At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing operations team and ensure efficient service delivery for students.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on supporting students across Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student services while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in managing high-volume operations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Are you ready to lead with purpose and drive a high‑performing operations team in a fast‑moving environment?
An opportunity has arisen to join us as Head of Operations, a role that will see you providing strategic and operational leadership for SAAS’s core service delivery functions, including our contact centre, processing centre and wider operational teams. This leadership role is central to ensuring the efficient delivery of high‑volume, time critical services that support students across Scotland, ensuring they are delivered efficiently, accurately and in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
The Head of Operations sits within the Operations Directorate and leads the areas responsible for delivering SAAS’s day‑to‑day services, including the contact centre, application processing centre and supporting operational functions. These teams manage significant annual volumes, with seasonal peaks and a high level of scrutiny from students, Ministers and stakeholders.
You will set the direction for operational performance, customer experience and continuous improvement, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver a resilient, digitally enabled and customer‑centred service. You will translate organisational strategy into clear operational plans, working closely with colleagues across Digital, Policy, Finance, Risk and Communications to ensure delivery aligns with corporate priorities and wider Scottish Government expectations.
The role carries significant responsibility for people leadership and operational risk, requiring a balance of strategic oversight and confident, hands‑on decision‑making during periods of increased demand.
Head of Operations employer: Scottish Government
As a leading organisation in the education sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement, while our focus on delivering high-quality services to students across Scotland makes your role as Head of Operations both meaningful and impactful. Join us in a vibrant environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront, and enjoy the unique advantage of contributing to the educational success of countless individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your values align with theirs, especially in a leadership role like Head of Operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience can drive operational excellence. Highlight specific examples where you’ve led teams to success in high-pressure situations.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. We want to see how you've successfully managed operations in a fast-paced environment, so share specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on decision-making.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Take the time to tailor your application to the Head of Operations role. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position.
Focus on Customer Experience:Since this role is all about delivering a customer-centred service, make sure to emphasise your commitment to improving customer experience. Share any relevant achievements or initiatives you've led that enhanced service delivery or customer satisfaction.
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. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their core service delivery functions and how they align with the overall strategy. This will help you articulate how your experience can enhance their operational performance.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and drive continuous improvement, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills during peak demand periods. Prepare scenarios where you successfully navigated challenges, ensuring you demonstrate your hands-on approach and strategic oversight.
✨Align with Corporate Priorities
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's corporate priorities and wider Scottish Government expectations. Be prepared to discuss how you would translate these into clear operational plans, showcasing your understanding of the bigger picture.
