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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team of 350, driving strategic improvements across corporate services.
- Company: Join COPFS, a key player in Scotland's justice system, committed to transformation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hours, and a generous pension scheme with over 28% employer contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on crime prosecution in Scotland while shaping the future of COPFS.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in corporate services and decision-making in high-risk areas required.
- Other info: This role offers travel across Scotland and opportunities for professional growth within the Civil Service.
The predicted salary is between 108393 - 108393 £ per year.
SCS2 Chief Operating Officer
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is undergoing an ambitious strategic transformation and requires your skills and experience in the role of Chief Operating Officer to help drive improvements.
COPFS seeks a strong and experienced leader who can engage and inspire colleagues, make critical organisation-wide decisions to shape the strategic direction of COPFS, and play a critical role in the next stage of our journey.
As Chief Operating Officer, you will take accountability for the effective management of resources, workplaces and technology with overall responsibility for a directorate of around 350 people. You will oversee all corporate services including Finance and Procurement, Human Resources, Information Services, Estates Management, Transformational Change, and Performance Improvement. You will have experience of delivering effective and responsible corporate services and be no stranger to making big improvements within tightly defined budgets. You will also be experienced in making decisions relating to potentially high-risk areas.
Working within a refreshed senior structure and reporting directly to the Crown Agent and Chief Executive, the Chief Operating Officer will work together with Legal Directors across COPFS to meet organisational aims and emerging priorities. You will be a catalyst for change and new initiatives within the directorate while ensuring COPFS operates within its financial agreement.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone appropriately qualified and experienced in leading a broad range of corporate resources who is committed to contributing to achieving the strategic aims and ambitions of COPFS to make a real difference in the prosecution of Crime in Scotland.
Additional Information:
This post is one of our Senior Civil Service (SCS) Directors in Pay Band 2.
Please see the candidate pack for more information on the role job details and assessment guide, this can be downloaded from our Current Vacancies page on our website.
The starting salary is from £108,393 (full time). A contributory pension scheme is in operation, with employees' contributions of 7.35% and employers' contributions of 28.97%
This post can be based in any COPFS office. The post holder will regularly travel to Edinburgh, Glasgow and other COPFS offices across Scotland and will attend weekly in-person meetings in Edinburgh.
For further details on this role and how to apply please review the application pack on our website via the button below.
Alternatively, please contact PS Crown Agent and Chief Executive if you have any questions relating to the role.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 19th March at 23:55
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and aim to employ a diverse workforce, which reflects the people of Scotland.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:
- 25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
- Generous Civil Service Pension employer contribution, on average over 28.97% of your pay
- Flexible working hours and family friendly approach to work.
- Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
- Employee Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Contact Detail:
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the strategic transformation goals of COPFS. Understanding their vision will help you align your experience and leadership style with their needs, showcasing how you can drive improvements effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing large teams and resources within tight budgets. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully implemented change and improved performance in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of COPFS to gain insights into the organizational culture and challenges they face. This knowledge can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to making a real difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your decision-making process in high-risk areas. Being able to articulate your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions will show that you are ready to take on the responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Operating Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the strategic goals of COPFS to tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your leadership experience and any previous roles where you managed corporate services or led significant organizational changes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to make critical decisions and drive improvements.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the role in your application. Discuss how you plan to contribute to the strategic aims of COPFS and how your leadership style can inspire and engage colleagues across the organization.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and professionalism. Ensure that your language is aligned with the tone of the job description and that there are no grammatical errors or typos.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams. Highlight specific examples where you inspired colleagues and made critical decisions that shaped the direction of your organization.
✨Showcase Financial Acumen
Since the role involves managing resources within tightly defined budgets, be ready to talk about your experience with financial management. Provide examples of how you've delivered effective corporate services while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
✨Emphasize Change Management Skills
As a catalyst for change, it's important to convey your ability to lead transformational initiatives. Share instances where you've implemented significant changes and how you navigated potential risks associated with those decisions.
✨Understand the Organizational Context
Familiarize yourself with COPFS's strategic aims and current challenges. Demonstrating knowledge about the organization and its goals will show your commitment and readiness to contribute meaningfully to their mission.
