Deputy Director for Infrastructure and Networks

Power the future of public services, transforming infrastructure, networks, and platforms across the Scottish Government.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced digital leader, with a strong track record of delivering large-scale technology services and leading high-performing teams, to help shape and drive the future of public services in Scotland.

The technologies and services delivered and supported by Corporate Operations are critical to the effective running and management of the Scottish Government, and the many bodies who share these services. We will deliver, support and embed many technology and support services that will help make the Scottish Government one of the most effective and efficient organisations in their peer group, globally.

This role sits within the Technology group of the DDaT profession at SCS1, with the postholder responsible for leading operational delivery of technology infrastructure, platforms and services for Scottish Government and shared services customers in the central government sector across Scotland.

The post holder will lead a team of 100+ DDaT professionals within the functional areas of SCOTS Architecture Management, Identity and SCOTS Access, Back Office Network Management and Corporate / Back Office Cloud Platforms.

As a leader within the Digital Officer Role Group within the Scottish Governments Digital, Data and Technology profession, the post holder will ensure that we run, optimise and transform our networks / infrastructure, desktop and mobile capabilities on an ongoing basis

• Ensure the organisations infrastructure is secure, modern, cloud‑enabled, and fully aligned with strategic goals, while continuously moving away from on‑premise environments.
• Drive innovation by ensuring infrastructure removes barriers to using corporate applications, automation, Power Platform, AI, and mobile solutions, and by enabling other technology layers to leverage new capabilities.
• Develop and implement device and infrastructure strategies that balance flexibility, security, compliance, and diverse organisational needs, while modernising within agreed budgets.
• Maximise value from suppliers by adopting relevant innovations, utilising value‑added services, and making strong, evidence‑based cases for investment where appropriate.
• Build strong collaboration across technology teams, architects, and wider Scottish Government partners to ensure infrastructure effectively supports end‑to‑end solutions and shared service propositions for Scotland.
• Establish and sustain a capable, professional infrastructure team that can manage the platform, reduce operational risk, deliver dependable shared services, and promote digital services across the central government landscape.

Success Profile

It is essential that you can provide evidence of the following lead criteria and experience points below within your CV and supporting statement.

Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)

Demonstrate strong, strategic leadership of large-scale IT infrastructure and technical operations, with a proven ability to deliver complex programmes, manage significant budgets, and align technology services with organisational priorities. Be digitally literate, with the ability to engage effectively with technical teams, suppliers and stakeholders to shape and define the best approach to service design. Brings demonstrable experience of agile delivery methodologies, open-source technologies, cloud platforms and digital services at scale, alongside deep expertise in a relevant digital, data or technology domain.

Experience:

• Proven leadership: A history of leading teams and managing technical operations or infrastructure projects.
• Large-scale infrastructure management: Direct experience managing the infrastructure for a large organisation, including upgrades, migrations, and disaster recovery plans.
• Project delivery: A track record of successfully managing and delivering complex IT projects.
• Budget and financial management: Experience managing significant budgets and allocating resources to meet business objectives.
• Strategic alignment: Experience in aligning IT infrastructure strategy with broader business goals.
• Reporting to leadership: The ability to present performance reports, risks, and system health to senior leadership.
• Vendor and contract management: Experience in negotiating with and managing vendors to ensure services and hardware are provided effectively.
• Cybersecurity principles, data management, and IT service management frameworks like ITIL is also valued.

Behaviours: Level 5

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self & Others
• Seeing The Big Picture
• Managing a Quality Service

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)