- Scottish Government
- Galashiels, Scottish Borders
- Full-Time
- 19 days ago
Head of IT Service Management.
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Head of IT Service Management: our view in 3 lines...
- The Role:This role leads IT service management and security functions for a Scottish public body that administers pensions.
- The Person:The person will lead multidisciplinary technical teams and suppliers, oversee IT services, cyber security, cloud infrastructure and technical architecture, and act as the senior escalation point for major incidents and technology risks.
- Requirements:The role calls for extensive experience leading multi-team and supplier IT service delivery functions using ITIL or equivalent service management frameworks, plus experience of cyber security, information security governance and risk management.
About the role
We're responsible for protecting the financial futures of over half a million people , that’s around 1 in 10 people in Scotland.
If you’re looking for meaningful work, a supportive environment and a career with purpose, you’ll find it at the SPPA.
Our office is based in Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders, the train station is a short two minute walk away and offers regular services to and from Edinburgh Waverley, making it a convenient and well connected location for commuters.
The surrounding area offers access to green space, walking routes and a strong sense of local community, supporting wellbeing both in and outside of work.
Our modern office building is designed to support flexible and collaborative working, with spaces for teamwork, quiet focus and hybrid working. Colleagues benefit from a comfortable, welcoming environment that reflects our commitment to wellbeing and inclusion.
As Head of IT and Security Management, you will lead SPPA's IT service management, cyber security, technical architecture and operational technology functions, ensuring the delivery of secure, resilient and high-performing technology services. You will provide strategic leadership to specialist teams and suppliers, driving continuous improvement in service delivery, technology governance and supplier performance. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will shape the development of SPPA's technology estate, ensuring it remains aligned to organisational priorities and supports the delivery of effective, innovative and customer-focused
Your role will involve providing strategic leadership for SPPA's technology and cyber security services, ensuring they remain secure, resilient and aligned to organisational priorities while driving continuous improvement and digital transformation.
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Lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver and continuously improve IT services, ensuring customer-focused outcomes that meet business needs and deliver measurable results
- Provide strategic leadership for cyber security, information security governance and operational resilience
- Oversee cloud infrastructure, technical architecture and service management disciplines across SPPA.
- Manage internal technology teams and third-party suppliers, ensuring appropriate capacity, capability and governance arrangements are in place.
- Establish and maintain effective IT governance frameworks, policies and standards covering service management, cyber security and technology operations.
- Act as the senior escalation point for major incidents, technology risks and security matters.
- Lead the technical design and governance of systems and services, ensuring solutions are secure, resilient and aligned to enterprise standards.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and provide expert advice on technology, service management and cyber security matters.
Responsibilities
- DDaT Asset and Configuartion Management - Expert
- Business Analysis (IT Operations) - Practitioner
- Continual Service Improvement - Practitioner
- IT Service Reporting - Practitioner
- Ownership and Initiative - Practitioner
- Service Management Framework Knowledge - Expert
- Extensive experience leading multi-team and supplier IT service delivery functions using ITIL or equivalent service management frameworks.
- Demonstrable experience of managing and delivering operational IT services in a complex environment.
- Experience of leading cyber security, information security governance and risk management activities.
- Leadership – Level 4
- Making Effective Decisions – Level 4
An initial sift will be conducted using the CV and supporting statement on the Experience criteria as listed above.
Stage two (interview and assessment): If successful at application sift, you will be invited to interview and assessment where we will test all criteria listed above. All the behaviours, experiences and technical elements outlined in the Success Profile will be assessed at this stage
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
Qualifications
At the SPPA, we are committed to The Fair Work Framework
This means offering:
- Security and stability
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Opportunities to learn and develop
- A respectful and inclusive working environment
At SPPA we want our workforce to be representative of Scottish society and we strive to be a workplace where people are welcomed and valued for the contribution they make.
We support flexible working and encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, including those starting their careers, changing careers, or returning to work.
We are committed to removing any barriers to applying for our jobs and aim to offer support and make reasonable adjustments to allow full participation in the recruitment process.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
You can also find out more about careers at the SPPA here - SPPA Careers | SPPA (pensions.gov.scot)
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options, with two days minimum working on site at SPPA. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Sponsorship
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
We will hold a reserve list for this post for 12 months.
(C Band) Leadership capabilities will be assessed during the interview process, and further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates
Apply Before: 20 September 2026 (23:59)
This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only. (internal & OGD)
