Lead Application Operations Engineer

Scottish Government; Glasgow, Dundee; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency is seeking an experienced IT leader to manage application strategy and ensure systems meet business needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, overseeing infrastructure and services while resolving complex incidents. The position offers an annual salary of £60,010 - £74,820, along with a £5,000 Digital, Data and Technology pay supplement after a qualifying period. This role is pivotal in enhancing public services and employee wellbeing in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading IT operations and managing service performance.
• Ability to navigate complex digital environments.
• Competency in managing application systems and resolving incidents.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with IT leads on application performance and necessary changes.
• Manage and maintain application aspects based on project needs.
• Ensure service components meet business needs and performance targets.
• Lead investigation and resolution of complex incidents.

Skills

Technical leadership

Infrastructure support

Cloud systems management

Effective communication

Job description

Salary – £60,010 - £74,820 (plus a £5,000 Digital, Data and Technology pay supplement after a 3 month qualifying period)

Location – Dundee or Glasgow

Hours – 35 hours per week

Closing Date – 7th January 2026 at 23:55

Reference – 2975

Employment Type – Permanent

Overview

We are seeking experienced IT leaders with a broad technical background in supporting infrastructure, cloud, and enterprise systems. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating complex digital environments and communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels, both technical and non-technical. Please note, this position is not within a DevOps capacity. If you’re ready to lead in a fast paced, evolving environment, we want to hear from you.

Social Security Scotland, an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, delivers 17 major benefits, reaching around 2 million people across Scotland. With an annual benefit budget of £6.7 billion for 2025–26, Social Security Scotland plays a central role in supporting low-income and disabled individuals, carers, and families, while contributing to the Scottish Government’s statutory child poverty targets. Our Charter affirms the agency’s values and commitments, ensuring that clients are treated with dignity, fairness and respect, and that their feedback informs service enhancements.

Social Security Scotland embeds a positive and inclusive organisational culture. This focuses on employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, professional development, and performance improvement. The agency recognises that its workforce is key to delivering high-quality public services and is committed to creating an environment where staff are empowered to grow and contribute meaningfully.

A lead application operations engineer defines the application strategy and the strategy for security administration.

At this role level, you will:

• liaise with leads within IT operations on how applications are performing and changes that need to be put in place
• potentially manage and maintain certain aspects of an application (depending on the complexity and size of a project, and the likely impact it will have on the business)

DDaT Pay Supplement

This post is part of the Scottish Government Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) profession and as a member of the profession you will join the professional development system. This post currently attracts a £5,000 annual DDAT pay supplement, applicable after a 3 months competency qualifying period. The payment will be backdated to your start date in the role. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly and there is one currently underway. Changes will be communicated when the review is concluded.

Main Duties

• Manage service components to ensure they meet business needs and performance targets
• Lead the investigation and resolution of complex incidents
• Take accountability for issues that occur and be proactive in searching for potential problems

  Further Information

  Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].