C1 Senior Change and Release Manager on Temporary Promotion/Temporary Level Transfer in Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland currently has an exciting temporary opportunity for a Senior Change & Release Manager within the Strategic Portfolio and Delivery Assurance branch.

The Strategic Portfolio and Delivery Assurance branch provides the governance, assurance and oversight needed to ensure organisational change is delivered safely, securely and with assured quality. Bringing together Portfolio Management, Test Management and Release Management, the branch plays a vital role in enabling the successful delivery of change across Social Security Scotland.

As Senior Change & Release Manager, you will lead a team of Release Managers responsible for the planning, governance and delivery of business-aligned releases, managing risks and dependencies and ensuring changes are implemented safely and securely while protecting live services. Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation, you will oversee a release schedule to support effective delivery and the realisation of intended outcomes and benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity to progress your career by developing leadership experience, influencing the delivery of strategic change, and contributing to the continuous improvement of services that make a meaningful difference to the people of Scotland.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the change and release management processes, procedures, policies and tools.
• Coordinate releases and inter-dependencies across multiple teams and Environments.
• Evaluate risks to service availability, performance and security for all proposed changes.
• Participate in the Change Advisory Board (CAB), acting as escalation and decision point for technical changes.
• Provide management information and reporting on change/release performance.
• Lead, mentor or manage teams of change/release analysts where required.
• Determine strategic vision and direction.
• Positively influence important senior stakeholders.

Success Profiles
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here.

For this opportunity, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:

Experience

1. Extensive experience managing complex technical changes and releases, including risk assessment and mitigation for high-impact changes.
2. Proven experience leading teams and coordinating activities across multiple technical teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
3. Strong understanding of ITIL service management principles, with experience operating within structured change and release management frameworks.
4. Experience working in large-scale, complex, multi-platform environments, preferably within the public sector.
   

How to apply
Please apply online, providing a Supporting Statement (of no more than 500 words) providing evidence of how you demonstrate the Success Profiles noted above.

Please note that a CV is not required for this opportunity.

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.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If you are interested in this opportunity, you should seek permission from your manager and C-band manager before applying on a level transfer (TLT) basis. If applying on Temporary Promotion you should inform your manager and C-band manager from the outset of your intention to apply. If successful in your application, your release must be agreed by your line manager and C-band manager or relevant unit head.

Please note that the post is only open to individuals who have satisfactorily completed their probationary period.

This is a Government Digital and Data (GDD) role within the IT operations job family. Candidates who are not currently members of the GDD Profession, or who belong to a different GDD job family, will be required to complete a GDD technical assessment before an appointment can be confirmed.

If you are successful following the informal discussion and a technical assessment is required, further details will be provided in advance to allow you sufficient time to prepare.

Dates to Remember
Statement submitted by: Tuesday 20th October 2026 at 12pm
Informal chats: week commencing 26th October 2026 (This may be subject to change)

Duration of Temporary Opportunity
This opportunity is for 6 months.

Hybrid Working
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location.

Further Information
This role is only available to those currently employed (on a permanent basis) by Social Security Scotland, Scottish Government Main or Common Citizenship organisations. Please note that applicants from Common Citizenship organisations may apply only on a promotion basis and not via a level transfer.

Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.   

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.   

If you have any questions about the role please contact Stuart Mouat at Stuart.Mouat@socialsecurity.gov.scot