CEO

Aspen People; Livingston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Livingston seeks a new Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight. This pivotal role involves shaping the organization's strategy, driving growth, and ensuring impactful services for vulnerable young people. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, financial management experience, and a commitment to supporting youth at risk. Competitive salary, hybrid application options, and a dedicated team await the successful candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience operating at a senior level within a regulated care or third sector environment.
• Proven experience in budgeting, reporting, and funding applications.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Shaping and delivering the charity’s strategy.
• Leading organisational design and growth.
• Ensuring high-quality, innovative services.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Financial management

Excellent communication

Governance and compliance knowledge

Collaborative approach

Education

Relevant degree or management qualification

Job description

Overview

Chief Executive Officer
37 hours per week, we welcome job-share applications and proposals for other approaches including fewer hours per week.
Competitive salary, depending on experience.
Livingston, West Lothian.

For more information please see our dedicated recruitment microsite: https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/odap/

We are delighted to be working in partnership with Open Door Scotland to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer, a pivotal leadership role that will shape the future of this respected charity, which has been supporting vulnerable young people for over thirty years.

Open Door Scotland works with young people aged 16–25 who are at risk of homelessness. Many face challenges such as family breakdown, care experience, poor mental health, trauma, or social isolation. Through safe accommodation, outreach, and tailored support plans, the organisation helps young people transition from crisis to independence, equipping them with the skills and opportunities to thrive.

With a strong foundation and a reputation for impactful, person-centred support, Open Door Scotland is now ready to grow its services across a wider geographical footprint. The incoming CEO will be instrumental in leading this next stage of development, strengthening operations, driving innovation, and ensuring sustainable impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the organisation. Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping and delivering the charity’s strategy in collaboration with the Board and stakeholders
• Leading organisational design and change to support growth and impact
• Ensuring high-quality, innovative services that meet the needs of young people and regulatory requirements
• Overseeing financial performance, income diversification, and long-term sustainability
• Acting as the public face of the organisation, raising profile, influence, and partnerships
• Ensuring effective governance, compliance, and accountability at all levels

This is a “hands-on” leadership role, requiring a balance of strategic vision and operational engagement.

The Person

We are looking for a credible, values-driven leader who brings:

• Experience of operating effectively at a senior level, ideally within a regulated care or third sector environment
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and drive change
• Proven experience in financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and funding applications
• Knowledge of governance and compliance requirements within the not-for-profit/charity sector
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to represent the organisation at local and national levels
• A collaborative, resilient, and solutions-focused approach, underpinned by a genuine commitment to supporting young people at risk

A relevant degree or management qualification is desirable, alongside a demonstrable commitment to ongoing professional development.

Why Join Open Door Scotland?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established and values-led charity at a time of growth and transformation. With a dedicated team, strong local partnerships, and a clear mission, the organisation is well placed to expand its impact and ensure that even more young people are supported into safe, secure, and independent futures.

As CEO, you will have the chance to shape strategy, influence policy, and drive meaningful change, while staying close to the frontline of services that truly make a difference.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the apply button. If you are unable to combine your documents, please email your cover letter to [e-mail].

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Harry Thomson at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 7th October 2025

Interviews

• Stage 1 Interview – to be held virtually week commencing 20th October 2025
• Stage 2 Interview – to be held in a venue TBC in West Lothian week commencing 27th October/3rd November 2025

Open Door Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.