At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage and innovate Excel-based pension calculation tools.
- Company: Join the Scottish Public Pensions Agency, serving over 600,000 members.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector pensions while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical management and a strong understanding of pensions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a pensions expert with a background in technical management? The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) administers public sector pensions to over 600,000 members in 4 major schemes, delivered across an operational area of over 200 colleagues. The Technical Services remit is to centralise the operational controls that oversee pensions, data, and payroll delivery in partnership with colleagues from Policy, Risk, Audit, and Governance.
The Technical Services team will support operational colleagues in understanding current and future requirements, and articulating process and system demands to meet those requirements. As the Manager of Pensions Technical Controls, you will lead and manage a team responsible for the development, maintenance, and assurance of complex Excel-based calculation tools that underpin critical pensions, data, and payroll operations. Operating within a highly regulated and complex environment, you will provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure these tools are accurate, compliant, and aligned with policy objectives, risk parameters, audit preparedness, and governance requirements.
This role demands strong leadership to drive calculator innovation, embed technical controls, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Operational Leadership: Manage and lead a team of specialists, ensuring clear objectives, performance management, and professional development to deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Calculator Asset Management: Oversee the maintenance of a comprehensive register of all internal and online calculation tools, with a primary focus on Excel-based calculators.
- Maintenance & Defect Resolution: Direct and coordinate routine maintenance and defect remediation activities to safeguard accuracy and functionality of Excel calculators.
- Risk & Assessment: Lead evaluations of the robustness and compliance of calculation tools, identifying emerging risks and informing mitigation strategies.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive the development and implementation of an improvement roadmap for Excel-based calculators, embedding best practices and fostering innovation.
- Assurance & Compliance: Ensure assurance activities are effectively executed so all calculators meet regulatory standards and operational requirements.
- Release Management: Implement and oversee a structured release process to guarantee that only approved and accurate versions of Excel calculators are deployed.
Technical Services Manager in Galashiels employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in pensions and technical management can truly make a difference. With a strong commitment to employee development, SPPA fosters a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, ensuring that you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your role. Located in a highly regulated sector, you will be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to the well-being of over 600,000 members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Services Manager in Galashiels
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pensions and technical management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with Excel-based calculators and any successful projects you've led. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to operational leadership and compliance in pensions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Services Manager in Galashiels
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in technical management and pensions, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Technical Services Manager role. Share specific examples of your achievements in managing teams and improving processes, and let us know why you're excited about joining StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves complex Excel-based tools, make sure to highlight your proficiency with Excel and any relevant software. If you’ve developed or maintained similar tools before, give us the details! We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your pensions knowledge, especially the specifics related to public sector schemes. Familiarise yourself with the operational controls and how they relate to data and payroll delivery, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Excel Skills Are Key
Since you'll be managing Excel-based calculation tools, it's crucial to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel during the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex calculations and any innovative solutions you've implemented in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Technical Services Manager, you'll need strong leadership skills. Think about examples from your previous roles where you've successfully led a team, managed performance, or driven continuous improvement. This will help illustrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the highly regulated environment, expect questions around compliance and risk management. Prepare to discuss how you've ensured regulatory standards in your previous roles and how you would approach risk assessments for the calculation tools you'll oversee.
