Chief Executive

Bursting with energy, passion and personality, Glasgow is Scotland’s cultural and sporting powerhouse and one of Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic cities. As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Scotland’s first UNESCO Learning City, and the only city to have been named European Capital of Sport twice, Glasgow is home to world-class museums, galleries and attractions, a rich architectural heritage and a thriving and diverse food and drink scene. Glasgow’s outstanding programme of year-round events and festivals is recognised globally, and the city is a first-choice destination for nearly four million tourists every year.

As one of Scotland’s largest charities, Glasgow Life is at the heart of this wonderful city. We work to promote the life-changing benefits of culture, physical activity and sport, as well as promoting Glasgow to a global audience.

Working across museums, libraries, the arts, music, physical activity and sport, learning, and heritage programmes, we are committed to ensuring everyone benefits from the life-changing experience of participating in culture, physical activity and sport. Our passionate colleagues and volunteers provide support and inspiration for the people of Glasgow, enabling them to access the experiences that matter most to them.

The primary focus of the Chief Executive of Glasgow Life is to maximise the positive impacts the charity has in Glasgow and Scotland, leading the delivery of the city’s innovative strategies for culture, libraries, physical activity and sport, events, and tourism, as well as contributing to Glasgow’s wider heritage strategies and community planning.

The Chief Executive is also responsible for nurturing and further developing relationships with key Scottish, UK and international stakeholders for the benefit of Glasgow Life.

The Chief Executive drives our high-performance culture, ensuring our charity delivers against it ambitious vision, mission and purpose.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic direction, financial planning and culture of the organisation; driving Glasgow Life’s vision, strategy and long- term financial sustainability.
• Leading the delivery of Glasgow Life’s plans to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of citizens and visitors through culture, physical activity and sport.
• Continuing to find innovative ways to grow and diversify Glasgow Life’s income base, optimising its assets and identifying new opportunities for growth, creating a sustainable future for the organisation and the best possible services for the people of Glasgow.
• Supporting the city’s visitor economy and enhancing Glasgow’s reputation as a great place to live, work, learn and visit through the delivery of local, national and international events and the management of world-class collections.
• Building, managing and nurturing highly effective relationships, influencing key stakeholders, partner organisations and other agencies to increase the focus on the impact that culture, physical activity and sport have on community wellbeing and economic regeneration, informing both national and international policy.
• Providing strong EDI leadership, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion principles are embedded across Glasgow Life, and that policies and services reflect the changing needs of Glasgow’s communities and workforce, and that equal opportunity and diversity are celebrated.
• Representing Glasgow Life as part of Glasgow City Council’s Corporate Management Team.

Candidates should be able to evidence a strong track record of successful delivery and experience in a senior strategic leadership role within a complex and large organisation, delivering excellent business results and customer focused services.

We are looking for a dynamic leader with exceptional communication and influencing skills, combined with the ability to manage complex relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders both internally and externally.

Experience of working in a political environment and strong working knowledge of the challenges facing the public and charitable sectors in Scotland will be highly advantageous.

Please note that under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 this post is politically restricted.

As part of Glasgow Life’s employment checks, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check.

Diversity matters at Glasgow Life

We are determined to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Glasgow in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply. You can read more about our commitment to equality and diversity here:

For further information, please download the Candidate Brochure and visit the Glasgow Life microsite at

Closing date for applications is Friday 14 February 2025.

To apply, please visit our website via the button below. For a confidential conversation, please call 0131 539 7087.