Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement, budget management, and grant delivery in the Food and Drink division.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Food and Drink sector.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Informal discussions for applicants, no formal testing required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant skills in procurement or willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
We have an opportunity for a Business Support Administrator to join the Food and Drink division on a permanent basis to primarily support the division with procurement, budget management, and grant delivery. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with relevant skills (e.g. procurement, BCLO experience); however, applications from those without direct experience will be considered.
The successful candidate will join a small team (B3 Business Manager and a B1 Executive Assistant) that provides business and corporate support to the Food and Drink division. The division is responsible for setting policy, legislation, and implementation around the Food and Drink sector.
As Business Support Administrator, you will lead and manage divisional procurement using your initiative to research and source appropriate goods and services, whilst supporting colleagues and ensuring that procurement policies and procedures are followed correctly. You will also play a key role with policy teams in facilitating grant payments to organisations and provide corporate support through roles as the division’s BCLO and HSLO, as well as provide administrative support (ad hoc) to the team.
Responsibilities- Procurement: provide support to the division using Oracle in purchasing, for example, Catalogue purchases (car hire, catering, stationery, IT equipment), Purchases using existing CPAs: APS, TSO, Non-catalogue purchases: anything not included above (mainly SFC and SPCA), and Citizen Payments.
- Grant facilitation: support the division to meet grant obligations over the year (c.£18m distributed to multiple projects), including requesting Contract Purchase Agreements (CPAs), entering claims, maintaining paper trail for grant activities.
- Corporate and Business Support: the postholder will be the division’s BCLO, supporting the Business Manager and division with payroll reporting and forecasting, running account analysis, updating spend and TOC commitments, working with Finance to complete budget transfers and other requests, assisting with workforce planning and budget exercises. The postholder will also be a HSLO (Health and Safety Officer) for the office space in Saughton House, and provide administrative support to the Business Support team and Deputy Directors (ad hoc).
This role also manages correspondence related to a multimillion-pound legacy scheme, as well as liaises with Finance with the Business Manager on an ad hoc basis on grant spending.
QualificationsThis role is a permanent level transfer position.
How to ApplyApplications for this position will only be accepted from substantive A4 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 19 May.
Selection ProcessAll applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c 25 May 2026.
Further InformationIf you have specific questions about the role, please contact Rhona McLaren (Rhona.mclaren@gov.scot). Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Business Support Administrator - A4 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Administrator - A4 in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the Food and Drink sector or related fields. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that informal discussion! Brush up on your knowledge about procurement and grant facilitation, as well as the division's current projects. Show them you’re not just a good fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your discussion, send a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Administrator - A4 in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Check out the job description and highlight the key skills and experiences they’re looking for. This will help us tailor your application to show you’re the perfect fit!
Be Personal and Specific: When writing your statement, don’t just list your skills. Share specific examples of how you’ve used them in the past. This makes your application stand out and shows us that you really know what you’re talking about.
Stick to the Word Limit: We know it’s tempting to go overboard, but keep your statement within the 500-word limit. This shows us you can communicate effectively and respect guidelines. Plus, it forces you to be concise and impactful!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure you submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on procurement processes and policies. Familiarise yourself with how Oracle works for purchasing, as this will be a key part of your role. Being able to discuss specific examples of procurement you've been involved in will show your understanding and readiness for the position.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have direct experience, think about transferable skills from previous roles. Be ready to explain how your background can support grant facilitation and budget management. Use your statement to connect your past experiences to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Prepare for Informal Discussions
Since the selection process includes informal discussions, treat them like a casual chat but still be professional. Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics and the division's goals. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As you'll be working closely with a small team, emphasise your ability to collaborate and support others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, especially in administrative or support roles. This will demonstrate that you're not just a lone wolf but a team player who can contribute positively to the division.