Chief Executive Officer

From its early days in the Industrial Revolution, Scottish Canals has harnessed the power of Scotland's waterways as a channel for recreation and industry. Working for the people of Scotland, Scottish Canals builds on the prowess of the 19 th century engineers who dreamed up this magical landscape to the renaissance of the late 90s and the early 2000s which created the iconic The Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies .

Working for Scottish Canals is a unique opportunity to be a custodian of Scotland's past, present and future; you'll be an instrumental part in conserving, rethinking, and repurposing the canals of Scotland for the 21st century and beyond, visualising its transformation and modernisation for Scotland.

This includes 141 miles of canal, 3,500 significant engineering structures, 19 reservoirs and 253 bridges. The Canals welcome over 3,000 transiting boats a year and 600 living-on-water moorings, but most importantly they are a community asset welcoming over 20 million visits along the towpaths to enjoy these special green and blue spaces.

The role:

As CEO of Scottish Canals, you will lead the organisation within Scotland's NDPB space; shaping strategy and vision to deliver public value in tourism, placemaking, responding to the climate emergency, tackling health inequalities, and supporting active travel. As Accountable Officer, the CEO reports to the Board and Scottish Ministers and is ultimately responsible to the Scottish Parliament.

This is an exciting time to be joining Scottish Canals as the next five-year corporate strategy takes shape. They are determined to reimagine the canals for the future; providing navigation, innovation in managing water and new projects which support redevelopment of vacant and derelict land and potential for renewable energy generation. Ensuring employees and customers can enjoy and benefit from Scotland's canals is upmost importance.

The successful candidate:

We're looking for a bold and dynamic individual with a passion for Scotland's heritage and someone who sees potential in the nation's assets. You may come from another third sector or public sector environment with a national focus.

At the core, you'll be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive and insightful strategic thinking and exceptional leadership skills.
• Ability to lead change in your organisation, shaping delivery to generate impact and enhance organisational sustainability.
• Excellence in financial management, governance, compliance, and balancing organisational risk and reward.
• You'll understand partnerships and be an excellent stakeholder manager, working alongside senior leaders to influence and negotiate on behalf of Scottish Canals' future vision.
• You'll be educated to degree level and be able to balance a perspective of working in an NDPB and government environment with exposure to a commercial setting.

This is a Scotland-wide role that is offered on a full time and permanent basis and attracts a salary of circa £105k per annum. Although the role will be based in the Central Belt, with blended working, the successful candidate will have regular travel across Scotland therefore a valid UK driving licence is required.

If you'd like to discuss this exciting role in more depth, please get in touch with Kate Kennedy or Debbie Shields on .

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement as one combined document via the apply button.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13 th January 2023

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