Service Manager
EARS Independent Advocacy Service
Salary: £40,000
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid – with regular presence across service areas, including at least weekly attendance at the EARS Livingston office
About EARS Independent Advocacy Service:
EARS Independent Advocacy Service is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) providing high-quality, rights-based independent advocacy across contracted areas in Scotland.
EARS exists to ensure that people who face disadvantage, discrimination or barriers to being heard are supported to understand their rights, express their views and have those views taken into account. Grounded in equality, human rights and social justice, EARS delivers independent advocacy that is principled, person-centred and accountable.
Working closely with commissioners, partners and communities, EARS plays a vital role within Scotland’s advocacy landscape, supporting individuals to navigate complex systems and ensuring their voices influence decisions that affect their lives.
The Role of Service Manager
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Service Manager will lead the day-to-day delivery and management of EARS Independent Advocacy Service, ensuring high-quality, rights-based independent advocacy across its contracted areas in Scotland. You will oversee service delivery, business operations and people management, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, governance requirements and relevant legislation and regulations.
Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide regular updates on organisational performance, finances and risks, supporting effective oversight and decision-making. You will manage budgets, financial controls, contract monitoring and funder reporting, while building strong relationships with commissioners, funders and partners.
You will provide effective leadership and support to the team, promoting a positive, collaborative and accountable culture. This will include staff supervision, performance management, training and development, alongside reviewing organisational policies and procedures with the Board. The role requires regular presence across service areas, including at least weekly attendance at the EARS office.
What you need to bring
EARS is seeking a values-driven and resilient manager with a strong commitment to equality, human rights and social justice. You will have experience in a management or leadership role within the third, public or care sectors in Scotland, with a track record in business or people management and experience of working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
You will bring strong financial management skills, including budget oversight and financial planning, alongside experience of contract management, stakeholder engagement, commissioning or tendering. An understanding of charity governance, regulatory compliance, risk management and performance monitoring is important, as is the ability to produce high-quality reports and identify opportunities for income generation and service development.
With excellent communication, leadership and relationship-building skills, you will be confident managing competing priorities, supporting staff development and handling complex people matters sensitively and fairly. You will be committed to the principles of independent advocacy and ensuring the rights, choices and voices of people experiencing disadvantage remain central to service delivery.
This is an opportunity to lead a valued independent advocacy service, support a dedicated team and work with the Board of Trustees and external partners to strengthen EARS’ sustainability, quality and impact across Scotland.
How to Apply:
Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack and job description. You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.
Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd November
Interview Date: Monday 16th November
This search is being conducted exclusively for EARS Independent Advocacy Service by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked extensively in and with the voluntary sector and academia and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.