Head of Corporate Services

All roles at OPFS contribute to our mission of working with and for single parent families, providing support that enables them to achieve their potential and help create lasting solutions to the poverty and barriers facing many single parents and their children. Our core values of Justice, Equity, Trust, Collaboration and Compassion are at the heart of everything we do and underpin all aspects of our work.

About the role:

OPFS is seeking an exceptional individual to lead and develop our corporate services. This strategic leadership role supports the only national organisation for single parents in Scotland.

You will oversee core operational functions - finance, HR, governance, risk, quality assurance, digital, and business development - ensuring the effective running of central services that support our wider mission. This is a key opportunity to help shape an equitable, inclusive, and resilient organisation through innovation, systems thinking, and people-centred leadership.

You will also act as OPFS's Data Protection Officer and play a lead role in financial governance alongside the Finance Manager and Board.

Equal Opportunities and Family Friendly Employment.

OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors In People Gold status.

Key responsibilities

This is a broad picture of the post at the time of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time.

Strategic leadership

• Contribute to the implementation of OPFS's strategic plan and cross-organisational initiatives.
• Support collective decision-making and innovation through collaboration with other Heads of Service, the Deputy CEO and CEO.
• Lead on the development of the Corporate Strategy, Business Plan, and Performance Management Framework.
• Identify risks and opportunities that impact delivery, ensuring compliance and long-term sustainability.
• Represent OPFS externally, building partnerships and ensuring high-quality delivery from suppliers and partners.
• Support Board governance and engagement in policy, compliance, and performance monitoring.

Operational & financial management

• Oversee all corporate functions, ensuring systems and processes are robust, effective, and compliant.
• With the Finance Manager, ensure efficient financial planning, management, and reporting aligned with strategic goals.
• With the Business Development Manager, develop a fundraising strategy that sustains organisational resilience.
• With the Admin and HR Manager, ensure people systems support wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement at all levels.
• With the Digital Innovation & Marketing Manager, implement the digital and marketing strategies to support mission delivery.

People & culture

• Lead the development of HR, equality, diversity and inclusion, and workforce strategies that reflect OPFS's values.
• Champion a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace through strong internal communications and staff consultation.
• Identify and nurture talent, enabling continuous professional development and succession planning.

Innovation & learning

• Embed a culture of innovation and evidence-based improvement across central services.
• Implement processes for evaluating impact and sharing learning across the organisation.
• Drive the use of new technologies and systems to improve service quality and operational efficiency.

Person specification

Essential skills & experience

• Proven senior leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary corporate service teams.
• Relevant qualification (e.g. HR, Finance, or Business Management - SCQF Level 10+) or equivalent professional training.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience in strategic budgeting and long-term planning.
• Deep understanding of employment law, HR practice, and workforce development.
• Experience in leading organisational change and innovation with staff consultation and involvement.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills across internal and external stakeholders.

Application information

OPFS is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from members of all communities. We are committed to equality of opportunity, inclusion and diversity.

OPFS encourage and welcome applications from all parts of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We particularly welcome applications from single parents or those who have experienced poverty and or tackled poverty.

OPFS, we are committed to protecting personnel, children, adults, and service users from any harm arising from each other, themselves, our activities, or organisational failings whilst in contact with us. More information on our privacy and safeguarding policies can be found on our website.

Please let us know if you will require any reasonable adjustments should you be called for an interview.

Please note that all job offers are subject to 2 satisfactory references and a disclosure satisfactory to OPFS from the Disclosure & Barring Service.

Recruitment timetable: The closing date for applications is Noon of 29th August 2025.

Making an application

Send your CV (no more than four sides) to . A supporting statement (no more than 1,500 words) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria. You should address the key responsibilities, experience and skills.

Please also tell us about how two of our values are, or have been, particularly relevant in your work or life, outlining how you have demonstrated a commitment to them and how they would influence your approach as Head of Corporate Services.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form during the application process.

This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

If you need to make an application in an alternative format on the basis of a disability or long-term health condition please email for guidance.

To ensure a fair and effective selection process, we require all applicants to follow the guidance below when submitting their application.

Your cover letter is a critical part of your application. It must:

• Directly demonstrate how you meet the essential experience listed in the job description.
• Provide clear, specific examples of how your experience, skills, behaviours, knowledge and values meet those criteria.
• Demonstrate your understanding of our sector, this role and its requirements, not just your general career history.
• Tailor your cover letter to this specific role - generic or perfunctory cover letters will not be accepted.