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- Tasks: Provide expert design advice for electrical and digital systems in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovative solutions and sustainability.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by contributing to high-quality outcomes and sustainable initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Digital discipline and experience in specialist systems design.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
The predicted salary is between 51700 - 57800 £ per year.
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Location: Headquarters/Hybrid
Pay Band: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Salary: £59,798 - £65,786
Closing Date:
Hours of Work: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Job Purpose: The postholder shall provide support to the SPS Estates Head of Professional and Technical Services – providing strategic direction for and delivering electrical/digital specialist systems design advice service on behalf of Estates and Technical Services, progressing initiatives as requested. The postholder shall act as design champion and ensure that a standard suite of suitable design standards are available and kept under review, providing project specific guidance, advice and assistance in the delivery of projects with the aim to ensuring the delivery of high quality outcomes; promotion of quality design in its role in contributing to the aims of the SPS and in ensuring delivery positive outcomes for the users of the SPS buildings and estate; and co-ordinating business and design/digital improvement initiatives, including transition to Net Zero. The job shall include maintaining contact with UK, other prison and judicial authorities, other governmental groups (Scottish and UK) and advisory organisations. To provide technical support to Project Managers and Estates Maintenance teams on design, operation, maintenance and safety of electrical/digital specialist systems. Undertake inspections of installed systems and audits of working practices to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and ensure safe operating conditions are maintained such as CCTV, Cell Call System, Locking, Alarms, Security Management Systems and Estates digital management systems.
Responsibilities:
- Strategy – Inputting into development plans, option and feasibility studies, research and investigations to develop strategic and/or specific responses to Estates business needs.
- Resource Management - Overseeing the provision of an internally resourced design service in support of business cases, new developments, initiatives and minor projects. Undertaking the management of any external consultants appointed to provide design or other professional services; directing design commissions in support of projects where appropriate; and overseeing the direct appointment and management of consultants for specific appointments and tasks.
- Design Standards – developing and maintaining the set of SPS Estates Design Standards including specialist systems and specifications. Using a continuous improvement process and gathering data from a number of sources and, working with other Estates specialists, maintaining the standards up to date reflecting SPS requirements and best practice; disseminating information as required regarding content and use of standards; and initiating the development of new standards as required.
- Project Assistance – Tailoring design standards to meet specific project needs - Inputting into initial stages of projects at business case and feasibility stages; assisting appointed Project Sponsors and Project Managers throughout design stages, attending design meetings as required; advising on design needs and co-ordination, assessing design outputs and deliverables, assisting in the preparation of tender documentation, tender / proposal evaluation and providing continual assistance through construction and handover / commissioning stages, in regards to design and installation issues.
- Maintenance Support – In support of Area Maintenance Managers, local and HQ maintenance teams, the post holder shall provide a specialist advice service to ensure maintenance regimes are appropriate and compliant; provide advice on defects or failures; assist in the development of maintenance specifications; ensuring surveys, tests and checks are undertaken to ensure that installed systems meet statutory requirements and comply with industry standards; undertake periodic audits of maintenance systems and records.
- Specialist knowledge – Knowledge and experience to ensure SPS remains compliant, as well as developing Specialist Systems knowledge of the SPS estate for input into FOI’s, investigations and enquiries as well as supporting Climate Change Team with delivery of Net Zero and degasification of establishments. Maintaining expert knowledge of Scottish Government strategies and policies relating to the built environment, planning and construction, building standards and related statutory legislation. Developing contacts with other SG or UK governmental organisations including MOJ/NOMS/Home Office, HMPS, NIPS, police and other security or custody related organisations. In addition, initiating trials of new products and providing investigation reports.
Person Specification: SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them, you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.
Qualifications Requirements: Degree level qualification in a relevant Electrical/Electronics/Digital discipline. (Essential)
Experience Requirements: Knowledge Skills Requirements
Design - Comprehensive experience of electrical/digital Specialist Systems design, design management and process, specially related to significant infrastructure projects. Demonstrating your ability to negotiate with and positively influence others to achieve desired project outputs and deliverables. (Essential)
Strategy - Experience in undertaking, researching and developing strategic and/or specific responses to an estates business needs. (Essential)
Specialist Knowledge - Specialist knowledge of electrical/digital specialist systems related advancements in technology, integration, commissioning and maintenance of complex buildings. (Essential)
Design Standards - Experience of defining and setting technical standards and monitoring performance, progress and delivery, initiating corrective actions and improvements as required. (Desirable)
Selection Methods: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site.
Specialist Systems Engineer (Electrical/Digital), Permanent employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Systems Engineer (Electrical/Digital), Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Systems Engineer (Electrical/Digital), Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with electrical/digital systems. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Specialist Knowledge: Don’t hold back on sharing your expertise! Talk about your experience with design standards and compliance in your application. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at SPS.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electrical and digital specialist systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those related to significant infrastructure. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
Prepare to talk about how you've developed strategic responses to business needs in the past. Think of examples where your input made a difference in project outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and contribute to their goals.
✨Familiarise with Design Standards
Get to grips with design standards relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve maintained or improved these standards in previous roles. This shows you understand the importance of quality design and compliance.
✨Engage with Questions
Have some thoughtful questions ready about their current projects or initiatives, especially around Net Zero and digital management systems. This not only shows your interest but also your proactive approach to understanding their challenges and how you can help.
