At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and strategy to shape Paddle Scotland's future and enhance community impact.
- Company: Paddle Scotland, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to paddlesport development.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence the future of paddlesport in Scotland.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and drive organisational excellence in a vibrant sport sector.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in operations or finance, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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.
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
- Full-time (37 hours per week), permanent
- Hybrid working, with travel across Scotland as required
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
Paddle Scotland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Paddle Scotland is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the position. 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.
Equality and Diversity Statement
Paddle Scotland is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences.
Vacancy: Head of Operations & Strategy in Scotland employer: Canoescotland
Paddle Scotland is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of paddlesport in Scotland. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a collaborative and high-performing culture where employees can thrive and make a lasting impact. Our hybrid working model and focus on professional development ensure that you will have the resources and support needed to grow within a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainability and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vacancy: Head of Operations & Strategy in Scotland
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Canoescotland!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Vacancy: Head of Operations & Strategy position at Canoescotland via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Vacancy: Head of Operations & Strategy in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Canoescotland.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Canoescotland’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canoescotland
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Canoescotland. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Canoescotland. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Canoescotland.
