Specialist – Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service

Job title: Specialist - SMAS
Team: Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service
Location: Edinburgh, with some travel required across Scotland. Home working options available. 
Salary: £57,060
Hours: Full time
Status: Permanent
Vacancy ref: R00643    
Closing date: 23 July 2025

Be part of building Scotland’s future

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our organisation. You’ll help drive economic growth across Scotland – creating more quality jobs and a brighter future for every region.

You’ll be part of the team that runs the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS). It’s a service delivered by us that also operates across the Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise areas.

The role

We’re looking for an innovative manufacturing specialist with a passion for building a productive, sustainable, inclusive, and fair economy. 

You’ll work directly with manufacturing and service sector businesses, helping them stay competitive as the landscape continues to change. That includes supporting the adoption of new technologies – such as AI – and strengthening supply chains and internal processes.

SMAS helps businesses drive sustainable change by investing in productivity, performance, and people. We work closely with colleagues across the organisation to support leadership ambition, shape market development strategies, and uncover global opportunities.

You’ll spend most of your time with clients, helping them tackle immediate tactical challenges and plan for continuing strategic transformation. Every business is different, and you’ll work alongside them to champion an approach that puts productivity at the centre of sustainable manufacturing in Scotland.

The role is based in Edinburgh with the option to work from home and involves travel across Scotland – so a full driver’s licence and access to a car are essential.

Responsibilities 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Assessing where businesses can work more efficiently
• Helping them make practical improvements – whether that’s cutting waste or bringing in new tech like AI
• Raising awareness of the support available through SMAS and the wider organisation

Who we're looking for

Your knowledge, skills and experience will include: 

• Ability to spot organisation-wide investment opportunities to boost productivity
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing improvement methods such as: Lean, Six Sigma, EFQM, Kaizen
• Proven track record of delivering lasting improvements in operational settings
• Solid understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, systems, and digital tools – combining people, processes, tech and data to support productivity and Industry 4.0
• Knowledge of supply chain management and development
• Experience guiding teams through change, with strong facilitation, coaching and mentoring skills – ILM Diploma, for example
• Project management experience, with case study examples of how you delivered outcomes
• Comfortable working across all parts of a business and its supply chain
• Clear, effective communication and reporting skills

Role profile

Further information on the role can be found in the attached role profile.

Life at Scottish Enterprise

As one of Scotland’s Top 10 Flexible Employers, we pride ourselves on empowering our colleagues to work when and where they can best deliver their role in support of our corporate plan. Learn more about working with us.

How to apply

If you're interested in this role, complete your application form by 23 July 2025.

Interview dates

• 4 and 5 August 2025

Our values

Being part of Scottish Enterprise means being open to new ideas and trying different ways of working. We support each other to reach our full potential. We celebrate shared success and learn together when things don’t go so well. And we always treat each other fairly, with respect and understanding. Together, we are the difference.

At Scottish Enterprise, we’re proud to celebrate difference. Diversity of experience and thought is vital to the success of our vision for the future of every community across Scotland. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from a wide range of individuals, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, gender identity and expression, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required, not only during the application and assessment process but throughout employment with us.

We have the following networks which are open to all colleagues to help drive inclusion: Disability Positive, Gender Balanced, Multi-Cultural, Multi-Generational and Pride (LGBTQ+).

Apply now to build your future with us.