Director of Finance & Estates

Aspen People; Scotland; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Director of Finance & Estates for NESCol in Scotland. This high-impact leadership role involves overseeing multiple functions, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic growth of the college. Candidates must have a strong financial background, degree-level qualification, and proven track record of strategic leadership in complex organizations. This position offers an opportunity to shape the future of vocational education in the region.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of strategic leadership within a finance function in a complex organisation.
• Deep understanding of financial and accounting standards, audit procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in estates or facilities management, contract negotiation, and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Finance, Estates, Health & Safety, Environmental Sustainability, and Procurement functions.
• Develop and deliver strategic vision and plan collaboratively across departments.
• Ensure College’s financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.

Skills

Strong financial background

Strategic leadership

Excellent communication

Team leadership

Education

Degree-level qualification

Fully qualified accountant

Job description

Aspen People is working in partnership with NESCol to appoint a new Director of Finance & Estates

About us

NESCol is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland, committed to being at the heart of positive change across the communities it serves. The curriculum is diverse and evolving. NESCol works closely with industry partners to ensure the skills required in the jobs market are reflected in their courses.

About the role

A high-impact leadership role where you will shape the future of the College by overseeing our Finance, Estates, Health & Safety, Environmental Sustainability, and Procurement functions. Reporting to the Vice Principal – Finance & Resources, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the College’s financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.

As a member of the College Strategic Leadership Team, you will help develop and deliver our strategic vision and plan. Working collaboratively across departments to support financial sustainability, an outstanding student experience and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

About you

We are seeking a proactive, experienced leader with a strong financial background and a passion for operational excellence. You will hold a degree-level qualification, a fully qualified accountant and a current member of a recognised CCAB body.

You will bring a proven track record of strategic leadership within a finance function in a complex organisation, along with a deep understanding of financial and accounting standards, audit procedures, and compliance requirements. Your experience will include leading successful change and improvement initiatives, as well as involvement in estates or facilities management, contract negotiation, and project delivery. You will be an excellent communicator and team leader, capable of inspiring others and working effectively across functions.

For more information please visit https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/nescol/

Application Process

For a confidential discussion, please contact Katharine Price, Donogh O’Brien, or Gillian Blackadder at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.

Closing date: Monday 9th February 2026

If successful you will be required to attend on the following days / locations:

• 1st stage Interviews: W/C 16th February (virtual) date tbc
• Interview Date (in person): Monday 9th March 2026