Service Manager - Data Provisioning

Join to apply for the Service Manager – Data Provisioning role at Social Security Scotland

This range is provided by Social Security Scotland. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Are you an experienced Service Manager with a passion for data and digital innovation? The Data Office at Social Security Scotland is seeking a proactive professional to lead the strategic use of data across the organisation and the wider public sector. If you excel in large‑scale agile delivery, have strong data domain knowledge, and can manage diverse teams and contracts, this is an exciting opportunity to shape social security services through data‑driven solutions.

• Define success and quality measures for a service, driving continuous improvement towards these measures.
• Inform and influence stakeholders, getting consensus that enables work to progress.
• Ensure the delivery of change that realises the outcomes and benefits of the service.
• All delivery is managed in a demonstrable, cost‑effective manner.
• Coach and lead teams in Agile and Lean practices, tailoring approachesng to maximise effectiveness.
• Promote innovative working methods to achieve optimal outcomes and build stakeholder consensus.
• Act as a recognised expert, advocating approaches and challenging teams to improve processes and delivery.
• Apply advanced knowledge of design, technology, and data principles within the service area.
• Identify and implement solutions for assisted digital and support the required digital, data, and technology (DDaT) roles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of tools, concepts, and phases of product delivery, adapting approaches as needed.
• Develop, own, and iteratively refine Agile business cases throughout the product lifecycle.
• Determine appropriate deliverables and assign the right people to ensure effective delivery.
• Recognise when to progress or pause initiatives based on experience across the product lifecycle.
• Ensure delivery aligns with industry best practice and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with operational delivery leaders in DDaT.
• Build consensus with stakeholders and act as an escalation point for major operational issues.
• Champion operational management and foster cross‑team collaboration.
• Develop a long‑term vision and objectives, focusing on what is most relevant and valuable.
• Ensure user needs across multiple channels are met, applying insights into evolving requirements.
• Apply strategic thinking to deliver the best possible service for end users.
• Anticipate potential issues and mitigate them early, understanding their broader impact.
• Maintain a proactive approach to problem‑solving within the wider service context.

• Proven experience in leading large‑scale data and digital projects or programmes, including developing long‑term vision and objectives, and translating these into credible business cases aligned with an organisation’s strategic priorities. Skilled in delivering roadmaps and plans on time and within budget through strong leadership and agile decision‑making.
• Extensive experience in leading data teams through all phases of a product lifecycle to deliver large‑scale digital projects or programmes that involve complex user requirements, business and technical challenges, and require effective cross‑silo collaboration, maximising the opportunities offered by digital technology.

• Seeing the Big Picture (Level 4)
• Leadership (Level 4)

This role is aligned to Service Owner in the Digital, Data and Technology Profession. These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at the sift stage. They will not be assessed at application stage. Please review the following to understand the skill expectations:
Service owner – Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.

• Apply online, you must provide a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the Experience and Behaviours listed in the Success Profiles above. Be sure to provide…