Cricket Scotland
Link to Apply: https://hr.breathehr.com/recruitment/vacancies/47473
Description
https://hr.breathehr.com/recruitment/vacancies/47473
About Cricket Scotland
Cricket Scotland is currently seeking a Business Operations Manager to play a central role in ensuring Cricket Scotland is an effective and trusted governing body for the sport.
As the national governing body for cricket in Scotland, Cricket Scotland is responsible for leading and developing the game from grassroots participation through to international cricket. Working alongside clubs, volunteers, officials, coaches, schools, communities, and partners across the country, we are committed to growing the game and ensuring cricket is inclusive, welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for all.
Our strategy, Uniting People and Communities through Cricket (2024–2028), sets out a clear vision for the future of the game in Scotland, with a focus on growing participation, supporting clubs, developing the women’s and girls’ game, and creating positive experiences and opportunities across all levels of cricket.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced business operations professional who is a team player, has a keen eye for detail and can assist Cricket Scotland deliver effective central services.
Role Purpose
The Business Operations Manager is a key senior role within Cricket Scotland, responsible for ensuring the organisation operates effectively, efficiently and sustainably across its core business functions.
The Business Operations Manager is a key senior role within Cricket Scotland, responsible for ensuring the organisation operates effectively, efficiently and sustainably across its core business functions.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Senior Management Team, Board, relevant Committees, outsourced finance providers and external partners, the postholder will lead and strengthen Cricket Scotland’s financial management, business operations, governance support and organisational systems.
Working within a model where core financial and payroll services are delivered by outsourced providers, this role acts as the internal finance lead, ensuring those services are effectively managed, outputs are robust, and financial information is translated into meaningful insight for the business.
This includes providing operational support to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Budget Managers for budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, cashflow monitoring, funding and grant reporting, audit preparation, financial controls and compliance.
Beyond finance, the Business Operations Manager will support the effective running of the organisation through strong administrative, operational and governance processes. They will contribute to business planning, risk management, continuous improvement, supplier and contract management, and the development of policies and procedures that help Cricket Scotland operate as a modern, well-governed national sporting body.
This is a hands-on, analytical and business-facing leadership role, suited to a proactive and solutions-focused professional who can combine financial discipline with operational oversight, collaborative working and a clear commitment to the long-term sustainability and success of cricket in Scotland.
Key Responsibilities
Business Partnering & Decision Support
- Act as Cricket Scotland’s internal lead for business operations and for coordinating the organisation’s relationship with its outsourced finance partner, providing clear advice, support and challenge to colleagues, budget holders and senior leaders.
- Act as the primary internal liaison with Framework Advisory, Cricket Scotland’s outsourced financial services provider, and other business services providers and partners, as appropriate.
- Work closely with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Board Committees, Framework Advisory and other external business services providers to support effective organisational planning, financial oversight and decision-making.
- Support continuous improvement of outsourced business operations processes and reporting to ensure compliance with all legislation and regulatory guidance
- Working with the outsourced partners, ensure delivery of accurate and timely financial data, payroll processing, VAT returns etc.
- Lead on Cricket Scotland’s business relationships to ensure to the provision of high quality products and services to suit the needs of the business.
Financial Reporting & Management Accounts
- Ensure outsourced financial services provide accurate, timely and meaningful financial reporting, including income, expenditure, cashflow, budget performance and variance analysis.
- Support the preparation of financial reports and supporting papers for the CEO, Senior Management Team, Board and relevant Committees.
- Monitor financial performance against budget, highlighting key risks, opportunities, trends and variances.
- Ensure budget holders receive clear and accessible financial information to support effective decision-making and budget management.
- Support the development of reporting formats, dashboards and management information that improve organisational oversight and accountability.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis
- Coordinate Cricket Scotland’s internal input into the annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, working closely with budget holders, senior leaders and the outsourced finance partner responsible for leading financial planning, modelling, forecasting and budgeting.
- Develop and maintain financial models, scenario planning tools and analysis to support organisational planning, investment decisions and long-term sustainability.
- Provide financial and business analysis to support programme delivery, operational planning, commercial activity, funding decisions and strategic priorities.
- Working with Framework Advisory monitor cashflow requirements and support effective planning of organisational resources.
- Assist budget holders in understanding financial performance and to plan and managing income and expenditure effectively.
- Manage overseas transactions to ensure Cricket Scotland optimises its returns from foreign currency payments.
Funding, Grants & Partnerships
- Act as the lead point of contact for sport scotland and the International Cricket Council for all financial reporting and monitoring for funding agreements working with Framework Advisory to prepare timely and accurate reports by their due dates.
- Work with outsourced finance providers and internal colleagues to ensure funding reports, grant claims and monitoring returns are accurate, timely and compliant with funder requirements.
- Assist where required with financial elements of funding applications, investment cases and partnership reporting.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure funded programmes are planned, monitored and reported effectively.
Audit, Compliance & Controls
- Support the External Audit relationship including preparation for the annual external audit, collation of working papers and liaison with auditors seeking support from the Fractional Finance Director as required.
- Ensure financial records, controls, processes and procedures are accurate, complete, compliant and audit-ready.
- Maintain and regularly review financial policies, procedures and guidance, including the Finance Procedures Manual.
- Support compliance with statutory obligations including Companies Act requirements.
- Oversee and strengthen internal financial controls, authorisation processes, procurement practices and organisational procedures.
- Ensure appropriate handling of confidential, sensitive and commercially relevant information, including Subject Access Requests.
Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Support strong governance and business operations across Cricket Scotland, working with the CEO, Board, Committees and Senior Management Team as required.
- Manage the maintenance and development of organisational policies, procedures, risk registers, registers of interest and compliance records.
