Executive Director

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director (Chief Operating Officer) to join SPSO at a pivotal stage in its development.

Reporting directly to the Ombudsman and serving as a key member of the organisation's Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across service delivery, organisational performance, governance, corporate services and transformation.

Working closely with key stakeholders, internally and externally, including the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body and SPSO's Audit and Advisory Board, you will help shape and deliver SPSO's strategic direction, leading digital innovation, continuous improvement and organisational change. You will ensure that resources, services and capabilities are aligned to deliver high-quality outcomes for service users and stakeholders, while positioning the organisation to respond effectively to future opportunities and challenges within an evolving public service landscape.

The Executive Director (Chief Operating Officer) will have responsibility for:

• Leading service delivery, performance and continuous improvement
• Transformation, innovation and digital modernisation
• Strategy, business planning and financial sustainability
• Governance, risk management and assurance
• Corporate and shared services leadership
• Organisational resilience and business continuity
• People leadership, culture and workforce development
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership working.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of delivering strategic and operational success within a public sector, regulatory, complaints, customer focused or similarly complex environment. You will bring substantial experience of organisational transformation, performance improvement, governance and risk management, together with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and build high-performing, inclusive cultures.

You will have excellent strategic thinking and decision-making skills, experience of working with senior stakeholders, and the ability to translate ambitious organisational objectives into successful delivery. You will understand the importance of good governance, financial stewardship and delivering excellent outcomes for customers and stakeholders.

Knowledge of ombudsman services, administrative justice, digital transformation or parliamentary and scrutiny environments would be advantageous.

If you are a strategic, values-driven leader who can combine innovation with operational excellence and inspire others through change, we would welcome your application.

How to apply

If you are interested in joining an organisation that enjoys challenge and strives for continuous improvement, please visit our website for further information.

To make an application, please submit a completed application form before 10:00 on 26 October 2026.

We are keen to accommodate any reasonable adjustments to support candidates in making their application and participating in the process. Please advise us if you have any specific requirements.

The SPSO is a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this role as outlined in the person specification, you are guaranteed an interview. Declaring a disability is an individual choice. If you choose to disclose a disability, it will be used only to meet the requirements of the Disability Confident scheme and for making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.