Specialist - Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service

Team: Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS)
Location: Aberdeen (with everyday flexibility working options)
Grade: 5
Salary: £61,421
Hours: 35 hours per week
Status: Full-time, permanent
Vacancy ref: R00706
Closing date: 17 June 2026

Be part of building Scotland’s future

We’re looking for a specialist to join our Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) team. You’ll work directly with manufacturers to improve operations and strengthen supply chain capability for offshore wind and the wider energy transition.

This is an opportunity to help businesses meet supply chain requirements and work closely with industry stakeholders.

The role

You’ll deliver hands-on support to manufacturers across the north east, helping them improve operations and strengthen supply chain capability for offshore wind and the wider energy transition. A large part of the role involves helping businesses meet supply chain requirements and building strong relationships across the sector.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting manufacturers to improve productivity and build capability for offshore wind and the wider energy transition
• Helping businesses understand and meet supply chain requirements through diagnostics, capability assessments and targeted support
• Building relationships with businesses, prime contractors and partners, while working with account managers and specialist teams to identify opportunities, unlock investment and help suppliers secure work in offshore wind and energy transition supply chains

Who we're looking for

You’re a credible and collaborative professional with experience in the energy sector and a strong understanding of supply chains and operational delivery. You’ll be comfortable working directly with businesses and can influence at all levels, turning industry requirements into practical improvement and investment activity.

You bring experience delivering operational improvement in a manufacturing environment and a good understanding of offshore wind supply chains. You’ll understand the steps businesses need to take to enter or grow in the sector – meeting new standards, building capability and developing investment plans. Just as importantly, you’ll be confident working with a range of stakeholders to help make that happen.

Your skills and experience should include:

• Experience in the energy sector, with a strong understanding of supply chains
• Delivery of operational improvement using recognised methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement
• Supporting or delivering change in an operational environment, including engagement with leadership teams
• Identifying and progressing opportunities that improve productivity and support capital investment
• Working with a range of stakeholders such as businesses, partners, or supply chain organisations

Ideally, but not essentially, you’ll also have:

• Knowledge of supplier readiness, standards, or requirements in energy or major project environments
• Experience of coaching, facilitation or mentoring to support business improvement
• Project management experience, including delivering projects with measurable outcomes

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.

How to apply

If you're interested in this role, complete your application form by Wednesday 17 June 2026.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 29 June 2026.

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 your employment with us.

We have the following networks that 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.