Chief Operating Officer, Social Security Scotland

Scottish Government Recruitment; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Social Security Scotland is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead its large operational footprint, mandating strong performance, resilience and service excellence across Scotland. Based mainly in Glasgow with the wider network across the country, you will translate strategy into efficient, person-centred public services.

You will guide 3,000 colleagues, shape culture of inclusion, report to the Chief Executive, and collaborate with Ministers, local authorities and health boards to sustain

Job description

Job Description

Lead one of Scotland’s largest public service operations and help shape a social security system that supports more than a third of the nation’s population.
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government responsible for delivering Scotland's devolved social security system in line with the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 and our Charter.

We currently deliver 18 benefits to people on low income, disabled people, carers, young people entering employment and households requiring support with energy costs, reaching one in three people across Scotland.

This is a critical and high-profile senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of people across Scotland. The successful candidate will lead with a strong focus on performance, ensuring the effective delivery of services and outcomes, while fostering a culture of kindness, respect and inclusion for colleagues, partners and the people we serve.

As Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will operate in a highly visible environment subject to significant Ministerial, Parliamentary and public scrutiny, providing assurance to the Chief Executive on operational performance, risk, resilience and service delivery.
You will lead operational priorities that support Scotland's wider Public Service Reform agenda, driving innovation, continuous improvement and transformation to ensure services remain sustainable, effective and responsive to changing needs. You will also support engagement with Ministers and key stakeholders (Local Authorities, Health Boards third sector partners such as Citizen Advice Bureaux etc, ensuring the organisation is well positioned to meet external expectations and accountability requirements.

Delivering critical benefit services, you will lead an operational workforce of around 3,000 colleagues (including a range of Health & Social Care professionals), primarily based in Glasgow and Dundee, with smaller teams located across Scotland. You will provide visible and inspiring leadership to these large, geographically dispersed teams while maintaining a strong focus on service excellence and client outcomes.

You will be responsible for translating organisational strategy into operational excellence, delivering high-quality, efficient and person-centred services that improve outcomes for the people of Scotland. Recognising that many of those who rely on our services may experience financial hardship, disability, ill health or other challenges, you will ensure delivery reflects the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, while building confidence through resilient and trusted public services.

As a member of the Executive Team, you will provide strategic leadership across operational delivery, organisational performance, workforce capability and financial stewardship, ensuring benefit services remain resilient, sustainable and aligned with organisational values and Charter commitments.

You will foster a high-performing, inclusive and psychologically safe culture, building organisational capability and driving continuous improvement to deliver long-term public value. Operating in a complex and highly scrutinised environment, you will demonstrate resilience, sound judgement and authenticity, leading with compassion while maintaining a clear focus on delivery, performance and outcomes for the people of Scotland.