VSA - Chief Executive Officer in Aberdeen
VSA - Chief Executive Officer

VSA - Chief Executive Officer in Aberdeen

Aberdeen Full-Time 95000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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BTA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead VSA through strategic transformation and ensure high-quality service delivery.
  • Company: VSA, the largest city social care charity in the UK with 150 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of social care and leave a lasting legacy in the community.
  • Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience in health and social care.
  • Other info: Opportunity for impactful advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

The predicted salary is between 95000 - 120000 £ per year.

VSA is the largest city social care charity in the UK, with over 150 years of experience supporting vulnerable children, adults, and families across Aberdeen and beyond. The organisation delivers life-changing services through residential care and community outreach, promoting physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. VSA supports individuals facing complex challenges, including mental health diagnoses, additional learning needs, addiction, isolation, and poverty, with a focus on empowerment, compassion, and enabling people to live the best lives possible.

VSA is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through a period of strategic transformation within the Scottish social care sector. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, building on a long history of high-quality service delivery while responding to evolving policy, funding frameworks, and community needs.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide overall leadership and direction for VSA, ensuring strong governance, effective risk management, and financial sustainability. They will work closely with the Executive Management Team to deliver the organisation’s strategic objectives, embed a culture of innovation and accountability, and maintain the highest standards of care for service users.

The CEO will represent VSA externally, engaging with government, regulators, and partners to ensure the organisation’s voice is influential in shaping the future of health and social care. Through effective advocacy and stakeholder management, the CEO will strengthen VSA’s position in the sector and secure opportunities for innovation and growth.

Candidates will bring significant senior leadership experience, ideally gained within a health and social care context, with a track record of leading complex, multi-service organisations. They will demonstrate strong financial and commercial acumen, experience delivering sustainable change, and the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders. Above all, they will be values-driven, visible, and authentic leaders, committed to supporting staff and ensuring that service users’ needs remain central to decision-making.

The successful CEO will guide VSA through this period of strategic transformation, ensuring the organisation remains resilient, sustainable, and well-positioned to continue serving Aberdeen’s communities as it has for over 150 years. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a historic, mission-driven organisation, leaving a lasting legacy and making a meaningful difference to the lives of the people VSA supports.

How to Apply:

Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack and job description. After reviewing the pack, prospective candidates are encouraged to arrange an initial, confidential conversation with our CEO, Bruce Tait, who is leading this search. This discussion provides an opportunity to explore the role in more detail and consider its scope and impact. You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.

Closing Date: 12pm Tuesday 17th March 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 26th March in Aberdeen

This search is being conducted exclusively for VSA by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked extensively in and with the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.

VSA - Chief Executive Officer in Aberdeen employer: BTA

VSA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the largest city social care charity in the UK, with over 150 years of impactful service in Aberdeen. The organisation fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation, ensuring that staff are empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. With a commitment to strong governance and community engagement, VSA provides a rewarding environment for leaders who are passionate about social care and dedicated to shaping the future of health and wellbeing.
BTA

Contact Detail:

BTA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land VSA - Chief Executive Officer in Aberdeen

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social care sector, especially those connected to VSA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching VSA's history and current challenges. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about the mission. Tailor your answers to reflect how your values align with VSA’s goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for VSA and how you plan to lead through transformation. Keep it concise and impactful – we want to hear your passion and commitment!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely invested in the opportunity.

We think you need these skills to ace VSA - Chief Executive Officer in Aberdeen

Senior Leadership Experience
Strategic Transformation
Governance
Risk Management
Financial Acumen
Stakeholder Engagement
Advocacy
Change Management
Service Delivery
Community Outreach
Values-Driven Leadership
Innovation
Accountability
Resilience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Get to Know Us: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really understand VSA and what we stand for. Familiarise yourself with our mission and values, as this will help you tailor your application to show how you align with our goals.

Craft Your Narrative: When writing your application, think of it as telling your story. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to the challenges we face in the social care sector. Make sure to showcase your achievements and how they can contribute to VSA's future.

Be Authentic: We’re looking for someone who is values-driven and authentic. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for social care and how you envision making a difference at VSA.

Apply Through Our Website: Once you’ve polished your application, make sure to submit it through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at BTA

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into VSA's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their history and current challenges will help you articulate how your leadership experience aligns with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Be ready to discuss your approach to leading complex organisations. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and engaged stakeholders in previous roles, especially in health and social care contexts.

✨Prepare for Tough Questions

Expect questions about financial sustainability and risk management. Think through your strategies for navigating these areas and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure VSA remains resilient during transformation.

✨Engage with Authenticity

VSA is looking for a values-driven leader. Be genuine in your responses and demonstrate your commitment to empowering service users and supporting staff. This authenticity will resonate well with the interviewers.

VSA - Chief Executive Officer in Aberdeen
BTA
Location: Aberdeen
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