Data Programme Manager - ARB18037 in Lochgilphead

Service: Customer Support Services / ICT

Closing Date: Thursday 11th June 2026

Our ICT team is 'ahead of the game' according to Audit Scotland and we have a track record of investment in programmes for ICT and digital development. Our customer satisfaction is excellent, and we are proud of our relatively low cost to high performance ratio, according to SOCITM benchmarking. We are looking for our next Data Programme Manager to work with our ICT and Digital Manager to help build and maintain a resilient and sustainable data culture across the organisation.

Argyll and Bute is one of Scotland’s most stunning areas. As its award-winning council, we play a vital part in the day-to-day life of our beautiful and diverse communities. Our unwavering purpose is to make Argyll and Bute the place where people want to live, to work and do business. And we are committed to making the council the place to have a great career, by providing excellent benefits and a friendly, dynamic working culture where each of our 5000 colleagues can deliver services that help our corner of Scotland thrive.

You will work within a highly skilled ICT Management Team covering not only the delivery of the council’s data programme, but all aspects of the ICT service. We are closely involved in national partnership working on public sector ICT and digital developments and strategies.

This is a council focused on driving the benefits of digital transformation with a vision of a digitally enabled workforce and future digital service delivery. Our data programme lies at the heart of our transformation agenda and is the vehicle through which the council is delivering on its 5-year data strategy and action plan, 2024-28. In alignment with that strategy and action plan, you will manage a range of data programme activities that advance the council’s key strategic themes.

Our management team will be your closest working colleagues and you will participate in and report to regular operational management team meetings with them. You will facilitate the council’s six-weekly Data Advisory Group meetings as well as various related project boards and sub-groups. You will have a close working relationship with your line manager, the ICT and Digital Manager and will prepare papers on data for leadership team and council as required.

We are looking for a dedicated, experienced professional with excellent technical understanding of our complex environment, astute data management skills, a commitment to constructive, collegiate team working, a problem-solving mindset and an active interest in the wider national and international ICT and data environment – issues and opportunities.

Our employees make good things happen in the day-to-day life and for the longer-term future of Argyll and Bute. We want you to feel valued working for us. We offer various benefits to support you, such as a competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave entitlement, cycle to work scheme, discounts on gym memberships and leisure centres, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for learning and career growth. We also embrace a modern approach to work, offering a flexible first approach where possible to requests from our employees to how they work.

We care about our people and the world around us and always aim to do the right thing. From employee recognition schemes to environmental policies we have many initiatives in place to help us look after the things we all care about.

Argyll and Bute Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work-life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver are not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.

Applicants should note that:

• Happy to talk about flexible working arrangements.

To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description please contact the recruiting manager, who is Gerry Wilson, ICT and Digital Manager, gerry.wilson@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy.