At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community-focused charity, combining strategy with hands-on operations.
- Company: Friendly, purpose-driven charity dedicated to community empowerment.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, holiday allowance, and pension contribution.
- Other info: Enjoy an annual canal boat trip and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while leading inspiring initiatives.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, project management, and fundraising experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role
As FCCT's most senior staff member, you will provide strategic leadership while staying closely connected to day‐to‐day operations. This is a hands‐on and varied role, ideal for someone who enjoys combining big‐picture thinking with practical community‐focused delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Provide inspiring and inclusive leadership for staff and volunteers
- Work with the Board to deliver strategic and operational plans
- Oversee impact measurement and reporting, including the Annual Report
- Governance
- Act as the key link between the Board and staff
- Support strong governance, including acting as Company Secretary
- Finance & Fundraising
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
- Drive fundraising, major grant applications, and income generation
- Build strong relationships with funders and partners
- Operations & People
- Support and line‐manage staff and volunteers
- Oversee social enterprise activities, community programmes, and events
- Lead delivery of flagship initiatives such as the Edinburgh Canal Festival
- Contribute to FCCT's public profile and digital presence
- Participate in the on‐call rota as Designated Person Ashore for boat operations
- External Relations
- Act as the public face of FCCT
- Build partnerships with local groups, businesses, and stakeholders
- Champion the value of blue and green spaces and community wellbeing
About You
Essential:
- Strong leadership and management experience in a charity, social enterprise, or community setting
- Proven project management and fundraising skills
- Confident with financial information and decision‐making
- Excellent people management skills
- Excellent communication and relationship‐building abilities
- Able to balance strategic thinking with hands‐on operational delivery
- Committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and community empowerment
Desirable:
- Experience in community development, volunteering, environmental or heritage projects
- Income generation or social enterprise experience
- Understanding of impact measurement
- Experience supporting volunteers and inclusive participation
What We Offer
- A varied and meaningful leadership role in a friendly, purpose‐driven charity
- Flexible working from day one
- Training and development opportunities
- Pro rata holiday allowance including bank holidays
- Christmas shutdown period
- 5% employer pension contribution
- An annual canal boat trip
General Manager in Edinburgh employer: Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust
FCCT is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and fulfilling leadership role within a friendly, purpose-driven charity. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values personal and professional growth. Located in a vibrant community, FCCT provides unique advantages such as engaging with local stakeholders and championing the importance of blue and green spaces for community wellbeing.
Contact Details:
Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity and community sectors. Attend events, join local groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for community work! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your experiences and ideas about community empowerment and inclusivity. Let them see how your values align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership and project management skills through real-life examples. Practise your responses so you can confidently show off your experience when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you inspire and manage teams, so share specific examples that showcase your inclusive approach and ability to drive results.
Connect the Dots:Link your past experiences to the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your project management and fundraising skills align with our mission, so don’t hold back on those relevant achievements!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for community empowerment and sustainability in a way that feels true to you.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the community FCCT serves. Understand their needs and how the organisation addresses them. This will show your commitment to community empowerment and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of your leadership experience, especially in charity or social enterprise settings. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired teams and managed volunteers, as this role requires strong people management skills.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your financial planning and budgeting knowledge. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled financial decision-making in past roles, as this position involves leading financial planning and reporting.
✨Communicate Your Vision
Think about your strategic vision for FCCT and how you would balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day operations. Articulate your ideas clearly during the interview to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
