EOI - Deputy Director for Infrastructure and Networks in Edinburgh

The technologies and services delivered and supported by Corporate Operations are critical to the effective running and management of the Scottish Government, and the many bodies who share these services. We will deliver, support and embed many technology and support services that will help make the Scottish Government one of the most effective and efficient organisations in their peer group, globally.

This role sits within the Technology group of the DDaT profession at SCS1, with the postholder responsible for leading operational delivery of technology infrastructure, platforms and services for Scottish Government and shared services customers in the central government sector across Scotland. The post holder will lead a team of 100+ DDaT professionals within the functional areas of SCOTS Architecture Management, Identity and SCOTS Access, Back Office Network Management and Corp / Back Office Cloud Platforms. As a leader within the Digital Officer Role Group within the Scottish Government’s Digital, Data and Technology profession, the post holder will ensure that we run, optimise and transform our networks/infrastructure, desktop and mobile capabilities on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the organisation’s infrastructure is secure, modern, cloud‑enabled, and fully aligned with strategic goals, while continuously moving away from on‑premise environments.
• Drive innovation by ensuring infrastructure removes barriers to using corporate applications, automation, Power Platform, AI, and mobile solutions, and by enabling other technology layers to leverage new capabilities.
• Develop and implement device and infrastructure strategies that balance flexibility, security, compliance, and diverse organisational needs, while modernising within agreed budgets.
• Maximise value from suppliers by adopting relevant innovations, utilising value‑added services, and making strong, evidence‑based cases for investment where appropriate.
• Build strong collaboration across technology teams, architects, and wider Scottish Government partners to ensure infrastructure effectively supports end‑to‑end solutions and shared service propositions for Scotland.
• Establish and sustain a capable, professional infrastructure team that can manage the platform, reduce operational risk, deliver dependable shared services, and promote digital services across the central government landscape.

Qualifications

Person Specification

It is essential that you can provide evidence of the following behaviours, technical and experience points below.

Behaviours:

• Leadership – level 5
• Developing Self and Others – level 5
• Working Together – level 5
• Delivering at pace – level 5

Technical:

• Digital, data, technology - Be literate in DDaT practices – be capable of effectively engaging with technical staff, suppliers and stakeholders to define the best approach to service design.
• Have demonstrable experience of agile project management, open source, cloud platforms and digital services at scale.
• Have specific digital, data or technology domain skills and experience, dependent on the role.

Experience:

• Leadership experience: A strong background in leading teams and overseeing day‑to‑day operations in a complex environment.
• Managing large operations: Experience overseeing services or systems for a large organisation, including planning improvements and ensuring continuity during change or disruption.
• Delivering change: A proven ability to plan and deliver complex projects from start to finish, ensuring they meet agreed objectives.
• Financial management: Experience managing sizeable budgets and making informed decisions about how resources are used.
• Strategic thinking: An ability to align operational plans with wider organisational priorities and long‑term goals.
• Senior stakeholder communication: Confidence in providing clear updates, highlighting risks, and explaining performance to senior leaders.
• Supplier management: Experience working with external suppliers and partners to ensure services are delivered effectively and represent good value.

This post is based in Edinburgh & Glasgow although as with most areas across the organisation, virtual & hybrid working is the current arrangement. Applicants on any working patterns are welcome to apply for this post. If you are interested in applying on a job-share basis, please make clear in your expression of interest if you wish to be considered as a pre-existing job-share partnership or if you are interested in moving into a job-share arrangement. We will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for the post and discuss all options with candidates. Our standard hours are 37 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.

If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Further information about this opportunity is available from Brian Reid - Brian.Reid2@gov.scot. Your expression of interest should be submitted by 12 May 2026, 23:55. The expression of interest, which should be no longer than 1,500 words, should explain why this would be a great opportunity for you at this stage in your career and what you would bring to the role. The note should confirm that you have discussed the opportunity with your Director and that they would be content to release you if the application is successful.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

The selection process will be short and light touch. Candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to an informal discussion with the recruiting manager and panel by the end of May. They will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the opportunity.