The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included. As part of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service commitment to equality and diversity, our recruitment system will automatically anonymise your personal information once your application is submitted and a generic application number is generated. The selection panel will only see the evidence you have provided on how you meet the key capabilities required for the job. Please check your details carefully and answer all required questions as this may affect any potential employment with us.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is seeking two experienced and dynamic leaders to join our senior management team as Sheriffdom Business Managers.
This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to influence the delivery of justice services across Scotland. Working closely with the Sheriff Principal and senior justice partners, you will provide strategic direction, operational leadership and oversight of court services across your Sheriffdom, ensuring the effective and efficient administration of justice.
As a member of the SCTS senior leadership community, you will play a key role in driving organisational change, delivering continuous improvement and ensuring services remain responsive to the needs of court users, the judiciary and justice system partners.
You will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Sheriffdom.
- Support the Sheriff Principal in the efficient and timelydisposal of court business.
- Lead high-performing teams and foster an inclusive, values-led culture.
- Drive service improvement, innovationand organisational
- Analyseperformance information to inform decision-making and resource planning.
- Build and maintaineffective relationships with judiciary, government, justice agencies and other key stakeholders.
- Contribute to wider SCTS strategy, policy developmentand corporate priorities.
We are looking for a credible and resilient leader who can operate effectively at a senior level within a complex operational environment.
You will demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of the justice system, its stakeholders and operating environment.
- Experience of leading organisational change and service improvement.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to use performance and management information to drive improvement.
- Experience of providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior leaders.
- A track record of building successful partnerships and delivering results through collaboration.
Experience of working with the judiciary and delivering effective corporate governance would be advantageous.
In return, we offer:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme.
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after two years' service, plus 12 public holidays.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Payment of professional membership fees.
- Excellent career development prospects across the Civil Service.
This is an office-based role and is not suitable for hybrid working.
Please specify on your application if you would like to be considered for both roles or for one specific location.
The selection process will include a presentation and psychometric assessment for candidates invited to interview.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and meet Civil Service nationality requirements. SCTS is currently unable to offer sponsorship.
A Level 2 Disclosure check and other pre-employment security checks will be required.
To apply, please submit your application before 11:59pm on 30 September 2026.
Rehabilitation of Offenders:
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is exempt from the protections of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This permits us to ask applicants details of both spent and unspent convictions, along with details of any formal cautions that you may have. Individuals without existing security clearance will always be considered as all successful applicants will require a standard level Disclosure check completed before employment can commence.
Civil Service Code:
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Recruitment Principles:
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Complaints:
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service by email at: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at [email protected].
For further information on the Recruitment Principles and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
