At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value ICT procurements and shape category strategy for the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service.
- Company: Join SCTS, a key player in the administration of justice in Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, excellent pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on justice while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Enjoy job stability and varied career prospects within the Civil Service.
The predicted salary is between 48423 - 57423 £ per year.
Starting Salary from: £48,423 to £57,423 dependant on experience + £5,000 annual recruitment and retention allowance.
The Scottish Courts & Tribunal Service (SCTS) is a great place to work, learn and develop. Joining SCTS means that you are joining an organisation that plays a key role in the administration of justice. We fulfil our purpose by providing the people, buildings and services needed to support the judiciary, the courts, devolved tribunals and OPG. Our work focuses on improving access to justice, reducing delay and cost within the justice system, modernising our services in line with reform, and using leading technology to improve our services for everyone.
Outline of the role: An exciting opportunity has opened within the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service (SCTS) for an experienced Procurement Category Manager ready to step into a senior leadership role. As our ICT Category Manager, you’ll lead high‑value, business‑critical and complex ICT procurements, shaping category strategy and working closely with technical teams, senior stakeholders and external partners. You’ll also act as Deputy Head of Procurement, supporting governance, team leadership, operational delivery and continuous improvement across the Procurement function — and deputising at strategic meetings when required.
What you’ll drive:
- Commercial excellence and robust sourcing strategies
- Contract negotiations, changes and performance management
- Leadership, coaching and capability building
- Compliance, governance and continuous improvement
- Sustainable procurement and social value outcomes
- Procurement transformation across SCTS
Our benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 2 years’ service) plus 12 public and privilege holidays
- Special leave and paid leave for study or voluntary public service
- Excellent Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Family friendly policies
- Free and confidential Employee Assistance
- A variety of staff discounts and offers with major retailers
- Payment of professional membership fees
- Access to opportunities across all Civil Service departments that are not available to non-Civil Servants
- A supportive and professional induction programme with regular check-ins with your line manager
- Job stability and security with excellent and varied career prospects
- Security of full pay when unwell (up to a maximum of 6 months)
- Learning and development (including digital) opportunities
About SCTS: SCTS is committed to equality and diversity in employment and service delivery. The work of SCTS covers a broader range of issues than you may think. In providing support to Scotland’s courts, devolved tribunals and the OPG, we touch the lives of many people on a daily basis – be that through formal court or tribunal business, fulfilling your civic duty as a juror, paying fees or fines, seeking help in managing the affairs of an incapable adult or dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away. SCTS deals with over a quarter of a million cases and applications each year. Behind each one of these is an individual – looking to the system to help them assert their rights, address wrongs or provide support in a time of need. It is this work – which takes place every day in our courts, tribunals and administrative centres across Scotland – that consumes most of the time, energy and skill of our staff. We take pride in working as one team and providing high levels of service to all those who use the courts, tribunals and OPG.
If you are interested in applying for this role please click on the link below. To apply please visit our website. The closing date for the post is: Sunday 12 April 2026. Interviews will be held 29 April 2026.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is exempt from the protections of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This permits us to ask applicants details of both spent and unspent convictions, along with details of any formal cautions that you may have. Individuals without existing security clearance will always be considered as all successful applicants will require a standard level Disclosure check completed before employment can commence.
Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting us in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.
Deputy Head of Procurement (Category Manager ICT) in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Procurement (Category Manager ICT) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at SCTS on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching SCTS's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to our mission of improving access to justice.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the skills needed for the Deputy Head of Procurement role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SCTS.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Procurement (Category Manager ICT) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in ICT procurement and leadership, showing how you can drive commercial excellence and sustainable outcomes.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that illustrate your ability to lead high-value procurements and manage complex contracts effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly see how you fit into the role and our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in ICT. Understand the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead high-value procurements.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of Procurement, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to coach and build capability within a team, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand SCTS's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of improving access to justice and modernising services. This shows your commitment to their cause and helps you stand out.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about past challenges you've faced in procurement and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.