Operating Model Lead in Aberdeen

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving real transformation change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

About the role: We’re supporting the delivery of a major, multi-year transformation programme that spans both IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments. The programme is focused on strengthening cyber resilience and designing secure, future-fit platforms and services that underpin critical national infrastructure. We’re looking for an Operating Model Lead to define and embed the Target Operating Model (TOM) for cyber and information security across a highly integrated landscape of IT, OT, and Network Services. This role is key to ensuring that cyber security, risk management and governance are built into every layer of the operating model — aligned with regulatory expectations and best-practice frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and NCSC guidance.

As Operating Model Lead, you will:

• Lead the design and implementation of a future-state Operating Model aligned with operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and cyber resilience.
• Provide leadership and guidance to a small team of analysts, fostering a culture of quality, innovation and customer service.
• Define both interim and end-state capabilities and services — including roles, responsibilities, processes, tools, skills, and KPIs — aligned to standards such as IEC 62443, NIS Regulation, and the NCSC CAF.
• Facilitate design workshops and stakeholder sessions across OT, Security, Technology, and wider Business domains to co-create future-state service models and delivery frameworks.
• Translate strategic programme objectives into actionable design principles and service models.
• Collaborate across multiple programme workstreams to embed operating model requirements into delivery plans.
• Lead the development and delivery of transition roadmaps for new and existing services, including sourcing strategies and organisational change readiness.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance and governance of key artefacts required for transitioning services into business-as-usual and managed service environments.
• Establish traceability from client requirements through to outcomes and regulatory compliance measures.
• Define and implement governance frameworks that provide assurance and oversight of operating model delivery.
• Drive consistent communication and engagement with stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of the Operating Model plan.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in operating model design and transformation in a technology environment, including Operational Excellence and sourcing strategies.
• Awareness of IT and OT environments, including how technical services are delivered, supported, and measured.
• Familiarity with Service Design, ITIL and NCSC CAF.
• Experience of developing and leading high performing teams.
• Capable of working autonomously and leading workstreams within complex programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to work across strategic and delivery domains, connecting long-term vision to operational impact.
• Experience in regulated sectors (utilities, energy, critical infrastructure) preferred.

Benefits:

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us. If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.