Job Description

Salary:

Up to 80,000 annually, dependent on experience

Annual Leave entitlement:

25 days (plus 10 bank holidays)

Working hours:

Full time

Contract:

Permanent contract

Location:

Ratho, Edinburgh / Hybrid-working

Closing date for applications: 3 November 2025 at 17:00

In person interviews for this role are to be confirmed.

Prior to any employment commencing with Scotland Food & Drink you will be asked to provide documents to demonstrate your right to work in the UK.

To view our Candidate Brochure please visit our careers page: https://foodanddrink.scot/our-industry/our-role/vacancies/business-services-director/

JOB SUMMARY

Scotland Food & Drink is seeking an experienced Director of Business Services, to support the ongoing success of the organisation and lead an ongoing programme of improving effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance. This senior leadership role reports to the CEO and is a key member of the Executive Team. The successful candidate will have a strong focus on Finance while providing strategic oversight of the HR and IT functions, ensuring that these departments operate effectively in support of the organisation's objectives.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Take ownership of and be accountable for all financial and operational business management matters. Develop and deliver the business's strategic finance plan, including treasury management and best practices in budgeting, reporting and governance Ensure the preparation of, and lead the project team responsible for the improvement of management accounts and business performance reports. Lead the Finance and Audit Committee and attend Board meetings as required. Review business management processes, procedures, and systems, implementing improvements to maximise efficiency. Ensure appropriate levels of delegated authority are established and complied with. Manage regulatory financial requirements, including audits and statutory accounting. Represent the organisation in financial matters with key stakeholders, including Scottish Government, Enterprise Agencies, and regulators. Provide strategic oversight of the HR department, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives while maintaining compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness without involvement in day-to-day management. Provide strategic oversight of the IT department, ensuring operations are efficient, reliable, and aligned with organisational goals to effectively support business objectives without involvement in day-to-day management. Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the organisation's overall goals. Develop, monitor and report on KPIs to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness across Finance, HR, and IT. Lead major cross-functional change projects and initiatives as required, leading the organisational PMO Oversee organisational compliance and operational risk management, including business continuity planning. Manage and develop the Finance, HR & IT teams, ensuring appropriate training, mentorship, and development opportunities. Foster collaboration across departments and build strong internal relationships.

ABOUT YOU

Strong financial management and accounting skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting. Expertise in financial systems, process improvement, and risk management. Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and implement operational plans and initiatives. Leadership and team management, including mentoring and coaching senior managers. Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail. Ability to drive organisational change and improve operational efficiency through structured programme management Knowledge of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and internal controls.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly.

Collaborative and able to work across multiple functions and departments.

EXPERIENCE

Proven track record in senior finance roles, with at least 3 years of post-qualification experience. Experience in strategic oversight of HR and IT functions (even if day-to-day management is delegated). Experience in preparing statutory accounts and managing audits. Experience in leading and overseeing finance functions at a senior/executive level. Experience in implementing business change and improvement programmes, with respect to systems, processes and culture Experience in risk management and regulatory compliance. Experience working with boards, committees, or senior stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Fully certified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW). Degree-level education in accounting, finance, business, or a related discipline is preferred. Professional development in leadership, operational management, or organisational development is an advantage.

BEHAVIOURS

Strategic Leadership: Thinks ahead, sets clear direction, and aligns operational activities with organisational goals. A role-model for change who sells the benefits of continuous improvement. Collaborative: Works effectively with colleagues across departments, fostering teamwork and strong internal relationships. Decisive: Makes well-informed decisions confidently, balancing risk and opportunity.
Influential and Persuasive: Can engage and influence senior stakeholders, Board members, and external partners.

Results-Oriented: Focuses on achieving objectives and delivering high-quality outcomes efficiently. Adaptable and Resilient: Able to manage change, handle ambiguity, and perform under pressure. Integrity and Professionalism: Maintains high ethical standards, ensuring compliance, transparency, and accountability. People-Focused: Supports, develops, and motivates teams while promoting a positive organisational culture. Continuous Improvement Mindset: Seeks opportunities to optimise processes, systems, and organisational effectiveness. Commercial Awareness: Understands the financial, operational, and strategic implications of decisions.

APPLY NOW

Please send CV and covering letter, or any questions you have regarding the role to: careers@foodanddrink.scot with the title of the job you are applying for in the subject line.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newbridge EH28 8PP