Head of Operations & Strategy

Organisation: Paddle Scotland
Salary: £45,000 - 50,000
Location: Scotland
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 5 July 2026
Job Description: Paddle Scotland is entering an exciting new phase of development and are looking to appoint a Head of Operations & Strategy to join our Senior Leadership Team.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal role that will help shape how Paddle Scotland operates as a modern, high-performing organisation, ensuring we have the systems, structures and financial sustainability in place to deliver our ambitions.

Working closely with the CEO, Board and our small staff team, you will play a central role in strengthening our operational foundations while contributing to the strategic direction of the organisation. You will help ensure Paddle Scotland is well-managed, financially robust and equipped with the systems, processes and culture required to deliver our strategy.

This is a rare opportunity for a collaborative and strategically minded leader to drive organisational excellence behind the scenes, enabling our community and sport-facing teams to maximise their impact across Scotland.

About the Role

The role will focus on:

-Leading the delivery of organisational strategy and supporting Paddle Scotland's ongoing development and sustainability
-Providing strategic and operational leadership across finance, governance, compliance and organisational systems
-Strengthening organisational effectiveness through improved processes, systems and ways of working
-Leading financial planning, budgeting, reporting and oversight, working closely with our external financial services provider
-Supporting the CEO, Board and Committees through the provision of high-quality reporting, financial insight and operational information
-Developing and delivering a commercial approach to diversify and grow income streams
-Identifying and developing new partnerships and revenue opportunities aligned to Paddle Scotland's values and strategic priorities
-Supporting the continued success of Grandtully Station Park Campsite, maximising customer experience and financial return
-Providing strategic oversight of marketing and communications activity to enhance Paddle Scotland's visibility and profile
-Leading and developing a small team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture
-Building strong relationships with Board members, partners, funders, suppliers and stakeholders across the sector
-Deputising for the CEO as required

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a strategic, collaborative and hands-on leader who is as comfortable improving systems and strengthening governance as they are identifying opportunities for growth and supporting organisational change.

You will bring:

-Significant leadership experience within operations, finance, organisational leadership or a related field
-A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams
-Experience of developing systems, improving processes and embedding effective governance
-Confidence in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and reporting
-The ability to translate strategy into practical delivery
-Strong understanding of governance, compliance and risk management
-Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including Boards, Committees and funding partners
-Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
-A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to thrive in a changing environment
-A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Experience within sport, membership organisations or the not-for-profit sector would be welcomed, as would experience of income generation, public funding environments and organisational change.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of paddlesport in Scotland.

You will help build a sustainable, resilient and forward-thinking organisation, ensuring that Paddle Scotland has the capacity, systems and resources needed to support our members, clubs and partners for years to come.

If you are motivated by making a lasting impact, have the ability to influence across a wide remit and thrive in a role that blends strategy with operational delivery, we would love to hear from you.

Additional Information

Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum
Full-time (37 hours per week), permanent
Hybrid working, with travel across Scotland as required
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
How to apply: For full details about the role, please review the Role Description and Person Specification here: https://www.paddlescotland.org.uk/vacancy-hoops To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the position to hr@paddlescotland.org.uk. Your covering letter should clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience and approach align with the requirements of the role. Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 5 July 2026 Interviews: Expected to take place before the end of July 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so early application is encouraged.