At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Scotland's education and innovation landscape through transformative change.
- Company: Scottish Funding Council, a key player in national education and economic development.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape policy, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and non-traditional career paths.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of national reform and drive Scotland's future prosperity.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership experience in large organisations and transformation delivery.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next CEO. This is an exciting and high-impact opportunity to shape the future of Scotland's education, skills, research and innovation landscape at a moment of profound transformation. As CEO, you will lead SFC at the heart of national reform, helping to deliver a more prosperous, inclusive and globally competitive Scotland.
SFC is the national body responsible for funding and overseeing Scotland's education, skills, research and innovation system. Operating at the intersection of education and economic development, it plays a critical role in enabling Scotland's people, places and economy to thrive. With the implementation of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026 from April 2027, SFC's remit will expand significantly. The organisation will evolve from primarily a funding body into a strategic influencer with a mandate to shape, drive and invest in the skills, education and research and innovation system required to deliver Scotland's wellbeing economy.
As Chief Executive of SFC you will provide clear, visible and strategic leadership through this period of significant change. Working closely with the Board, the Scottish Government and a wide range of partners, you will set and deliver a compelling long-term vision for SFC. You will lead the organisation through a major programme of transformation as its remit expands, ensuring the effective investment of public funding across universities, colleges and, from 2027, training and apprenticeship providers.
Building trusted relationships across government, education, business and industry will be central to the role, as will positioning SFC as a proactive and influential strategic body. This is a role that demands both system and organisational leadership: the ability to influence at the highest levels while building a high-performing, inclusive and forward-looking organisation.
You will be a credible, values-driven and resilient leader with the ability to operate effectively in a complex and high-profile public environment. You will bring a strong track record of strategic leadership within a large and complex organisation, together with experience of leading significant, organisation-wide transformation and delivering measurable outcomes.
This is a unique opportunity to shape national policy and delivery at scale, lead a major public body through a defining period of change and make a lasting contribution to Scotland's economic and social wellbeing. At SFC, we value diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive organisation. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those with non-traditional career paths.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Scottish Funding Council on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference DCAIA. Alternatively email . Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Locations
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Glasgow, North East employer: Scottish Funding Council
As a Strategic Finance Partner in the education sector, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering colleges and universities across Scotland. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering tailored development opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the education landscape, we provide our employees with the resources and support needed to thrive in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Glasgow, North East
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Scottish Funding Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Scottish Funding Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Glasgow, North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scottish Funding Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Funding Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scottish Funding Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scottish Funding Council.
