Chief Operating Officer

Scottish Development International

. Lead execution of organisational strategy and efficient, effective, compliant benefit delivery .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeGlasgow • United KingdomLead💰 £114,714 - £124,172 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strategic leadership in operational delivery and transformation, with a focus on performance management, governance, and building inclusive cultures. Proven ability to lead large teams and drive continuous improvement in complex environments while ensuring compliance and effective service outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic LeadershipOperational DeliveryGovernance and AssuranceChange ManagementPerformance Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Operational PerformanceFinancial PlanningData-Driven Decision MakingService ModernisationContinuous Improvement

Soft Skills

Communication and InfluencingBuilding RelationshipsResilienceJudgementInclusive Leadership

Certifications & Qualifications

BPSS ChecksNational Security Vetting (SC) Clearance

Industry Keywords

Client Services DeliveryPerson-Centred ServicesOrganisational TransformationHigh-Performing WorkforcePublic Resource Stewardship

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead execution of organisational strategy and efficient, effective, compliant benefit delivery
Provide strategic leadership for Client Services Delivery and ensure reliable, person-centred service outcomes
Provide assurance to the Chief Executive on operational performance, capability, financial sustainability, resilience and strategic priorities
Drive performance using data, insight and management information
Embed continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making
Build a high-performing, inclusive and engaged workforce and develop organisational capability
Oversee financial planning, performance and responsible stewardship of public resources
Contribute as a key Executive Team member to organisational strategy, transformation and ministerial priorities
Build relationships with Ministers, senior leaders and external partners
Provide strategic advice, assurance and performance reporting
Support governance and risk management
Champion service modernisation, operational resilience and adoption of new systems and ways of working
Lead an operational workforce of around 3,000 colleagues across Scotland

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven experience leading large-scale operational delivery functions, with accountability for performance and service outcomes
Demonstrable success leading organisational transformation and continuous improvement across complex organisations
Extensive Board and Executive-level experience providing strategic leadership, governance and assurance in highly scrutinised environments
Strong track record of leading large, geographically dispersed workforces and building high-performing, inclusive cultures
Experience leading through complex change, demonstrating resilience, sound judgement and understanding of person-centred services for people in vulnerable circumstances
Leadership, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating and Influencing, and Delivering at Pace behaviours at Level 6
CV and supporting statement of no more than 1000 words
Successful completion of BPSS checks
National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level
Normally, five years of UK residency before the SC vetting application
Ability to work any agreed working pattern subject to business requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Supportive and inclusive working environment
Flexible working options
Flexi-leave
Job-share arrangements considered
Wide range of employee benefits
Civil Service pension and other benefits implied by UK Civil Service employment