Now Hiring: Chief Operating Officer
Play a pivotal role in leading Scotland’s social security system, overseeing one of the country’s essential public services and ensuring more than one in three people across Scotland receive the support they need. As Chief Operating Officer of Social Security Scotland, you will lead an operational workforce of over 3,000 colleagues, delivering essential services at scale while driving operational excellence, resilience and transformation. Through your leadership, you will ensure people across Scotland receive high-quality, person-centred support with dignity, fairness and respect.
This is a high-profile executive leadership role with responsibility for turning strategic ambition into exceptional public service delivery. It offers a unique opportunity for an inspiring, values-driven leader to shape the future of social security in Scotland, leading through complexity and change to improve outcomes for citizens while ensuring high-quality, person-centred services are delivered at scale.
What you’ll lead
You’ll have responsibility over a range of key areas:
Operational Leadership and Service Delivery
Strategy, Transformation and Performance
You will drive organisational transformation and continuous improvement, translating strategic priorities into sustainable operational delivery. Using data, insight and innovation, you will modernise services, improve organisational performance and ensure Social Security Scotland remains responsive to changing client needs and public expectations.
Executive Leadership and Governance
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of leading large-scale operations and delivering successful organisational transformation. You will combine strategic thinking with operational excellence, providing confident leadership through change, complexity and challenge.
You will be a resilient and authentic leader, known for your visible, empathetic approach and ability to build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience of public service reform would be advantageous, but we welcome candidates from both the public and private sectors who can demonstrate leadership at the scale and complexity this role requires.
Your application
To apply, please submit your CV along with a 1000-word Supporting Statement that directly addresses the Experience Criteria listed in the Success Profile.
Our benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits including:
- A competitive salary
- A generous pension scheme and annual leave package
- 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 are committed to ensuring 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 11/11/2026.
Our application tips
Learn more about the application process and how to compose your Supporting Statement and CV.
Your application
This guide provides useful information for anyone who is applying for a senior position at the Scottish Government.