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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support refugees and migrants in Glasgow.
- Company: The Bridges Programme, a compassionate third sector organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader driving social change and community integration.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of leadership experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Glasgow (Hybrid)
Responsible to: Board of Trustees
Contract: Full Time, Open Contract
Salary: £58,000-65,000 pa
Closing Date: Monday 2 February 2026
About Us
The Bridges Programmes is a third sector organisation dedicated to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and anyone for whom English is a second language, supporting their social, educational, and economic integration in Glasgow. We deliver employability programmes, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, and accredited training, working in partnership with local communities, employers, and service providers. We are seeking a dynamic, compassionate, and visionary leader to guide our organisation through its next chapter — sustaining our impact, strengthening our financial resilience, deepening our reach and partnership working, and evolving our services to meet changing needs.
Purpose of the Role
The CEO will lead, manage, and develop The Bridges Programme, ensuring its sustainability, growth, and relevance, while upholding our values and commitment to inclusion, equality and opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategic Development
- Provide inspirational leadership and clear vision in partnership with the Board, staff, and stakeholders.
- Champion our mission to support refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and ESOL learners in achieving integration and independence.
- Develop and deliver strategic actions, identifying new opportunities around external funding, growth and innovation.
- Lead the development of employability support programmes, ESOL provision, and other accredited training.
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with external organisations, funders, and community groups.
- Act as the organisation’s primary spokesperson and media contact.
- Oversee project management for all new initiatives, working closely with the Board on development strategies.
- Oversee diverse income streams and proactively secure new funding opportunities.
- Lead financial planning to ensure sustainability.
- Ensure all funding reports and evaluations are completed accurately and on time.
- Serve as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with governance requirements.
- Provide regular financial and operational reports to the Board and funding partners.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
- Recruit, develop, and inspire staff, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
- Oversee performance management, supervision, and annual reviews.
- Champion equality, diversity, and fairness in all aspects of staff management.
- Lead evaluation and quality assurance to evidence impact and maintain high standards.
- Ensure effective systems for service delivery, including data management, referrals, and safeguarding.
- Identify gaps in provision and develop new services in response to community needs.
- Undertake additional responsibilities as required to sustain and develop the organisation.
Person Specification
- At least 5 years’ relevant professional leadership experience.
- Demonstrable success in organisational management, project delivery, and team leadership.
- Strong influencing skills, ideally including experience engaging with government or policy stakeholders.
- Proven ability to adapt to changing contexts and lead through periods of change.
- Excellent networking, negotiating, and relationship-building skills.
- Understanding of employability challenges for people far from the labour market.
- Experience in public procurement and securing funding.
- Strong financial management skills with experience in budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
- Excellent communication skills — able to convey ideas clearly in writing and verbally.
- Strategic thinker with strong planning, organisational, and risk management abilities.
Sector Knowledge
- Significant experience in the third, public, or private sector.
- Clear understanding of the refugee, asylum, and migrant support sector.
- Clear understanding of employability issues for migrant and ethnic minority communities in Scotland/UK.
- Knowledge of challenges facing the third sector and strategies for sustainability.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We thrive through embracing differences — whether they be social backgrounds, ethnicity, disability, gender identity or expression, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We know that diversity opens rich potential for new ways of thinking and strengthens our work.
We want you to perform at your best at every stage of our recruitment process. If you require adjustments or support, please contact Kathleen Caskie.
What It’s Like to Work Here
At The Bridges Programme, you’ll join a passionate, committed team who believe in making a real difference. We value collaboration, creativity, and compassion. Every day brings opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to life-changing outcomes for the people we support.
Applications by CV and covering letter.
Chief Executive Officer employer: The Bridges Programmes
Contact Detail:
The Bridges Programmes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the impact you can make.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision and how it aligns with the organisation’s goals. A clear, confident presentation of your ideas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CEO role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive organisational growth and sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting refugees and migrants, and how your vision aligns with our mission at The Bridges Programme. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or secured funding in the past, as this will resonate with our need for a visionary leader.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bridges Programmes
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into The Bridges Programme's mission and values. Understand how they support refugees and migrants, and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past leadership roles that demonstrate your ability to inspire teams and drive strategic initiatives. Highlight any experience you have in managing change or developing partnerships, as these are key for the CEO role.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your financial management skills and be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, funding, and compliance. The interviewers will want to know how you plan to ensure the organisation's sustainability and growth.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's future challenges and opportunities. This not only shows your strategic thinking but also your eagerness to engage with the Board and staff in shaping the direction of The Bridges Programme.
