Director of Corporate Services

Are you looking for a leadership role, where you can showcase your experience managing multiple work streams at Executive level? Are you looking to be part of an innovative Agency that supports the learning journey of Scottish domiciled students in Higher Education, then we would love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in the areas of People and Performance, Facilities, Finance, Programme Management and ICT.
• Lead the Corporate Services Directorate to deliver centralised processes and governance supporting each business function across SAAS.
• Oversee delivery at cost and within tight time standards, building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders including Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Government, university and college partners, the Student Loans Company and other public and third sector organisations.
• Report to the CEO and play an influential role in shaping, implementing and delivering SAAS objectives and Ministerial directions.
• Provide leadership through the Executive Team & SAAS Board, managing people, risks and resources effectively.
• Interact directly with Ministers, Senior SG Officials and Senior Stakeholders, making executive decisions on behalf of the agency and leading key negotiations with Trade Unions.
• Provide advice and recommendations to the Executive Team, Board and ARAC, guiding complex and contentious matters within the service areas.
• Lead the provision of corporate support services, including budgeting, financial management, property, estates, HR, organisational development, programme management, procurement and contract management.
• Ensure financial reporting, accounting systems and audit requirements are fit for purpose; conduct annual reporting and meet Scottish Government year‑end activities.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills

• Financial Management

Qualifications

This role seeks applications from candidates with qualifications at graduate or post graduate level, or relevant professional recognition, e.g. Qualified Accountant, Chartered or Fellow in a professional body, or relevant and extensive expertise in the role.

Behaviours

• Leadership – Level 4
• Managing a Quality Service – Level 4
• Seeing the bigger picture – Level 4

Experience

• Executive experience in the delivery of budget & business planning and allocation of resources aligned with business and corporate objectives.
• Proven experience in developing and monitoring key measures of performance at a corporate level and navigating productivity in ambiguous and complex operational environments.
• Experience operating at a Senior/Executive level preferably within the public sector, with knowledge of FReM and SPFM guidelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with consideration of organisational reputation, and proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Extensive project management experience in large scale or complex projects, ideally leading project teams.

Working Pattern

The standard hours are 35 hours per week. The role requires in‑person attendance of 6–8 days per month minimum. Flexible and hybrid working options are available depending on role needs.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before appointment.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.