At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Change and Release services, ensuring effective delivery and governance of projects.
- Company: Join Social Security Scotland, a forward-thinking government organisation focused on impactful change.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, hybrid model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for a 6-month temporary promotion with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in service delivery while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing Change and Release teams in a digital environment.
This is an exciting opportunity to step into a Temporary Promotion or Temporary Level Transfer role within the Strategic Portfolio and Delivery Assurance branch. Strategic Portfolio and Delivery Assurance provides the governance, assurance and oversight needed to ensure projects, programmes and products deliver the right change at the right time, safely, securely and with assured quality. Bringing together Portfolio Management, Test and Release Management, the branch plays a key role in supporting successful delivery across the organisation.
As Service Manager (Change and Release), you will lead the Change and Release service, ensuring business-aligned releases are planned, governed and delivered safely while protecting live services. You will provide strategic direction and oversight, manage risk and dependencies, and work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to ensure change is delivered effectively and achieves the intended outcomes and benefits. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your leadership experience, influence organisational delivery, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our services.
Responsibilities
- Build positive, effective relationships with multiple suppliers and stakeholders to create mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Lead and coach teams in Agile and Lean practices, selecting and tailoring the most appropriate approaches to deliver successful outcomes.
- Develop innovative ways of working, build stakeholder consensus, and champion best practice while continuously driving improvements in team performance, processes, and delivery.
- Understand digital, data and technology (DDaT) roles and capabilities, working effectively with specialists to support service delivery.
- Draw on experience across all stages of the product lifecycle, making informed decisions on when to progress, pause, or stop initiatives.
- Identify the right deliverables, stakeholders, and governance requirements, planning engagement and collaborating across Agile delivery functions throughout the lifecycle.
- Promote industry best practice, improve operational efficiency, and act as an escalation point for significant operational issues while championing operational excellence across the community.
- Build strong relationships with operational delivery leaders across digital, data, and technology functions.
- Anticipate and mitigate risks, understand problems in their wider context, clearly articulate issues, and develop problem-solving capability in others.
- Demonstrate expertise in product delivery tools, methods, and frameworks, adapting them to different phases of delivery while setting long-term vision and strategic objectives.
- Maintain a disciplined focus on priorities, providing clear direction on the most effective tools, methods, and approaches to achieve outcomes.
- Develop capability in others through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
- Champion user-centred delivery, drawing on experience across multiple channels and applying insight into evolving user needs to shape services.
- Apply strategic thinking to ensure services deliver the best possible outcomes and experiences for end users.
Qualifications
Success Profiles: We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. For this opportunity, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:
- Experience of managing multi-disciplinary Change and Release teams in a demanding, transformation environment whilst promoting development and well-being.
- Proven ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and using those relationships to ensure delivery.
- Experience of setting and managing business priorities, roles and responsibilities with individual and team ownership of objectives in a Change and Release Management environment.
- Experience of working in a digital environment to deliver projects and products into live service.
How to Apply
Please apply online, providing a Supporting Statement (of no more than 500 words) providing evidence of how you demonstrate the Success Profiles noted above. Please note that a CV is not required for this opportunity. 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, applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If you are interested in this opportunity, you should seek permission from your manager and C-band manager before applying on a level transfer (TLT) basis. If applying on Temporary Promotion you should inform your manager and C-band manager from the outset of your intention to apply. If successful in your application, your release must be agreed by your line manager and C-band manager or relevant unit head. Please note that the post is only open to individuals who have satisfactorily completed their probationary period.
Informal Chat & Assessment
If shortlisted, you will be invited to an informal discussion. This is a Government Digital and Data (GDD) role within the Product and Delivery job family. Candidates who are not currently members of the GDD Profession, or who belong to a different GDD job family, will be required to complete a GDD technical assessment before an appointment can be confirmed.
Dates to Remember
Statement submitted by: 28th July 2026 at 23:55. Informal chats: week commencing 10th August 2026 (This may be subject to change).
Duration of Temporary Opportunity
This opportunity is for 6 months.
Hybrid Working
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location.
Further Information
This role is only available to existing permanent civil servants who have successfully completed their probation period within Social Security Scotland, Scottish Government Main or Common Citizenship organisations. Please note that applicants from Common Citizenship organisations may apply only on a promotion basis and not via a level transfer. Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot. If you have any questions about the role please contact Karen McLaughlan at Karen.McLaughlan2@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
C2 Service Manager (Release Management) on Temporary Promotion or Temporary Level Transfer - Social Security Scotland in Glasgow employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land C2 Service Manager (Release Management) on Temporary Promotion or Temporary Level Transfer - Social Security Scotland in Glasgow
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
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✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Scottish Government.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Scottish Government.
We think you need these skills to ace C2 Service Manager (Release Management) on Temporary Promotion or Temporary Level Transfer - Social Security Scotland in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Scottish Government and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Scottish Government will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Scottish Government.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Scottish Government.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Scottish Government. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
