Director of Court Operations Delivery – Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts
SCTS (Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service) plays a key role in the administration of justice. We fulfil our purpose by providing the people, buildings and services needed to support the judiciary, courts, devolved tribunals and OPG. Our work focuses on improving access to justice, reducing delay and cost within the justice system, modernising our services in line with reform, and using leading technology to improve our services for everyone.
Outline of the Director of Court Operations Delivery – Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts role
You have overall responsibility for the delivery of court services in both the Sheriff and Justice of the Peace courts throughout Scotland, ensuring a responsive, best‑value service to the judiciary and all court users.
As a visible and inclusive leader, you will foster a positive workplace culture and lead organisational change that supports continuous improvement, employee engagement, and service excellence. You will represent SCTS in strategic discussions with justice partners, influencing and negotiating operational policy across the justice system to achieve collaborative and effective outcomes.
You have direct line management of the six Sheriffdom Business Managers, the Deputy Director Operations Delivery and Head of Operations Delivery Business Unit. You will maintain working relationships with the Sheriffs Principal, supporting them fully in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities. You will also develop and maintain effective relationships with senior colleagues in Scottish Government, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland to ensure effective resolution of operational issues and justice system development.
Responsibilities
Strategic
* Overall responsibility to the Executive Director Court Operations for delivering responsive, high-quality services across Sheriff and Justice of the Peace courts, aligned with the needs of the judiciary and court users.
* Champion inclusive service design that promotes equality of access and delivers best value through continuous improvement and innovation.
* Support Sheriffs Principal in fulfilling their statutory responsibility for the efficient disposal of court business.
* Shape and communicate SCTS strategy, translating it into clear action plans for employees and stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with operational delivery.
* Contribute to the strategic direction of SCTS through effective implementation of corporate policy, strategic planning, and the use of performance data to inform decision-making.
Policy
* Represent SCTS in national policy forums, identifying opportunities and risks for court operations, and influencing justice sector partners to shape effective operational policy.
* Work collaboratively with the Policy and Legislation Branch to develop and implement operational policy that supports strategic aims and reflects the evolving justice landscape.
Organisational
* Lead integrated business planning across Sheriffdoms, ensuring alignment between strategic aims, corporate plans, and individual objectives.
* Develop and implement local delivery plans that support consistent execution of SCTS strategy and operational priorities.
* Maintain strong corporate governance and internal controls, managing budgets, estates, and resources to drive efficiency and secure best value.
* Use performance data and business intelligence to drive continuous improvement and anticipate future service needs.
* Ensure a strategic approach to workforce development, aligning training and career development with business needs and individual aspirations.
Leadership
* Provide inclusive, values-based leadership that fosters a positive workplace culture, supports wellbeing, and drives high performance across the Sheriff and Justice of the Peace courts.
* Build a coaching culture that supports effective people management, talent development, and succession planning.
* Lead cultural and organisational change, encouraging innovation, embracing new technologies, and empowering employees to adapt and thrive.
* Provide direct line management to senior operational leaders, offering strategic direction, coaching, and support for their development.
* Have overall leadership responsibility for approximately 1,200 employees, ensuring consistent standards in performance, conduct, capability, and attendance.
* Build strong partnerships with the judiciary and justice sector stakeholders, promoting collaborative leadership and shared accountability for system-wide outcomes.
Benefits
* A supportive and professional induction programme with regular check-ins with your line manager
* Job stability and security with excellent and varied career prospects
* Flexible working arrangements
* 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 4 years’ service) plus 11.5 public and privilege holidays
* Special leave and paid leave for study or voluntary public service
* Excellent Civil Service Pension Scheme
* Family friendly policies
* Free and confidential Employee Assistance
* A variety of staff discounts and offers with major retailers
* Payment of professional membership fees
* Access to opportunities across all Civil Service departments that are not available to non-Civil Servants
* Security of full pay when unwell (up to a maximum of 6 months)Learning and development (including digital) opportunities
About SCTS
The work of SCTS covers a broader range of issues than you may think. In providing support to Scotland’s courts, devolved tribunals and the OPG, we touch the lives of many people on a daily basis – be that through formal court or tribunal business, fulfilling your civic duty as a juror, paying fees or fines, seeking help in managing the affairs of an incapable adult or dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away. SCTS deals with over a quarter of a million cases and applications each year, and we are always looking to improve the services we provide – through innovation and development.
To apply, visit our website.
Interviews are expected to be held 5 December 2025.
• The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is exempt from the protections of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This permits us to ask applicants details of both spent and unspent convictions, along with details of any formal cautions that you may have. Individuals without existing security clearance will always be considered as all successful applicants will require a standard level Disclosure check completed before employment can commence.
• Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
• If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting us at recruitment@scotcourts.gov.uk in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.
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