Job Description
Are you a strategic, values-driven leader with a passion for enabling transformation across government? Do you bring depth of experience in digital, people, change or financial leadership, and thrive in complex, multi-disciplinary environments?
The Scottish Government is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director General for Corporate to lead a critical portfolio at the heart of government operations. As Director General Corporate/Chief Operating Officer, you will lead diverse team of Directors and Chief Executives and oversee a workforce of approximately 2, staff and a budget of over £ million providing services to government and shared services across the public sector. With an operational span across corporate functions, these services underpin the Scottish Government's ability to deliver for the people of Scotland. You will oversee critical areas including digital transformation, people and capability, legal services, finance, governance, communications, workplace, property, procurement, and ministerial support.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Scottish Government's operating model, including the drive towards more integrated and shared service approaches. Your leadership will ensure that corporate services are not only efficient and resilient, but also agile, inclusive, and aligned with the Government's strategic priorities.
This is a role for a leader who can inspire and enable change, build high-performing teams, and foster collaboration across boundaries. You will work closely with Ministers, the Executive Team, Non-Executive Directors, and senior leaders across the public sector to drive excellence in service delivery and organisational performance.
Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Permanent Secretary, you will:
1. Provide strategic leadership across the DG Corporate family, ensuring alignment with the National Performance Framework and Government priorities including Public Sector Reform
2. Champion digital transformation, embedding innovation and user-centred design across corporate and shared services.
3. Lead and develop a high-performing, inclusive DG family, fostering a culture of kindness, resilience, accessibility and adaptability.
4. Oversee the delivery of corporate and shared services including people, finance, legal, governance, communications, workplace, property and procurement. ministerial support. Act as Senior Information Risk Owner for Scottish Government.
5. Drive transformation towards more integrated and shared service models across the Scottish Government and its public bodies.
6. Work with staff networks, trade unions and wider organisation to promote and champion diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging.
7. Collaborate with Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers to ensure exemplary civil service support and delivery assurance.
8. Contribute to corporate governance as a member of the Corporate Board and wider governance system.
Key Priority Areas
9. Digital Transformation: Lead the strategic development and implementation of digital services and platforms that enable efficient, secure and user-focused government operations.
10. People and Capability: Ensure the Scottish Government attracts, retains and develops diverse talent, and builds leadership and workforce capability.
11. Legal and Ethical Governance: Provide assurance on legal compliance, propriety and ethics across government operations to ensure quality advice for Scottish Ministers.
12. Financial Stewardship: Oversee financial planning, budgeting and performance, ensuring value for money and transparency.