Investment Director - Funds Advisor

LHH Recruitment Solutions; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 106,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A government-backed financial institution in the UK is seeking an experienced Investment Director to lead the development of a new investment fund supporting university spinouts and early-stage startups. The role requires expertise in venture capital and a strong network within the innovation ecosystem. Offering a salary of £106-125k, plus generous benefits and a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus public holidays

12% non-contributory pension

Access to EV Salary Sacrifice and Green Commute Cycle to Work Schemes

Volunteer days

Qualifications

• Proven background in venture capital, early-stage investment, or fund formation.
• Deep understanding of the Scottish innovation and university spinout landscape.
• Ability to secure institutional or strategic investment partners.

Responsibilities

• Analyse the track record of Scottish universities in spinouts and startups.
• Conduct structured market validation to identify funding gaps.
• Engage with universities and investors to refine the investment thesis.
• Propose optimal fund structure and compliance framework.
• Define core elements including fund size and investment strategy.

Skills

Venture capital

Early-stage investment

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Communication

Job description

Overview

Investment Director (Fund Adviser) - 6-9 months Fixed Term Contract

Based: Edinburgh or Glasgow

The Scottish National Investment Bank is seeking an experienced Investment Director (Fund Adviser) to lead the development and launch of an exciting new investment fund dedicated to supporting university spinouts and early-stage student startups across Scotland.

This unique role offers the opportunity to shape a high-impact initiative, backed by the Bank in partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Universities, that will strengthen the pipeline of innovation-driven companies emerging from our world-class academic institutions.

Working at the intersection of venture capital, public-private partnership, and Scotland's innovation ecosystem, you will play a central role in defining, structuring, and readying the fund for launch - building investor confidence, validating the market opportunity, and ensuring strong governance and compliance.

We encourage applications from candidates who believe they can excel in this role, even if you do not meet every requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and your unique background could be an asset to our team. The Bank champions flexible working and strives to build a fairer, more sustainable, and innovative Scotland.

About You

You will be an investment professional with a proven background in venture capital, early-stage investment, or fund formation, combined with a deep understanding of the Scottish innovation and university spinout landscape. You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in venture capital, early-stage investment, or fund structuring.
• Knowledge of Scotland's innovation and higher education ecosystem.
• Proven ability to secure institutional or strategic investment partners.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience with public-private investment models or development/national banks (advantageous).
• A network across UK and European VC and university innovation ecosystems (desirable).

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse the track record of Scottish universities in spinouts and startups to inform fund design and strategy.
• Conduct structured market validation to identify funding gaps, unmet capital needs, and investment opportunities.
• Engage with universities, accelerators, incubators, and investors to refine the investment thesis.
• Build momentum with prospective co-investors and Limited Partners, shaping the fund's value proposition.
• Propose an optimal fund structure, governance, and compliance framework.
• Define core elements including fund size, investment strategy, target returns, and operational model.
• Work with advisors to ensure launch readiness.

At the Scottish National Investment Bank, you will find a supportive culture that values your expertise and autonomy, encourages continuous learning, and offers opportunities for meaningful work. On offer is a salary range of £106-125k, depending on your level of experience. In addition, we offer 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a 12% non-contributory pension and access to our EV Salary Sacrifice and Green Commute Cycle to Work Schemes, volunteer days and much more. We operate a hybrid working model and are very open to discussing flexible working patterns.

If you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme, or need any adjustments to support your application, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, please reach out to us. Our commitment is to provide the support you need to participate fully in our recruitment process.