Chief Digital Officer - C3

Job description This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered. An exceptional opportunity to shape the future direction of SPPA, leading digital transformation and delivering a digital-first vision for public service pensions in Scotland.

The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) administers pensions for Scottish Teachers, Police, Firefighters' and National Health Service employees on behalf of the Scottish Government. 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.

This is an important period in the agency's development. Alongside delivering our core pension administration services, we are completing the Mc. Cloud Remedy programme, preparing for Pensions Dashboards, expanding our digital services and laying the foundations for our next Corporate Plan from 2027. Everything we do is focused on delivering reliable, high-quality services for members and employers while building a more modern, resilient and sustainable organisation for the future.

Our leadership roles play a vital part in shaping that future. As a pivotal member of our leadership community, you will set direction, drive improvement and create the conditions for colleagues to succeed. We are committed to developing leadership capability through continuous personal and collective development, fostering a culture built on collaboration, inclusion, accountability and learning.

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. This is a crucial Executive leadership role at a defining moment for the agency.

As SPPA enters the final year of its current Corporate Plan, digital, data and technology will play a central role in delivering our strategic priorities and shaping our future direction. We are developing the foundations of our next five-year strategy, with an ambition to deliver a digital-first service that meets the evolving needs of members, employers and colleagues while supporting the long-term sustainability of public service pensions in Scotland.

As Chief Digital Officer, you will lead the development and delivery of this vision. You will have the opportunity to shape how digital, data, technology and cyber security contribute to organisational performance, service quality and transformation, balancing strategic ambition with the operational discipline required to support a critical public service.

You will lead key programmes that will define the next stage of SPPA's evolution, including the continued rollout of our Engage member portal, preparation for the Pensions Dashboard, improvements to our data quality and governance, and the modernisation of core technology platforms and services. You will also play a leading role in leveraging emerging technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, increase organisational capacity and enhance the experience of both members and staff.

As a member of the Executive Team, you will contribute to the overall leadership of the agency, helping to shape organisational strategy, drive cross-agency improvement and build the capability required for future success. This is an opportunity to influence the direction of a nationally important organisation while leaving a lasting legacy through modern, secure and effective digital services.

The Chief Digital Officer is responsible for setting the vision, strategy and governance for digital, data, technology and cyber security across SPPA. The role leads the delivery of digital transformation, technology services, data governance and organisational change programmes, ensuring that digital, data and technology capabilities enable the successful delivery of corporate objectives and improved outcomes for members, employers and colleagues.

At this role level, you will:

• Lead the Digital Directorate, including Digital Transformation, IT & Security, Supplier Management, Data Governance and Business Transformation functions.
• Develop and deliver SPPA's Digital Strategy and roadmap, setting the long-term direction for digital, data and technology services.
• Act as a member of the SPPA Executive Team, providing strategic advice and leadership on digital, technology, security, data and transformation matters.
• Lead major digital transformation programmes, embedding agile and user-centred design approaches across the organisation.
• Provide executive oversight of cyber security, technology governance, architecture, suppliers and service delivery The Chief Digital Officer is responsible for leading and developing SPPA's digital, data and technology capability, ensuring services are secure, resilient, customer-focused and aligned to organisational strategy. The role provides strategic leadership for digital transformation, IT operations, cyber security, data governance, business transformation and legislative change.

Responsibilities

Develop SPPA's Digital Strategy and roadmap, setting the organisation's long-term architecture and vision for digital transformation and ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, Digital First principles and Scottish Government strategies. Lead the digital transformation of SPPA services, modernising legacy systems and implementing sustainable end-to-end digital solutions that improve customer and business outcomes.

Lead the development of SPPA's data governance, business transformation and legislative change agenda, ensuring organisational change, data and technology capabilities support delivery of strategic objectives. Maximise opportunities presented by emerging technologies including automation, artificial intelligence and shared service opportunities across the public sector Embed agile delivery methodologies, user-centred design and continuous improvement practices across the organisation.

Oversee delivery of all ICT, digital and security services, ensuring effective governance, resilience, sustainability and customer service performance. Ensure robust cyber security, information assurance, risk management and business continuity arrangements are maintained across the organisation. Lead supplier strategy, commercial oversight and contract governance arrangements to ensure value for money and service excellence .

Establish governance frameworks for digital, data and technology programmes, ensuring effective risk management, compliance and delivery assurance. Act as a member of the SPPA Executive Team, contributing to the strategic leadership and governance of the Agency. Build strong relationships with Scottish Government, public sector partners, suppliers and stakeholders to influence strategy and support delivery of organisational objectives.

Lead and develop multidisciplinary professional teams, fostering innovation, inclusion, learning and continuous improvement while ensuring capability and capacity for future organisational needs. This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the manager.

Working pattern This role is a permanent level transfer position. How to Apply Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C3 employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Selection Process All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager. Informal discussion dates tbc. Further Information If you have specific questions about the role, please contact stephen.pathirana@gov.scot Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.