At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-performing teams and shape impactful services in health and social care.
- Company: Join a values-led organisation making a meaningful difference in communities.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage collaboratively across offices and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader driving innovation and positive change in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in health or social care with a track record of results.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic, values-led leader ready to shape high-quality services and drive meaningful impact? We’re looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking Associate Director to join our Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role leads high-performing teams, delivers excellent person-centred services, and plays a key part in shaping the future of our organisation. Operating across Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire, you’ll translate strategy into impactful local delivery—ensuring services are safe, effective, financially sustainable, and continuously improving.
Purpose of the role
As Associate Director, you won’t just lead services—you’ll help shape the direction of the organisation. You’ll bring together people, performance, and purpose to deliver outstanding outcomes for the people we support and will work collaboratively with senior colleagues and teams across the organisation. You will have strong leadership experience in health or social care, a proven track record of delivering results and a desire to make a meaningful difference to the people we support.
What you will bring
- The ability to lead high-quality, person-centred services
- A proven track record of driving performance, compliance, and financial sustainability
- The capability to build and nurture high-performing, psychologically safe teams
- Strong skills in championing innovation, digital ways of working, and continuous improvement
- Experience in developing effective partnerships with communities, families, and commissioners
Details of responsibilities are found in the attached role profile.
Organisational priorities
- The Foundation – Digital innovation: empowering everything we do
- Pillar 1 – Voices of the people we support at the heart of all decisions
- Pillar 2 – People: leadership, workforce and culture
- Pillar 3 – Financial sustainability: building for the future
- The Roof – Quality: evidence based improvement
This is a hybrid working role, with an expectation of regular, meaningful engagement across our offices and services. You will therefore ideally be located within reasonable reach of one of our key hubs in Irvine or Dumbarton.
Please apply with your CV and cover letter, uploaded via the ‘Supporting Documents’ section of our online application process. For an informal discussion or further information, you are welcome to contact Nikki O’Brien at nicola.o'brien@cornerstone.org.uk.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview on the 13th and 14th July 2026 at our office in Glasgow. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Level 2 Disclosure check through Disclosure Scotland. Please note: if you have spent more than 12 months outside the UK (excluding France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania or Spain) within the last 10 years while over the age of 18, you will need to provide a criminal record certificate from the relevant authority as part of our pre-employment checks.
Associate Director (Regional Manager) in Irvine employer: Cornerstone Community Care
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises values-led leadership and person-centred services, making a meaningful impact in Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire. With a strong commitment to employee growth, innovation, and collaboration, we foster a supportive work culture where high-performing teams thrive. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working while being part of a dynamic Senior Leadership Team dedicated to shaping the future of health and social care.
Contact Details:
Cornerstone Community Care Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Regional Manager) in Irvine
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Cornerstone Community Care.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Cornerstone Community Care.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Cornerstone Community Care.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Cornerstone Community Care. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Regional Manager) in Irvine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Cornerstone Community Care. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Associate Director (Regional Manager), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone Community Care
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Cornerstone Community Care. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
