At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Scotland's education and innovation landscape through transformative change.
- Company: Scottish Funding Council, a key player in education and economic development.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape national policy and make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and career paths.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of Scotland's educational reform and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership experience in complex organisations.
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
Contract Management Executive 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 Contract Management Executive in Glasgow, North East
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We think you need these skills to ace Contract Management Executive in Glasgow, North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Scottish Funding Council.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Scottish Funding Council. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Funding Council
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Scottish Funding Council, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Scottish Funding Council, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Scottish Funding Council could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Scottish Funding Council as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
