Now hiring: Director-General Corporate / Chief Operating Officer
Be the strategic leader driving transformation and enabling excellence across government operations, ensuring resilient, efficient and inclusive corporate services at the heart of Scotland’s future.
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- Role: Director-General Corporate / Chief Operating Officer
- Salary: £143,036
- Apply before: 10/12/25, 23:55
Drive excellence across Scotland’s corporate services
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to take charge of a critical portfolio that provides corporate and shared services underpinning the Scottish Government’s ability to deliver for the people of Scotland.
As Director-General Corporate/Chief Operating Officer, you will lead a diverse team of Directors and Chief Executives, overseeing a workforce of approximately 2,100 staff and a budget of over £300 million, delivering services to government and shared services across the public sector. Your remit spans corporate and shared functions including digital transformation, people and capability, legal services, finance, governance, communications, workplace, property, procurement, and ministerial support.
You’ll work closely with Ministers, senior leaders and Non-Executive Directors, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture and ensuring excellence in service delivery, while driving transformation towards more integrated and shared service models.
What you’ll lead
Find out more about the work of the Scottish Government in our latest Programme for Government: Programme for Government – gov.scot
Digital Transformation
Lead the strategic development and implementation of digital services and platforms that enable efficient, secure and user-focused government operations.
People and Capability
Ensure the Scottish Government attracts, retains and develops diverse talent, and builds leadership and workforce capability.
Legal and Ethical Governance
Provide assurance on legal compliance, propriety and ethics across government operations to ensure quality advice for Scottish Ministers.
Financial Stewardship
Oversee financial planning, budgeting and performance, ensuring value for money and transparency.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader, who brings strategic insight, inclusive values and a strong track record of delivery in complex environments.
You will have significant experience of leading organisational strategies in large and complex settings, whether in government, the public sector or private sector. We’re seeking a candidate who is confident managing large budgets and overseeing corporate governance, while achieving results through collaboration and strong partnerships.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you have the vision and experience to drive excellence across Scotland’s corporate functions, we encourage you to apply.
Your application
To apply, please submit your CV along with a 500 word Supporting Statement that directly addresses the Experience Criteria listed in the Success Profile.
General or unrelated statements may result in your application being sifted out.
What we offer
Our benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits including:
- A competitive salary
- A generous pension scheme and annual leave package
- A range of flexible working options with base locations across Scotland
- The opportunity to deliver meaningful work for the people of Scotland
- Access to ongoing professional development
- An inclusive and supportive workplace
Committed to diversity
We are committed to recruiting a workforce which is reflective of our diverse population, where individual contributions are encouraged and valued.
We want to ensure that all applicants have the opportunity to perform at their best and we offer recruitment and workplace adjustments to anyone who needs them.
Ready to apply?
Visit the job advert via the link below for the full person specification and to apply.
Applications close 10/12/25, 23:55.
Application tips
Learn more about how to compose your Supporting Statement and CV.
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Contact our recruitment team SCSresourcing@gov.scot