- Support the coordination of governance activity, including agendas, papers and forward plans
- Ensuring the good management of SAAS’ risk registers, and regular risk reporting to SAAS’ Executive Team and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
- Help maintain and update business continuity documentation and directorate plans
- Ensure SAAS’ audit recommendations are completed promptly, and wider audit activity is accurately tracked.
- Track organisational actions and follow up updates with teams to support timely delivery
- Prepare clear summaries, briefings and updates to support senior colleagues, including using PowerBI and other systems
- Act as a helpful point of contact for governance‑related and corporate queries
- Contribute to improving templates, trackers and ways of working to support efficiency
Provide flexible support to agreed corporate priorities during peak periods
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Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience
Experience working in a business management, corporate support, coordination or governance‑related role.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced business environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing clear reports, summaries and business communications. Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to work effectively under pressure to meet demanding deadlines.
- Experience supporting senior colleagues or stakeholders in a professional environment
Behaviours
- Working Together
- Managing a quality service
- Making Effective Decisions
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
Vacancy closes at 23:59 on Tuesday 25 August.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c TBC.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
About Us
SAAS is an executive agency of the Scottish Government and responsible for assessing and paying student awards for Scottish domiciled students in Higher Education throughout the UK. We administer budgets of around £1.4 billion each year, making payments to both educational institutions and over 190,000 students a year. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve.
More information on SAAS can be found on our website https://www.saas.gov.uk
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service , working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer .
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules .
Location
This role is based in Saughton House, Edinburgh
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. This role requires in person attendance of 6 days per month minimum. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us on [email protected]
SAAS has separate arrangements from core Scottish Government for Public and Privilege holidays. SAAS office is fully closed between Christmas and New Year.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide .
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Apply before: 25/08/2026 (23:59)
As Business Manager, you will support the smooth running of key corporate and governance activity by providing coordination, tracking, and quality support across a defined set of priorities.
You will work closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team and colleagues across SAAS, helping ensure information is pulled together, actions are followed up, and deadlines are met.
This role comes with clear objectives, established processes, and support from an experienced team, allowing you to make a positive contribution quickly.
