At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic IT initiatives and manage applications, data, and AI services.
- Company: Join the Scottish Parliament's Digital Services team for impactful work.
- Benefits: 41.5 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse candidates and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to democracy in Scotland with modern technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in digital strategy and leading technical teams.
The predicted salary is between 74227 - 89191 £ per year.
Salary at appointment: £74,227
Salary range: £74,227 - £89,191
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid working from Holyrood, Edinburgh and from home
Leave: 41.5 days (including public holidays)
Working Pattern: This is a full-time post working 35 hours. We are committed to supporting staff to achieve a healthy work-life balance and are happy to talk about flexible working.
Pension: Although not a civil service employer, we offer civil service pension arrangements with an employer contribution of 28.97% of basic annual salary.
Clearance Required: CTC security clearance will be processed at job offer stage.
Closing Date: 12:00 noon on Sunday 16 August
Do you want to work in a strategic leadership role in IT? Now's your chance! We are offering an excellent opportunity to join the Scottish Parliament as Head of Applications and Data in our Digital Services office.
In this role, you'll be a key member of the senior IT leadership team in the Parliament and will actively contribute to the development and execution of the enterprise-wide digital strategy. You'll be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the Parliament's application, data and AI-enabled services, ensuring they are secure, sustainable, user-focused and aligned to parliamentary priorities.
We are looking for you to bring your experience, knowledge and future vision to lead the function including its strategy, operating model, product and service offerings, and workforce. You'll have a track record of delivering digital, application, or data strategies which are aligned to wider organisational priorities. You'll have experience of leading technical and project teams and will be able to engage and work with colleagues across the organisation.
If you're motivated by purposeful work, modern technology and the chance to make a tangible difference to democracy in Scotland, this is a rare and rewarding opportunity to lead at the heart of public service. If you're looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the Parliament's IT strategy and future vision, apply now!
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Minority Ethnic background and candidates with a disability. All appointments will be made on merit. We have a values-based culture of respect and inclusion embedded in our organisation, and everyone has the ability to make a difference.
We offer a great range of benefits including: 41.5 leave days (including public holidays), flexible working, paid professional subscriptions, family-friendly policies, Season Ticket advance loans, an onsite gym facility, Health and Wellbeing Schemes including discounted gym membership, a confidential counselling and information service, and the Cycle to Work Scheme. You'll also have the opportunity to join the Alpha Civil Service pension scheme, where we'll offer you an employer contribution of 28.97% of your basic salary.
All new starts will be appointed to the first scale point of the grade for their role. For information on progression through the scale points, see our Pay and Reward Policy Statement.
For full information about this role and to apply for this job please visit our careers page.
Locations
Head of Applications and Data in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian employer: The Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of Scotland's governance while enjoying a supportive and flexible work culture. With generous benefits such as 41.5 days of leave, strong pension contributions, and wellbeing schemes, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in a dynamic environment that values analytical skills and effective communication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Applications and Data in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what The Scottish Parliament values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges The Scottish Parliament might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at The Scottish Parliament!
✨Direct Apply to The Scottish Parliament
Let's not forget to apply directly through the The Scottish Parliament website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Applications and Data in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at The Scottish Parliament.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at The Scottish Parliament. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Scottish Parliament
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
