Innovation and support both operational delivery and resources for programmes under the Improvement and Delivery Programme.
Job Summary
As a Project Manager, you will play a critical role in planning, coordinating, and tracking improvement-related projects to help achieve the Scottish Government’s ambitions for forestry in Scotland. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the agency to meet emerging demands and support strategic objectives.
This role requires someone with:
- Strong project management experience in complex initiatives
- Excellent analytical and communication skills
- Troubleshooting ability to identify risks and drive continuous improvement
Collaboration with multiple teams is key—this role operates in a matrix style, supporting multiple units across the organisation.
Main Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Governance
- Establish and embed project controls aligned with PMO and organisational requirements.
- Contribute to benefits management, including mapping and realisation of project outcomes.
- Develop and maintain processes, templates, and guidelines, ensuring they remain efficient and effective through continuous review.
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Data & Reporting
- Conduct data analysis to support programme management reports and dashboards for the PMO, Programme Board, and Senior Executive Team.
- Monitor project and programme deliverables, tracking benefits and high lighting risks/issues.
Cross-team Collaboration
- Support conceptual business improvement initiatives, translating them into actionable projects.
- Provide project risk management guidance, including escalation procedures.
- Develop, lead (or co-lead) business improvement projects from conception through closure.
Stakeholder & Capacity Building
- Assist in managing cross-agency stakeholder relationships.
- Develop training programmes to build project management capability across the organisation, including:
- Workshops on project management techniques
- Coaching sessions
- Creation of best practices guides
Your Profile should Include
Experience (Essential)
- Proven track record managing complex projects across their full lifecycle using standardised project management methodologies.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience in building internal relationships across various functions.
- Direct work within a Programme Management Office (PMO) or similar project governance environment.
Experience (Desirable)
- Experience in business improvement and service design projects.
Technical Skills (Desirable)
- Recognised qualifications in:
- Project Management (e.g., APM, PRINCE2)
- Change Management (e.g., ACCEM)
Core Behaviours Assessed at Interview
- Changing and Improving – Demonstrating a capacity for innovation.
- Working Together – Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-team matrix environment.
- Delivering at Pace – Driving action and meeting tight deadlines under pressure.
- Communicating and Influencing – Influence across organisational levels and persuasive communication.
Benefits
Financial & Pension
- Starter salary: £45,711 per annum
- Employer contributes £13,242 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (total 28.97% set by Civil Service rules).
- Additional perks:
- Tailored learning and development opportunities.
- Flexible working options.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with substantial employer contribution.
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Culture & Inclusion
- Strong focus on inclusion and diversity.
- Supportive culture encouraging innovation and personal growth.
- Commitment to Ethos: "We are open to all, we do not discriminate, and we select on merit."
Application Process
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form via the Scottish Forestry Recruitment Portal.
- Interview and assessment feedback only provided to shortlisted candidates.
Security & Compliance
- Applicants undergo:
- Criminal record checks.
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks for all civil servant roles.
Medical Requirements
- Successful candidates will undergo a medical screening.
Unknown Nationality Check Requirements
This role is open to the following groups:
- UK nationals (and British citizens abroad)
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Citizens of Commonwealth nations entitled to UK residence
- Nationals of:
- EU (including EU-associated states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
- UK-relevant family members of these nationalities with pre-settled or settled status under EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Limited leave-to-stay holders/UK citizens eligible for EUSS by 31 Dec 2020 where applicable.
- Turkish citizens and family members with approved civil service workplace rights.
Full nationality eligibility criteria available here。
Workplace Standards & Equality
- Operates under the Civil Service Code, which sets standards for ethics, integrity, and accountable behaviour.
- Recruitment is conducted on principles of fair competition and merit.
- Supports the Joint Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities meeting minimum selection criteria.
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