Head of Digital and Technology Services

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is the world’s fourth largest fire and rescue service, and our main purpose is to work in partnership with communities and a wide range of partner agencies to provide fire safety, prevention, protection and emergency response services that improve the safety and wellbeing of people throughout Scotland.

We now invite applications for the role of Head of Digital and Technology Services (DaTS) to ensure the effective delivery of the function, which encompasses Strategy, Operations, and Business Services provision at a national level across the Service.

Working closely with the Director of Finance and Contractual Services, you will provide strategic direction for the DaTS function across SFRS and will be able to successfully lead teams and the organisation through periods of significant change within your area of expertise. 

A passion for excellence and an ability to demonstrate willingness to embrace change is required, as well as the drive, determination and enthusiasm to ensure we achieve our strategic objectives and deliver the reform needed to ensure long term sustainability.

You will have experience in a similar strategic Digital/Technology role, providing effective leadership and management to technical teams, working collaboratively, managing large scale projects/programmes and developing relevant strategies, policies and systems. 

You will communicate our SFRS Vision and deliver that vision through your approach to leadership and commitment to our Service Values. You will promote diversity through positive policy development at all levels in the organisation and by influencing corporate development in other policy areas to ensure success.

Applicants must meet the essential criteria for the role as detailed within the job description.

SFRS offers a range of benefits, with an agile working approach to support our employees in achieving their life/work balance, including flexitime and homeworking.  This is a full-time post however applications from individuals seeking to work on a part time, job share or flexible working basis would be considered.

Full details of the role, our benefits and our recruitment process can be found in the attached recruitment information pack.

Salary on appointment will normally be at the lower salary point within the range for the role, with progression subject to regular review - in line with the SFRS performance appraisal arrangements.  A higher salary placing will be considered in exceptional circumstances, subject to experience demonstrated.

This post is subject to the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exemptions) Scotland Order 2013. Therefore, the successful candidate will be subject to a Standard Disclosure record check through Disclosure Scotland.

The successful candidate will also be required to pass United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) at Security Check (SC) level. Where a conditional offer of appointment is made, SFRS will make the necessary arrangements in completing this check and will meet the associated costs.

Please note, this post has been determined as politically restricted, further information is available in the Recruitment Information Pack.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourage applications from all sectors of the community. In addition, we are committed to being a “Disability Confident Employer” and will ensure that all applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role are invited for interview.

If you would like to apply in a different format, please email SFRS.PODVacancies@firescotland.gov.uk

To arrange an informal discussion on the requirements of the role, please contact Jo-Anne Breckenridge, Business Support Executive to Sarah O’Donnell, Director of Finance and Contractual Services, by email at Jo-Anne.Breckenridge@firescotland.gov.uk