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- Tasks: Lead a team to manage pensions operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join the Scottish Public Pensions Agency, supporting over 600,000 members.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public service pensions while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and expertise in Excel-based tools required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
Responsibilities
- 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 & Impact 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.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills
- Operational leadership and management – Working
Experience
- Lead Criterium – Strong ability to design, test, and implement robust calculation solutions that ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. Proven extensive expertise in developing and maintaining complex Excel-based calculation tools, ideally within a pensions environment or a regulated financial services setting.
Behaviours
- Communicating & Influencing – Level 3
- Working Together – Level 3
- Delivering at Pace – Level 3
- Making effective decisions – Level 3
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 750 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. In the event of a high number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted on the Lead Criterium Experience 1 as listed above. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all remaining Experience, Technical & Behaviours criteria listed in the Success Profile above.
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 (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and job related simulation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 5th May 2026, however this may be subject to change. Interview and assessment are expected to take place in person on site at SPPA, 7 Tweedside Park, Tweedbank, Galashiels, TD1 3TE.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About Us
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Our principal role is to administer the pensions for employees in the National Health Service, Teachers’, Police and Fire-fighters’ pension schemes in Scotland for over 500,000 key workers. The Agency administers these public service pension schemes on behalf of Scottish Ministers with an annual pension spend to over 200,000 pensioners to the value of more than £2.5 billion.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options, with two days minimum working on site at SPPA. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further Information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. We will hold a reserve list for this post for 12 months.
Apply Before: 19th April 2026 (23:59)
Technical Services Manager in Galashiels employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
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. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to operational leadership and Excel-based calculators. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work with Excel calculators or any relevant projects during interviews. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gives you a chance to discuss your problem-solving approach.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the Scottish Public Pensions Agency team!
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 is tailored to the Technical Services Manager role. Highlight your experience with Excel-based calculators and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you meet the skills and behaviours outlined in the job description. Remember, we’re looking for evidence, so be clear and concise.
Be Honest About Your Experience: While AI tools can help, make sure everything you include is truthful and reflects your own experiences. We value authenticity, and any hint of plagiarism could lead to your application being withdrawn.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it gives you access to all the info you need about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your pensions knowledge, especially the specific schemes the Scottish Public Pensions Agency administers. Be ready to discuss how your technical management experience aligns with their operational needs.
✨Excel is Your Best Friend
Since the role heavily involves Excel-based calculators, practice discussing your experience with these tools. Prepare examples of how you've designed, tested, and implemented calculation solutions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your operational leadership experience. Think of specific instances where you managed a team, set clear objectives, and drove performance improvements. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the Technical Services team effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and risk assessment skills. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, particularly regarding compliance and defect resolution.