Business Support Administrator

Job description Do you want to work in a varied and rewarding role that will give you the opportunity to work closely with a range of colleagues and organisations? This is an exciting opportunity within the Food and Drink division for the role of Business Support Administrator. You will play a key role in the delivery of core functions for the division enabling policy teams to engage successfully with Ministerial objectives. The Business Support Administrator role is central to the effective financial and operational management of the Food and Drink Division, encompassing oversight of programme and resource budgets, procurement activity, and the administration of grant and capital funding. Previous experience in a similar role is desirable, but full training will be provided. You will be part of a Divisional Business Management team consisting of a Business Manager and an Executive Assistant working under two Deputy Directors (job share) and a division with around 38 staff members. Responsibilities Grant administration - Manage and administer a portfolio of grant programmes and funding schemes worth over £8 million annually. Process grant claims, monitor budgets, maintain accurate records, and ensure funding is managed effectively. Support the delivery of major capital funding programmes and legacy funding schemes. Business & Administrative Support - Provide business support to the team as BCLO and Health and Safety Officer (BCLO and HSLO) including budget monitoring, payroll reporting, financial analysis, and workforce planning activities. Liaise with Finance colleagues and the Business Manager to support budget management and financial reporting. Deliver high-quality administrative support and coordinate responses to queries. Procurement & Purchasing - Lead and support a range of procurement activities, sourcing goods and services in line with organisational policies and procedures. Advise colleagues on procurement processes and ensure compliance with purchasing requirements. Manage purchasing activities through corporate systems (e.g. Oracle), including catalogue and non-catalogue purchases, contracts, Citizen Payments, and other payment processes. Provide efficient, effective and proactive back of house services and support to the team. This includes proactive inbox management, travel booking, advice to colleagues on their procurement activities, prioritising tasks, as well as organising and preparing meetings, papers and events for Deputy Director(s). Success profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on. Experience An understanding of IT systems (including Oracle), including Microsoft Office or similar. Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing - Level 1 Making Effective Decisions - Level 1 Changing and Improving - Level 1 Delivery at Pace - Level 1 Find out more about Success Profiles . How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 750 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role. 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 24 August 2026 however this may be subject to change. Recruitment Principles As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases. About us 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 , observing the Civil Service Code and 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 . Working pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. 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 , and read about the Government Vetting Charter , or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide . Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application. 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. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website . Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before 23:59 on 5th August. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only. External candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy.