At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community-focused charity, balancing 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: Join a dynamic team and enjoy an annual canal boat trip!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while leading inspiring initiatives.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience, project management skills, and excellent communication abilities.
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 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 champions the importance of blue and green spaces, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about making a positive impact.
Contact Details:
Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨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 introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for community empowerment and sustainability. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style:When writing your application, let us see your unique leadership style shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and managed teams in the past, especially in community-focused settings.
Be Strategic Yet Practical:We love big-picture thinkers! Make sure to highlight your ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operations. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated both aspects in previous roles.
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to showcase your relationship-building abilities. We want to see how you connect with others!
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals, particularly in inclusivity and community empowerment. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of General Manager and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with FCCT’s mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and provide examples of how you've inspired and managed teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve successfully balanced strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Fundraising Focus
Since fundraising is a key part of the role, be ready to talk about your previous experiences in securing funding or managing budgets. Highlight any successful grant applications or partnerships you've developed, as this will show your capability in driving income generation.
✨Engage with Community Impact
Demonstrate your commitment to community empowerment and inclusivity. Prepare examples of how you've previously engaged with local groups or led community-focused initiatives. This will resonate well with FCCT’s emphasis on community wellbeing and social enterprise.
