Technical Services Manager

Scottish Government; Galashiels; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Galashiels is seeking a Manager of Pensions Technical Controls. The successful candidate will lead a team responsible for the development and assurance of complex Excel-based calculation tools essential for pension operations. Responsibilities include managing performance, overseeing compliance evaluations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Strong leadership and expertise in technical management are essential for success in this regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in pensions management and technical controls.
• Strong background in leading teams and managing performance.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of specialists to ensure clear objectives.
• Oversee the maintenance of all internal and online calculation tools.
• Lead evaluations of the robustness and compliance of calculation tools.
• Drive the development of an improvement roadmap for calculators.
• Ensure assurance activities are executed to meet regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Management

Excel Expertise

Risk Assessment

Continuous Improvement

Job description

Are you a pensions expert with a background in technical management?

The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) administer public sector pensions to over 600,000 members in 4 major schemes, delivered across an operational area of over 200 colleagues. The Technical Services remit is to centralise the operational controls that oversee pensions, data, and payroll delivery in partnership with colleagues from Policy, Risk, Audit, and Governance. The Technical Services team will support operational colleagues in understanding current and future requirements, and articulating process and system demands to meet those requirements.

As the Manager of Pensions Technical Controls, you will lead and manage a team responsible for the development, maintenance, and assurance of complex Excel-based calculation tools that underpin critical pensions, data, and payroll operations. Operating within a highly regulated and complex environment, you will provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure these tools are accurate, compliant, and aligned with policy objectives, risk parameters, audit preparedness, and governance requirements. This role demands strong leadership to drive calculator innovation, embed technical controls, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Manage and lead a team of specialists, ensuring clear objectives, performance management, and professional development to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Calculator Asset Management: Oversee the maintenance of a comprehensive register of all internal and online calculation tools, with a primary focus on Excel-based calculators.
• Maintenance & Defect Resolution: Direct and coordinate routine maintenance and defect remediation activities to safeguard accuracy and functionality of Excel calculators.
• Risk & Assessment: Lead evaluations of the robustness and compliance of calculation tools, identifying emerging risks and informing mitigation strategies.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive the development and implementation of an improvement roadmap for Excel-based calculators, embedding best practices and fostering innovation.
• Assurance & Compliance: Ensure assurance activities are effectively executed so all calculators meet regulatory standards and operational requirements.
• Release Management: Implement and oversee a structured release process to guarantee that only approved and accurate versions of Excel calculators are deployed.