At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Digital, Data and Technology workstream for Scotland's education reform programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team driving change in Scotland's tertiary education system.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex programmes and managing multidisciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.
Job Specification
- Contract: Fixed-term (ending February 2027)
- Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working considered)
- Location: Hybrid / UK-based
Role Purpose
This role leads the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) workstream within a major statutory programme delivering reform to Scotland's tertiary education and training system. The postholder is responsible for planning, governance and delivery of all technology, data, systems and digital service elements required to support the transfer of apprenticeship funding responsibilities from one public body to another, ensuring full operational readiness by April 2027.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead delivery of the DDaT workstream, owning plans, milestones, dependencies and budget.
- Establish and maintain effective governance, reporting into programme and senior leadership forums.
- Manage dependencies across multiple workstreams, ensuring alignment on sequencing, risks and delivery timelines.
- Coordinate DDaT input to Transitional Services Agreement negotiations, protecting organisational interests in service levels, access and exit provisions.
- Oversee Day 1 operational readiness, including:
- Managed service arrangements for apprenticeship funding and payments systems.
- Data migration and continuity across multiple external system integrations.
- Establishment of internal capability to oversee and assure transferred services.
- Manage risks, issues and dependencies, escalating where intervention is required.
- Lead and develop a small DDaT PMO team, ensuring effective business analysis, requirements definition and prioritisation.
- Coordinate activity across internal digital, data, cloud and delivery teams, balancing programme and BAU demands.
- Manage external advisory and consultancy inputs to ensure value, alignment and avoidance of duplication.
- Produce clear programme reporting for senior leadership, boards and parliamentary accountability.
- Support benefits identification and tracking, ensuring measurable improvements in digital and data capability.
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Applicants must demonstrate experience of:
- Leading complex programmes involving organisational change, service transition or operational separation.
- Managing delivery across multiple organisations with significant interdependencies.
- Strong programme governance, including planning, risk management, financial control and senior reporting.
- Oversight of managed services, outsourced delivery or transitional service arrangements.
- Leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating work across specialists without direct line management.
- Communicating complex technical and programme information to non-technical audiences.
- Managing competing priorities within fixed statutory or regulatory deadlines.
- Understanding digital, data and technology operating models in a public-sector context.
Desirable Skills
- Experience of TUPE or workforce transition programmes.
- Familiarity with enterprise platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform or Dynamics 365 (oversight level).
- Experience working within the Scottish public sector.
DDaT Programme Manager in Livingston employer: Harvey Nash
As a leading employer in the public sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, particularly within our Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) team. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can thrive while contributing to meaningful reforms in Scotland's education system. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values your expertise and empowers you to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DDaT Programme Manager in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to DDaT. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples during interviews. Talk about how you've led complex programmes or managed teams, as this will resonate with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace DDaT Programme Manager in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description carefully. We want to see that you understand the role and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and essential skills outlined.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! We love it when applicants tailor their documents to highlight relevant experience. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit for the DDaT Programme Manager role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a small DDaT PMO team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and delivered complex programmes in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash
✨Know Your DDaT Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Digital, Data and Technology landscape, especially in the context of public sector reforms. Brush up on relevant frameworks and technologies like Microsoft Power Platform or Dynamics 365, as these could come up during your chat.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading complex programmes and managing multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated organisational change and service transitions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll need to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between tech and management.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about managing risks, dependencies, and competing priorities. Think of specific situations where you successfully handled these challenges, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
