Chief Executive Officer
Venture Scotland are looking to recruit a skilled and experienced, values led CEO to lead our organisation. This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established charity, to work as part of an inclusive, supportive team culture and to make a real, often life-changing difference in the lives of our participants. Our work is meaningful, varied and challenging and in return, you will be able to lead on the delivery of our organisation’s strategy and direction, have opportunities for self-development and training and benefit from our comprehensive staff support package.
Venture Scotland offers a long-term, outdoor-based personal development programme which empowers young people aged 16-30 and adults in addiction recovery, who face complex and difficult challenges in their lives, to create and sustain change. There are currently 9 employees and we have a turnover of just over £600,000.
We focus on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our participants, working with them both in group settings and 1-2-1, to make lasting changes in their lives and help them play a positive role in their communities.
We are seeking a CEO, who identifies with our values of Trust, Respect, Belonging, Compassion and Empowering, to lead our team to deliver on our strategy. Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation and you will support our volunteer team and young ambassador programme. We welcome applications from diverse communities.
As the key leader within our organisation, the CEO evaluates, supports and develops volunteers and staff, manages logistics and ensures the highest standards of safety while building on our caring, open, collaborative and inclusive work culture.
As CEO within the organisation, you will also manage and work closely alongside the Senior Management Team comprising Programme Delivery manager, Finance and Administration Manager and Fundraising Manager to use your skills and experience to lead the organisation forward. You will report directly to the Chair and Board of trustees.
Do you want to lead a supportive team of people who really care about the people we are helping? Do you want to work in an organisation which listens, values everyone’s views and cares about the health and wellbeing of their staff? Do you understand the transformative effect of the outdoors? Are you passionate about #ChangingLivesOutdoors?
Further Information
Full time: 37 hours per week
Salary: £49,992 – £54,853, 5% Employer Pension & 5% Employee Contribution
Location: This role can be based in either of our centres (Edinburgh or Glasgow) but will require travel to the other centre normally 2 days a week (travel will be paid by Venture Scotland).
This role is considered ‘regulated work’ as it involves activities with both children and protected adults. Under our safeguarding policy, this role will require a PVG.
If you are applying for this role you need to prove that you have the right to live and work in the UK. If you do not possess this right, then your application will not be considered.
**Please note – Unfortunately, we are not able to support sponsorship to work in the UK at this time**
To apply…
For full job and person specification, see pdf here: CEO Job Specification
To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter (max. two sides of A4) explaining why you consider yourself the most suitable candidate and send to recruitment@venturescotland.org.uk by Monday, 25 October 2026
For further information on this role, please email recruitment@venturescotland.org.uk
Why work for Venture Scotland?
We are committed to make Venture Scotland a brilliant place to work where everyone is valued and listened to. We try to create a collaborative culture where everyone is supported while also giving autonomy as much as possible. We offer all staff:
- The ‘Wellbeing 360’ personal support app which includes:
- Unlimited 24/7 GP for remote consultations (all with NHS registered GPs);
- Exclusive discounts from big-name brands like John Lewis, Tesco and Costa to help with cost of living increases;
- Access to accredited therapists for Mental health issues such as bereavement, relationship issues, stress etc. Consultations can be in person at a clinic or online via video;
- Legal helpline access;
- Money/debt support;
- 24-7 emergency helpline with accredited therapists;
- Support for carers;
- Mental health support application called My Mind Pal (included with unlimited access);
- And lots more, not only for the employee but for their family as well.
- Our workplace pension scheme – 5% contribution made by you and 5% contribution made by Venture Scotland
- Flexible working including home working
- Paid sick leave
- Branded outdoor personal protection clothing (PPE)
- Clear and transparent pay policy
- Sector bench-marked salaries
- An annual holiday allowance of 35 days (including 10 public holiday days)
- Offices closed for 10 days over Christmas and New Year period
- Access to personal development opportunities. Personal Developments is one of our organisational values and as a result we encourage our team to take the time out of their work schedule to upskill themselves. We offer all staff:
- Advanced mental health first aid training
- Paid for individual personal development/training opportunities
- 5 days paid personal training days
- Whole team training opportunities