CEO (Glasgow)

CEO (Glasgow)

Glasgow Full-Time 67000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team to support families affected by substance use across Scotland.
  • Company: Scottish Families is a national charity dedicated to helping those impacted by alcohol and drugs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Why this job: Join a respected organisation at a pivotal time, shaping policy and empowering families.
  • Qualifications: Senior-level experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to social change required.
  • Other info: Confidential discussions available with Catriona Mackie or Lauryn Pringle at Aspen People.

The predicted salary is between 67000 - 100000 £ per year.

Chief Executive Officer

£84,460

Glasgow, with hybrid working

More information can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite at:

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is Scotland’s national charity supporting anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use. Founded by families in 2003, the organisation has grown to deliver a wide range of national and local services – offering support, amplifying the voices of families, and campaigning for change. With a strong reputation, deep relationships across the sector, and a bold strategy for the future, Scottish Families is now seeking an exceptional leader to join them as their next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Role

Accountable to the Board, the CEO will lead the organisation to deliver on its strategic priorities, ensuring the delivery of inclusive, rights-based, and responsive services across Scotland. Working closely with the senior team, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership, uphold Scottish Families’ values, and act as a visible ambassador for families affected by substance use.

The CEO will lead a passionate and high-performing team, working to ensure that families are supported, heard, and empowered to create change. They will play a key role in shaping national conversation and policy, raising awareness of the impact of substance use on families, and driving forward meaningful and lasting system change.

This is a pivotal time for Scottish Families. With a clear strategic vision, growing national presence, and a strong foundation, the next CEO will guide the charity through its next phase of growth and impact – building on its proud legacy while looking ahead to new opportunities, challenges, and ways to reach families.

Key priorities will include:

  • Consolidating and sustaining a successful portfolio of services and programmes
  • Maintaining visibility and influence in national policy discussions and decision-making
  • Ensuring the voices of families remain central to systems change and service design
  • Leading purposeful external relationships with funders, government and sector partners
  • Upholding financial and governance responsibilities as CEO of a registered charity and company
  • Supporting a small, experienced leadership team to continue delivering operational excellence
  • Advocating for families and promoting a rights-based approach to support and care

The Person

Scottish Families is looking for a credible, compassionate leader who shares their values and brings a strong commitment to social change. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level experience, sound judgement, and the ability to represent the organisation with confidence and authenticity.

An excellent communicator, you’ll be able to engage with warmth and clarity – whether influencing policy at national level or working directly alongside families and partners. You’ll have a strong understanding of the third sector in Scotland, a firm grasp of the policy landscape, and a collaborative, relationship-focused approach. A solid track record in governance, financial stewardship, and managing complex stakeholder relationships will also be important.

Most of all, this is a role for someone who believes in the power of families to create change – and who is committed to protecting what Scottish Families has achieved, while shaping what comes next.

You can contact Catriona Mackie or Lauryn Pringle at Aspen People for a confidential discussion about the role on 0141 212 7555.

More information can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite at:

Closing date for applications: Monday 4 th August 2025

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter (as one document) via the apply button. If you are unable to combine your documents, then please email your cover letter to applications@aspenpeople.co.uk

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CEO (Glasgow) employer: Aspen People

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team dedicated to supporting families impacted by substance use. With a strong commitment to social change, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values inclusivity and empowerment, while providing opportunities for professional growth and influence in national policy discussions. Located in Glasgow, the role of CEO not only allows for hybrid working but also positions you at the forefront of meaningful change within the community.
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Contact Detail:

Aspen People Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land CEO (Glasgow)

✨Tip Number 1

Research Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in the sector. This knowledge will help you articulate how your leadership style and experience align with their goals during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the third sector, especially those involved with substance use and family support. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with key stakeholders and gain insights into current trends and challenges, which can be beneficial in interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your vision for the future of Scottish Families. Think about innovative strategies you could implement to enhance their services and increase their impact. Being able to present a clear and compelling vision will set you apart as a candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Demonstrate your understanding of governance and financial stewardship in the charity sector. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed complex stakeholder relationships and upheld financial responsibilities, as these are crucial for the CEO role.

We think you need these skills to ace CEO (Glasgow)

Strategic Leadership
Financial Stewardship
Governance Knowledge
Stakeholder Management
Policy Advocacy
Excellent Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Compassionate Leadership
Understanding of the Third Sector
Change Management
Operational Excellence
Influencing Skills
Empathy and Support for Families
Visionary Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the CEO position at Scottish Families. Understand their mission, values, and the specific responsibilities of the role to tailor your application accordingly.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for social change and your alignment with the values of Scottish Families. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to the key priorities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your senior-level experience, governance skills, and any previous roles that involved managing complex stakeholder relationships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in similar positions.

Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that your CV and cover letter are well-formatted and free from errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People

✨Understand the Organisation's Mission

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their services and how they impact families affected by substance use. This will help you align your responses with their goals during the interview.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

As a CEO, showcasing your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed complex stakeholder relationships, and driven organisational change in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and empower others, as this aligns with the role's requirements.

✨Engage with Policy Knowledge

Given the importance of influencing national policy discussions, be prepared to discuss your understanding of the current policy landscape in Scotland. Share insights on how you would advocate for families and contribute to meaningful system change, demonstrating your commitment to social change.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries about the organisation's strategic priorities, challenges they face, and how you can contribute to their vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

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