B3 Temporary Promotion Senior Operational Research Analyst Social Security Scotland

This post sits within the Fiscal Analysis Branch of the Analysis and Insights unit within Social Security Scotland. The wider unit delivers analytical support to the organisation through providing a range of evidence analysis and insights across devolved benefit delivery. The Fiscal Analysis Branch focuses on analysis of Fraud and Error and Fiscal Sustainability. This post is in the Advanced Analytics team within that branch providing the Fraud and Error Resolution unit with their analysis requirements using data analysis to support fraud and error mitigation operations contributing to monetary savings for the organisation.

This post is based in Social Security Scotland in Glasgow (High Street) Dundee (Agnes Husband House) or Edinburgh (Victoria Quay) and reports to the C1 Advanced Analytics Operational Researcher team leader. The post holder will be 1 of 6 team members mostly from the Operational Research profession and will directly line manage two B2 Operational Research staff. They will work with colleagues across the Fiscal Analysis branch and there will be opportunities to participate in cross analytical working within the branch and the wider Analysis and Insights Unit which is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Managing 2 B2 Operational Research staff membersincluding quality assurance of their work and carrying out regular wellbeing checks and performance reviews etc.
  

• Lead and undertake Quality Assurance for other colleagues in the team. Know quality assurance procedures and ensure appropriate proportionate quality assurance for all analytical work across team including seeking feedback to ensure that analysis continues to meet and adapt to customer needs.

• Lead stakeholder engagement (e.g. with intelligence team)to gather insights and collaboratively identify priority projects based on strategic goals and impact to plan future projects. Supportteam in updating information and briefing for executive team functions for examplelead in collating slides for monthly senior leaders updates.

• Produce regular analysis and reporting on fraud and error themesincluding outputs that support the identification of fraud patterns that are useful for the intelligence team through implementation of appropriate modelling techniques (e.g. Python coding) and carrying out appropriate quality assurance of results.

• Provide ad-hoc fraud and error analysis workresponding to emerging evidence requirements for mitigation and investigation.

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:

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Knowledge and application of Operational Research
• Achieving Impact with Analysis
  

Experience:

Experience of application of Operational Research Techniques. Holding responsibility for their own and others projects and of ensuring that these progress effectively. Provide supervision or line management and guidance to colleagues and the wider Operational Research profession. Also requires experience of communicating and influencing with stakeholders.

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 (TP) 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.

Dates to Remember
Statement submitted by: 18th June 2026 at 5pm
Informal chats: Week commencing 22nd or 29th June 2026 (This may be subject to change)

Duration of Temporary Opportunity
This opportunity will be for an initial period of around 12 weeks and potentially up to 7 months in duration.

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 Dundee or Edinburgh 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.

This post requires the successful candidate to clear additional National Security Vetting clearance (SC). Further information regarding National Security Vetting clearance can be found here - United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant -

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 .

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form please contact the Resourcing Team via .

If you have any questions about the role please contact Dominic Mellan or Stacey McGinty at or