Chief Executive Officer; CEO

Overview

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next CEO. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of Scotland's education, skills, research and innovation landscape during a period 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.

• Provide clear, visible and strategic leadership through a period of significant change, setting and delivering a compelling long-term vision for SFC in partnership with the Board, the Scottish Government and a wide range of stakeholders.
• Lead the organisation through a major transformation programme as its remit expands, ensuring the effective investment of public funding across universities, colleges and, from 2027, training and apprenticeship providers.
• Build trusted relationships across government, education, business and industry to position SFC as a proactive and influential strategic body.
• Demonstrate system and organisational leadership with the ability to influence at the highest levels while building a high-performing, inclusive and forward-looking organisation.

• A credible, values-driven and resilient leader with the ability to operate effectively in a complex and high-profile public environment.
• A strong track record of strategic leadership within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience leading significant, organisation-wide transformation and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with the ability to foster an inclusive organisation and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and 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 using reference DCAIA. Alternatively email . Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 11 August 2026.