Description Are you an experienced IT leader with advanced database administration skills? We're looking for a Lead Application Operations Engineer who brings strong leadership, collective ownership, collaborative spirit, and a motivation to drive improvement. The successful candidate will be responsible for a team of five Database Administrators in the ongoing support, maintenance, and development of business-critical databases across multiple cloud-hosted Database Management Systems, including DB2, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server. A Lead Application Operations Engineer defines the application strategy and the strategy for security administration. At this role level, you will: liaise with leads within IT operations on how applications are performing and changes that need to be put in place manage and maintain certain aspects of an application Responsibilities Responsibilities Manage a team of Database Administrators who support the development, maintenance and ongoing operation of various database management technologies including DB2, MySQL, PostgreSQL and SQL Server Ensure availability, accuracy and recoverability of database systems during system releases and disaster recovery events Manage service components to ensure they meet business needs and performance targets Deal with high impact, complex change requests - ensuring that release policies, procedures and processes are applied Identify process optimisation opportunities, and contribute to the implementation of proposed solutions Lead the investigation and resolution of incidents Take accountability for issues that occur and be proactive in searching for potential problems Initiate and monitor actions to investigate patterns and trends, taking preventative actions to avoid problems Draft and maintain procedures and documentation Offer recommendations on the best tools and methods to use Qualifications 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 how we assess the Success Profile elements Essential Experience 1. Proven experience in leading teams that design, deliver, and manage database infrastructure to meet business needs, with expertise in cloud computing, database components, risk management, incident management, and disaster recovery. 2. Demonstrable track record of delivering innovative continual service improvement: willing to challenge established practices, using evidence to deliver a better service to the business as a whole, implementing a vision that supports the organisation’s strategic objectives. Technical / Professional Skills: This role is aligned to Lead Application Operations Engineer within the Digital, Data and Technology Profession. Please review the following to understand the skill expectations: Application Operations Engineer - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework We will assess you against the following technical skills during the selection process: • Ownership and initiative Skill level: Practitioner • Technical understanding Skill level: Working • Availability and capacity management Skill level: Working • Change management Skill level: Practitioner • Continual service improvement Skill level: Working • Problem management Skill level: Working • Technical specialism Skill level: Practitioner Please note that only the first 2 technical skills listed will be tested at application stage: Ownership and initiative; and Technical understanding. Behaviours: • Making effective decisions – Level 4 • Leadership – Level 4 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk) How to apply Apply online, you must provide a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profiles above. You should provide specific examples of things you’ve done that demonstrate the requirements for this role. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted on the essential experience criteria. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed. We will test your behaviours, the first 2 technical skills and essential experience as part of the sift process, and if successful, you will be invited to an assessment and interview where we will test these again along with all 7 technical skills listed. Full details of the selection process will be made available to shortlisted candidates once the sift has been completed. Following the sift, a telephone interview may be arranged prior to the in person interview and assessment. Candidates selected for interview will be requested to sit a short scenario-based written analysis exercise based on the technical skills required, details of which, will be shared in advance of the interview. In the event of a large number of applications, the hiring manager may raise the pass mark for sift. If you meet the minimum pass mark but are not invited to the first round of interviews, you may be invited to a subsequent round. Any queries on this please contact recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot. We aim to provide feedback on request, however; if we receive a large number of applications, it may not be possible for us to provide feedback on your application if you are not invited to attend an interview/assessment. We will provide feedback on request to all candidates that attend an interview/assessment. Information Session Please join us for an online information session on Wednesday 12 th March at 12-1pm. We will be talking about: The Lead Application Operations Engineer role About Social Security Scotland Our recruitment process Q&A with the hiring manager Join us using the link below: Join the meeting now Expected Timeline (subject to change) Sift – w/c 17 th March Interviews – w/c 31 st March Location – In Person in Dundee or Glasgow Reserve List In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months. About Us Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find more about us here. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. DDaT Pay Supplement This post is part of the Scottish Government Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) profession and as a member of the profession you will join the professional development system. This post currently attracts a £5,000 annual DDAT pay supplement, applicable after a 3 months competency qualifying period. The payment will be backdated to your start date in the role. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly and there is one currently underway. Changes will be communicated when the review is concluded. Working pattern 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, which will be either Glasgow or Dundee. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. 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 Recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information This post requires the successful candidate to clear additional National Security Vetting clearance (Security Check) before a start date can be offered. Further information regarding National Security Vetting clearance can be found here - United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade. Social Security Scotland’s 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 - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission (independent.gov.uk) If you feel at any time 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 Social Security Scotland at recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner. If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot Apply before 23:55 on Monday 17 th March Contact Name - Resourcing Team Contact email – Recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot