Chief Operating Officer, Social Security Scotland

Executive Team member leading operational delivery at Social Security Scotland, a Scottish Government executive agency that runs devolved benefits for more than a third of the population. The post oversees a workforce of about 3,000 colleagues, covering delivery performance, risk and financial stewardship, with assurance reporting to the Chief Executive. The role sits in a highly scrutinised setting with Ministerial and Parliamentary attention, hybrid working with two office days a week and regular travel across sites. Security Check clearance and five years’ UK residency are required before appointment.

What the job involves

• Lead delivery of organisational strategy so benefit services are efficient, effective, compliant and outcome-focused
• Provide strategic leadership for Client Services Delivery, removing barriers and ensuring reliable service
• Provide assurance to the Chief Executive on performance, capability, financial sustainability, resilience and strategic priorities
• Drive performance through data, insight and management information, embedding continuous improvement
• Lead and influence an inclusive, engaged, high-performing workforce and build organisational and leadership capability
• Oversee financial planning and performance and compliance with financial requirements
• Contribute to Executive Team strategy, transformation and delivery of ministerial priorities with the Scottish Government and partners
• Build trusted relationships with Ministers, senior leaders and external partners, providing advice, assurance and performance reporting
• Support governance, risk management, operational resilience and service modernisation, including adoption of new systems
• Lead an operational workforce of around 3,000 colleagues, including health and social care professionals, across Scotland
• Lead operational priorities supporting the Public Service Reform agenda and engage with Local Authorities, Health Boards and third sector partners
• Provide visible leadership across geographically dispersed teams, travelling to sites and Scottish Government locations

What’s required

Experience

• Proven experience leading large-scale operational delivery functions with accountability for performance and outcomes
• Demonstrable success leading organisational transformation and continuous improvement in complex organisations
• Extensive Board and Executive-level experience in strategic leadership, governance and assurance in highly scrutinised environments
• Track record leading large, geographically dispersed workforces and building high-performing, inclusive cultures
• Experience leading through complex change and delivering person-centred services to people in vulnerable circumstances

Skills & knowledge

• Success Profile Level 6 behaviours: leadership, managing a quality service, seeing the big picture, communicating and influencing, delivering at pace

Checks & eligibility

• Baseline Personnel Security Standard: identity, right to work, employment history and unspent criminal record check
• Security Check (SC) clearance, requiring five years’ UK residency prior to the vetting application

What’s offered

• Flexible working options, including Flexi-leave
• Standard hours of 37 per week
• Hybrid working with a minimum of two office days a week
• Wide range of employee benefits
• Supportive and inclusive working environment

#J-18808-Ljbffr…