Chief Digital Officer

Job description

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 McCloud 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.

Success profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills:

Please refer to the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework the for the full list of technical skills for this role - [GDD role and capability information](https://understand-digital-data-roles-skills.service.gov.uk/skills/).

Experience:

• Extensive senior leadership experience leading organisation-wide digital, data and technology transformation, working with Executive Boards, senior stakeholders, government partners and suppliers to shape strategy, influence decision-making and deliver sustainable organisational outcomes.

• Proven track record of leading large, multidisciplinary operational teams across digital, data, cyber security, information management and technology functions within a regulated, customer-focused environment, driving performance, governance, organisational change and service excellence.

• Demonstrable experience establishing and leading enterprise-wide approaches to cyber security, information governance, data management and risk, strengthening organisational resilience, compliance, innovation and the adoption of digital ways of working.

• Significant experience of leading the commercial management of digital contracts, including procurement, contract negotiation, supplier performance, risk management and securing value for money.

Behaviours:

• Leadership – Level 4

• Making Effective Decisions – Level 4

• Seeing the bigger picture – Level 4

• Changing and improving - Level 4

Find out more about [Success Profiles](https://www.gov.scot/publications/success-profiles-candidate-guide/pages/about-success-profiles/).

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1500 words) providing evidence of how you meet the experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.

Stage one (CV & Supporting Statement review):

An initial review will be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement on the above experience and behaviours in the Success Profile.

Stage two (psychometric assessment):

If you are shortlisted, the next stage of the selection process will include an individual psychometric assessment. Further details will be provided to successful candidates.

Stage three (interview and assessment)

If successful at application review, you will be invited for further assessment, which will consist of an in-person interview and GDD Technical Assessment at the SPPA office in Tweedbank, where we will test the majority of the Technical / Professional Skills listed in the [GDD role and capability information](https://understand-digital-data-roles-skills.service.gov.uk/role/chief-data-officer/).

The interview will also test the experience and behaviours in the above success profile.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our [candidate guidance](https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/introduction/) for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

Sifting will commence from w/c 16th November 2026.

Psychometric assessment will commence from w/c 16th or 23rd November 2026. Interview and technical assessment are scheduled for w/c 7th December 2026, however this may be subject to change and these will take place on the same day at the SPPA office in Tweedbank.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the [Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles](https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/) and we investigate any [complaints](https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/complaints/) received in relation to recruitment cases

About us

At the SPPA, we are committed to [The Fair Work Framework](https://fairworkconvention.scot/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](https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/about-us/) observing the [Civil Service Code](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/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](https://www.jobs.gov.scot/what-we-offer).

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the [Civil Service Nationality Rules](https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/nationality-requirements/).

You can also find out more about careers at the SPPA here - [SPPA Careers | SPPA (pensions.gov.scot](https://pensions.gov.scot/about-us/sppa-careers))

Working Pattern

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.

Security Checks

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](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-baseline-personnel-security-standard), or read about the different levels of security checks in our [Candidate Guide](https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/introduction/).

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.

Equality Statement

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](https://www.jobs.gov.scot/an-inclusive-organisation) and how we offer and support [recruitment adjustments](https://www.jobs.gov.scot/requesting-adjustments-2) for anyone who needs them.

Further Information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our [Careers Website](https://www.jobs.gov.scot/).

Read our [Candidate Guide](https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/introduction/) for further information on our recruitment and application processes

We will hold a reserve list for this post for 12 months.Apply Before: 15th November 2026 (23:59) - This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only.