Digital Project Manager

About The Role

SPS are seeking an experienced IT Project Manager to lead a portfolio of critical projects that will drive improved business outcomes and support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will act as a key liaison across all assigned projects, working closely with a variety of Senior Stakeholders across the organisation and a range of external stakeholders. In collaboration with the Business Unit Manager and the IT Programme Manager, you will be responsible for delivering effective, sustainable digital solutions aligned with the organisation’s Digital Strategy.

Delivery will be structured around three overarching objectives, encompassing a series of key projects, including:

SPIN Network Upgrade

ESTLAN Completion

HMP Highland

HMP Glasgow

Estates Systems Integration (Security Network)

ICDS Delivery Support

For full details about the role, please refer to the Job Description, Person Specification and Selection Information & Timeline.

Qualifications

Relevant qualification at Degree level in a Business or Information Technology area or relevant experience in managing a Technology and business orientated function at a senior corporate level.

ESSENTIAL

Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE 2) or relevant experience in managing or progressing projects at a corporate level, whilst adhering to the project management principles of cost, quality and time.

ESSENTIAL

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Proven experience in project delivery, managing multiple complex projects or programmes within a structured framework (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, Agile)

ESSENTIAL

Demonstrable ability to deliver business-focused digital solutions, including benefits realisation, change management, and transitioning projects into business-as-usual operations within a complex organisational environment.

ESSENTIAL

Strong understanding of governance, assurance, and compliance, with experience supporting audits, applying organisational standards, and ensuring adherence to regulatory, security, and quality requirements.

ESSENTIAL

Experience of successfully influencing and working with internal and external stakeholders and senior managers to shape and deliver business priorities, whilst achieving corporate compliance with processes and policies.

ESSENTIAL

Essential Competencies for Success

Solve Problems & Make Decisions

Plan & Organise

Listen & Communicate

Relationships & Collaboration

About Us

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) operates in a fascinating, complex and rapidly changing environment. Our vision is to help build a safer Scotland by unlocking potential and transforming lives. To enable us to successfully deliver our vision, we are committed to nurturing and investing in our greatest strength and resource: Our People.

We are proud to employ a diverse range of people; each contributing their own unique experiences and skills to enhance the service we deliver. Whatever the role, you will find your SPS experience both challenging and rewarding. You will be committed to helping us to achieve our goals and in return we will be committed to helping you to achieve yours.

We employ approximately 5,000 staff across our prisons, headquarters, college, and training and storage facility. The hard work of our staff is the most critical component in the successful delivery of Scotland’s prison system.

We need professional, capable and motivated individuals who reflect Scotland’s diversity to deliver effective and efficient activities and services to achieve our Mission and realise our Vision.

Whatever SPS profession you embark upon, you will be a valued member of the team, helping us build a Safer Scotland for the communities we serve. We are committed to your personal and professional development and offer a wide range of career progression opportunities.

Civil Service Values

All Civil Servants, and therefore anyone employed by the Scottish Prison Service, must be able to fully comply with the requirements of the Civil Service Code. Everyone is expected to carry out their role with dedication and uphold the core values of the Civil Service: Honesty, Integrity, Objectivity and Impartiality.

Integrity: putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests.

Honesty: being truthful and open.

Objectivity: basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence.

Impartiality: acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well Governments of different political persuasions.

The Civil Service Commission

Our recruitment is conducted in line with the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles and external competitions are regulated by the Civil Service Commission. While the legal requirement to follow these Principles applies specifically to external appointments, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) recognises these standards as best practice. Accordingly, SPS fully adopts these principles as the foundation for all recruitment activity, including internal recruitment and selection processes.

External competitions: if you believe that the requirement for selection for appointment on merit based on fair and open competition has not been met, you have the right to raise a complaint. Further information on the Commission’s complaints procedure is available at: https://www.civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/.

Internal competitions: if you believe that the requirement for selection for appointment on merit based on fair and open competition has not been met, you can raise a complaint to your HR Business Partner.

Advertising End Date:

28 Jul 2026

All Locations

Location(s):

Scottish Prison Service Headquarters - Edinburgh

Salary Description

Pay Band

F

Vacancy Type

Vacancy Type:

Permanent

Salary Details:

Salary Details:

£54398 - £58065

Hours Per Week

Hours Per Week:

35

Working Pattern

Working Pattern:

All Hours Required

Eligible For Hybrid Working?

Eligible For Hybrid Working?

Yes