At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pivotal transformation in Scotland's tertiary education and innovation system.
- Company: Scottish Funding Council, a key player in education funding and reform.
- Benefits: Fixed term contract with potential for extension and impactful leadership experience.
- Other info: Engage with key stakeholders and influence at the highest levels across government and industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while driving significant change in a national organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven executive leadership experience and strong strategic capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 66582 - 77368 £ per year.
Terms: Fixed term contract of 12 months including a period acting as Interim CEO.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join the organisation at a pivotal moment of transformation. Although formally appointed to the fixed term role of Deputy CEO, you will initially take on the role of Interim CEO while the organisation completes its recruitment for a permanent CEO. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally significant organisation responsible for investing around £2 billion annually in Scotland’s tertiary education, skills, research and innovation system, at a time of major legislative change and expansion in remit.
You will provide visible, confident leadership during a period of transition, ensuring continuity, stability and momentum across the organisation. You will work closely with the Board, Scottish Government and key stakeholders to maintain delivery of SFC’s priorities while supporting the onboarding of a permanent CEO. You will then move into the newly created position of Deputy CEO for the remaining period for the contract, which will be 12 months in the first instance and may be reviewed by the incoming CEO with the potential to extend.
You will play a central role in supporting the new leader by providing organisation-wide leadership during an unprecedented period of transformation. SFC is pivotal to delivering the ambitions set out in the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026 (the ‘TET Act’), with new responsibilities and a significant increase in scale from 2027. In this role, you will provide leadership during a critical transition for the organisation while shaping the future of Scotland’s tertiary skills, research and innovation system.
You will drive organisation-wide transformation and public service reform within SFC and operate with influence at the highest levels across government, education and industry to build the foundations of sector-wide transformation. You will be based at SFC’s office in the centre of Edinburgh and will be expected to engage with SFC’s key stakeholders from across Scotland, both in-person and online.
We are seeking a highly credible, strategic and experienced leader with a proven track record of executive-level leadership and delivery, alongside significant experience leading complex transformation and change. You will bring the ability to build trusted relationships across government and a wide range of stakeholders, underpinned by strong strategic, operational and financial leadership capability. A deep commitment to public service, inclusion and collaboration is essential. Experience in tertiary education, research, innovation or service transformation would be an advantage.
We actively welcome applications from candidates interested in undertaking this role as a secondment opportunity, subject to agreement with your current employer. Candidates must be available to take up the role from early September 2026 at the latest and preferably sooner.
Applications should be received by noon on 08 July 2026.
Deputy CEO/Interim CEO – Fixed Term employer: Scottish Funding Council
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a pivotal organisation during a transformative period in Scotland's tertiary education and skills landscape. With a strong commitment to public service, inclusion, and collaboration, SFC fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, while being centrally located in Edinburgh, providing access to a vibrant city rich in culture and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy CEO/Interim CEO – Fixed Term
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Scottish Funding Council can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Scottish Funding Council; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Scottish Funding Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy CEO/Interim CEO – Fixed Term
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Scottish Funding Council and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Scottish Funding Council's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Funding Council
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