- Oversee and improve administrative (including onboarding), digital and business systems to support efficient organisational delivery.
- Manage or support supplier contracts, service agreements, insurance arrangements and other operational requirements.
- Contribute to organisational planning, performance monitoring, risk management and business continuity arrangements.
- Identify and implement improvements to systems, processes and ways of working that enhance efficiency, accountability and organisational resilience.
- Support administrative or business support staff where required, promoting high standards, effective communication and a collaborative working culture.
- Work collaboratively across Cricket Scotland’s performance, development, competitions and corporate functions to support effective delivery nationwide.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role and may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect the evolving needs and priorities of Cricket Scotland.
The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which are reasonably consistent with the level and scope of the role.
Success Factors
In this role, success will be demonstrated by:
- Delivering accurate, timely and insightful financial and operational information that supports effective decision-making.
- Building strong, trusted relationships with colleagues, Board members, Committees and external partners.
- Ensuring Cricket Scotland maintains high standards of governance, compliance and financial control.
- Continuously improving business processes, systems and organisational efficiency.
- Supporting a collaborative, customer-focused culture across the organisation.
- Contributing positively to the delivery of Cricket Scotland's strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.
Key Working Relationships
Internal
- Chief Executive Officer
- Senior Management Team
- Board of Directors
- Board Committees
- Budget Holders
External
- Framework Advisory
- sportscotland
- International Cricket Council (ICC)
- Auditors
- Banking and insurance providers
- Suppliers and contractors
- Clubs, partners and other stakeholder
Person Specification
To be considered for this role, you should be able to demonstrate the following qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:
To be considered for this role, you should be able to demonstrate the following qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Professional Experience
- Degree-level qualification in finance, business management, accounting, governance or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Experience in a senior business operations, business management, finance coordination or organisational management role.
Business Operations and Organisational Management
- Experience supporting effective organisational operations, including administration, business systems, policies, procedures and cross-team ways of working.
- Strong organisational and operational management skills, with the ability to coordinate people, processes, systems and information across a busy organisation.
Finance, Planning and Reporting
- Experience preparing and managing budgets, financial reporting, forecasting and organisational planning processes.
- Strong financial literacy, with the ability to understand and interpret management accounts, budgets, forecasts, cashflow information and variance reports.
Governance, Compliance and Risk
- Experience working with senior leaders, budget holders, Boards or Committees to support planning, reporting, governance and decision-making.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Analysis, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex financial, operational and performance information clearly to colleagues, senior leaders, Board members and Committees.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with internal teams, external providers, suppliers, volunteers and partners.
Project Management and Digital Skills
- Strong organisational, planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Experience working with external providers, suppliers or professional advisers to coordinate services and manage relationships.
Values and Approach
- A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable Criteria
Professional Qualifications and Sector Experience
- Professional qualification in finance, accounting, business management or governance, such as ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, AAT or equivalent.
- Experience working within sport, a National Governing Body, charity, public sector or membership organisation.
Governance, Compliance and Risk
- Knowledge of the governance framework applicable to sporting, charitable or membership organisations.
Contracts, Funding and External Relationships
- Experience supporting externally funded programmes, grant monitoring or partnership reporting.
Business Improvement and Organisational Development
- Experience contributing to business planning, organisational development, sustainability initiatives or continuous improvement projects.
- Experience improving business, financial or digital systems to increase efficiency and accountability.
People Management
- Experience of line management or supervising staff.
Hours of Work
You will work an average of 37.5 hours per week within this role.
You will work an average of 37.5 hours per week within this role.
While standard office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, the nature of the role requires a high degree of flexibility. Evening and weekend working may be required.
Place of Work
The normal place of work for this role is the National Cricket Academy, Edinburgh.
We operate a hybrid-working model and, where appropriate, there will be flexibility to work from home on some days each week.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Cricket Scotland is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity of thought, experience and background strengthens our leadership and helps us better deliver our vision and strategy for the future of Scottish cricket.
As part of our commitment to growing the women’s and girls’ game, we particularly welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting the development of opportunities for women and girls in cricket and sport more broadly.
We welcome applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and identities and are particularly keen to hear from candidates who can contribute to increasing the diversity of representation and thinking within our organisation.
To help us monitor and improve the inclusivity of our recruitment process, applicants are invited to complete our short Equality Monitoring Form, which can be found here:
Cricket Scotland Equality Monitoring Form – Job Applicants – Fill out form
Our Values
Our core values are central to everything we do. They describe what is important to us, how we will work together to achieve our goals, and the behaviours we look for – and those we discourage – in our interactions with each other.
Our core values are central to everything we do. They describe what is important to us, how we will work together to achieve our goals, and the behaviours we look for – and those we discourage – in our interactions with each other.
- We are proud to be diverse, committed to being inclusive and welcoming.
- We are transparent and accountable to ourselves and our sport.
- We ensure people are central to everything we do.
- We are bold and brave to drive the sport forward.
- We always remember cricket should be enjoyable for all.
Application Process
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click on the apply button below.
You will thereafter provide your contact details, respond to the questions posed, and then upload your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in this role and what you will bring to this role.
The closing date for the post is Sunday 12 July 2026
Benefits
The salary for this role is £36,384 - £41,266 per annum.
When you join Cricket Scotland, you’ll also benefit from:
• 35.5 days’ holiday per year, including public holidays.
• Enhanced sick pay provisions.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cycle-to-work, home, and tech purchases, offering savings of up to around 8%.
• Health Cash Plan, providing money back on everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
• 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support, including access to online GP appointments.
• Mental Health First Aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential support whenever you need it.
• Hybrid working arrangements, supporting flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning within a national governing body environment.