We're looking for an ambitious individual to step into a Product Lead role within our Debt team on a 12-month temporary basis, helping to drive the delivery of key products and services that support debt management and recovery activities.
Working within a small, collaborative team, you will play a key role in a busy and high-profile area, supporting the delivery and continuous improvement of products and services that underpin debt management and recovery activities.
You will support a varied portfolio of work, which includes the Debt Case Management System, Civil Recoveries, Enforced Deductions, and a range of business-as-usual activities. Working closely with Operational Finance (Recoveries), Policy colleagues and external stakeholders, you will help ensure products and services deliver value, meet user needs and support organisational objectives.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with a diverse range of stakeholders and is passionate about delivering user-centred products and services. While there are no line management responsibilities, you will provide leadership across product delivery, influencing decisions and driving successful outcomes across a varied portfolio of work.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a critical service area while developing your experience across a diverse portfolio of strategic and operational projects.
Product Leads manage multiple products or a single product that is especially complex, high risk or sensitive.
At this role level, you will:
Responsibilities
Lead the delivery of user-centred products and services across the full product lifecycle.
Recommend and implement effective delivery approaches, informed by data, research, and business needs.
Develop business cases and ensure delivery is aligned to strategic objectives and expected benefits.
Design and improve operational processes to support sustainable service delivery.
Manage risks, resolve complex challenges, and act as a key escalation point for operational issues.
Collaborate with stakeholders, Agile delivery teams, and digital professionals to drive successful outcomes.
Champion user research and evidence-based decision making to ensure products meet genuine user needs.
Influence and engage senior stakeholders, securing buy-in and support for delivery decisions.
Adapt approaches to manage constraints, maximise value, and deliver continuous improvement.
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 the framework here.
For this opportunity, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:
Experience:
How to apply
Please apply online, providing a Supporting Statement (of no more than 500 words) providing evidence of how you demonstrate the Success Profiles noted above.
Please note that a CV is not required for this opportunity.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If you are interested in this opportunity, you should seek permission from your manager and C-band manager before applying on a level transfer (TLT) basis. If applying on Temporary Promotion you should inform your manager and C-band manager from the outset of your intention to apply. If successful in your application, your release must be agreed by your line manager and C-band manager or relevant unit head.
Please note that the post is only open to individuals who have satisfactorily completed their probationary period.
This is a Government Digital and Data (GDD) role within the Product and Delivery job family. Candidates who are not currently members of the GDD Profession, or who belong to a different GDD job family, will be required to complete a GDD technical assessment before an appointment can be confirmed.
If you are successful following the informal discussion and a technical assessment is required, further details will be provided in advance to allow you sufficient time to prepare.
Dates to Remember (This may be subject to change)
Statement submitted by: Tuesday 25th August 2026 at 12pm
Informal chats: Week commencing 7th September 2026
Duration of Temporary Opportunity
This opportunity is for up to 12 months.
Hybrid Working
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.
Further Information
This role is only available to existing permanent civil servants who have successfully completed their probation period within Social Security Scotland, Scottish Government Main or Common Citizenship organisations. Please note that applicants from Common Citizenship organisations may apply only on a promotion basis and not via a level transfer.
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 recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
If you have any questions about the role please contact Pamela Forsyth at Pamela.Forsyth@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
