At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and business services to drive organisational growth and sustainability.
- Company: Blackwood Homes and Care, a leader in accessible living solutions in Scotland.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of independent living and transform lives across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strategic financial leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team focused on operational excellence and social purpose.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Blackwood Homes and Care is one of Scotland’s most innovative providers of accessible homes, care, and independent living solutions. Our mission, helping people live their lives to the full, shapes services that promote independence, dignity and inclusion for people with disabilities, older people, and anyone who needs tailored support. As demand for independent living increases, Blackwood is modernising its systems, strengthening its foundations and investing in sustainable, future-focused solutions.
The Director of Finance & Business Services is a pivotal leadership role at a defining moment for Blackwood. Reporting to the Chief Executive and as part of the Senior Management Team, you will lead finance, business development, commercial activity, procurement and digital services.
You will ensure that financial strategy, long-term planning, treasury and performance management are aligned to organisational priorities, translating complex financial information into clear insight for both financial and non‑financial audiences and supporting effective decision‑making and delivery of the Business Plan. You will also strengthen systems, controls and governance as we continue to work with the Scottish Housing Regulator on sustained compliance and improvement.
As a visible and values‑driven leader, you will build a high‑performance culture across Finance, Digital and Business Development, driving improvement, operational excellence and value for money. We are seeking a qualified accountant with a strong track record of strategic financial leadership, multidisciplinary team management, major budget oversight and organisational change. Commercially sharp and analytically strong, you will lead growth initiatives, build effective partnerships and identify opportunities while developing trusted relationships with colleagues, lenders, regulators and Board members.
This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of an organisation with a powerful social purpose, contributing to the sustainability and long‑term success of Blackwood, helping create homes, services and technologies that transform lives across Scotland.
Blackwood is headquartered in Edinburgh and offers hybrid working, with three days per week expected in the office and travel to sites across Scotland as required.
If you are motivated by purpose, comfortable with complexity, and ready to influence the future of independent living in Scotland, please contact Douglas Adam at Livingston James, our retained recruitment partner for full details of the role: douglasadam@livingstonjames.com
Blackwood Homes and Care is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender assignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Director of Finance and Business Services employer: Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Contact Detail:
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Business Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and business services sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Blackwood Homes and Care thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your strategic financial leadership experience and how it can benefit Blackwood. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We believe this shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Business Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Finance and Business Services. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Blackwood, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a pivotal leader, it’s essential to demonstrate your strategic financial leadership and team management experience. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've driven improvement and operational excellence in your teams.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon where possible and ensure your insights are easily digestible for both financial and non-financial audiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance and Business Services, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Blackwood Homes and Care, and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performance teams and driven operational excellence. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to foster a positive culture.
✨Understand the Mission
Blackwood is all about promoting independence and dignity for people with disabilities. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This will show that you’re not just a numbers person but also someone who cares about the social impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in complex situations. Think through potential scenarios related to financial strategy or compliance issues, and prepare to articulate your thought process and decision-making approach clearly.
