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- Tasks: Lead a team to manage and support critical business applications and resolve complex incidents.
- Company: Join Social Security Scotland, a forward-thinking organisation committed to equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring application reliability in a dynamic digital environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading IT teams and managing diverse applications.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Locations: Glasgow, United Kingdom; Dundee, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Apply Before: 01/07/2026, 11:55 PM
We are currently seeking a talented Lead Application Operations Engineer to join our Applications & Platforms branch, part of the Chief Digital Office, where we are responsible for delivering, supporting, and managing our essential business applications and platforms. You will lead a team of senior engineers, providing support for our critical systems and ensuring optimal performance.
In this key role, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, applying your technical expertise and strong problem‑solving skills to resolve complex, high‑priority incidents. You will play a vital part in maintaining application availability and reliability through effective monitoring, maintenance, and configuration oversight.
We are looking for experienced IT leaders with a broad technical background in supporting infrastructure, cloud, and enterprise systems. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating complex digital environments and communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels, both technical and non‑technical. Please note, this position is not within a DevOps capacity.
At this role level, you will:
- liaise with leads within IT operations on how applications are performing and changes that need to be put in place
- potentially manage and maintain certain aspects of an application (depending on the complexity and size of a project, and the likely impact it will have on the business)
Responsibilities:
- Manage service components to ensure they meet business needs and performance targets
- Lead the investigation and resolution of complex incidents
- Take accountability for issues that occur and be proactive in searching for potential problems
- Initiate and monitor actions to investigate patterns and trends to resolve problems
- Effectively consult specialists where required
- Determine the appropriate remedy and assist with its implementation
- Determine preventative measures
- Take inputs and establish coherent frameworks that work
- Demonstrate knowledge of the life cycle or capability elements of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
- Draft and maintain procedures and documentation
- Understand the core technical concepts related to the role, and apply them with guidance
- Identify process improvements and contribute to the definition of best practice
- Offer recommendations on the best tools and methods to use
Success Profiles:
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each.
Essential Experience:
- Demonstrable experience leading teams in managing and supporting a diverse portfolio of business‑critical applications, with a proven track record of leading multi‑disciplinary teams through complex incident investigations and resolution.
- Proven ability to drive continuous service improvement by challenging established practices with evidence‑based strategies, including delivering large‑scale projects in line with methodologies such as ITIL, Prince 2, or Agile.
- Demonstrable ability to provide advanced technical support and act as an escalation point for complex issues, with hands‑on experience in diagnosis and resolving problems across multiple platforms (e.g. Windows, Linux, networking, AWS Public Cloud services).
Behaviours:
- Leadership (Level 4)
- Communicating and Influencing (Level 4)
Technical / Professional Skills:
This role is aligned to Lead application operations engineer within the Digital, Data and Technology Profession.
How to Apply:
Apply online. Submit a CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profiles.
Equality Statement:
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will consider and implement reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Right to Work in the UK:
Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route.
Lead Application Operations Engineer in Glasgow employer: Work For Scotland
Contact Detail:
Work For Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Application Operations Engineer in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to application operations. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your technical expertise and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss specific incidents you've managed and how you resolved them. We want to hear about your thought process and the impact of your actions on the team and the business.
✨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 and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Application Operations Engineer in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Application Operations Engineer role. Highlight your experience in managing business-critical applications and leading teams, as this will show us you’re the right fit for the job.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the Success Profiles. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention specific examples of your achievements.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with various platforms and your ability to resolve complex issues. This will help us understand your depth of knowledge and problem-solving capabilities.
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 considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Work For Scotland
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Lead Application Operations Engineer, you’ll need to showcase your technical expertise. Brush up on the core technical concepts related to the role, especially around ITIL, cloud services, and multi-platform support. Be ready to discuss specific incidents you've resolved and the tools you used.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through complex incident investigations. Highlight your experience in managing diverse portfolios and driving continuous service improvement. Show them you can inspire and guide a team effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
You’ll be liaising with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so practice explaining complex issues in simple terms. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to influence decisions or communicate changes effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between tech and business needs.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Be ready to walk through your thought process when investigating incidents. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing how you proactively identified potential problems and implemented solutions.
