At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance, digital, and people teams to drive strategic growth and governance.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a world-renowned institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a leading botanic garden while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and strategic planning experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading botanic gardens based on the quality, breadth and depth of our science, plant collections, public engagement and education. We are now looking to recruit a Director of Finance, Corporate Services & People to join our Executive team at an exciting stage of our development to deliver the high quality corporate, financial and resource management that underpins the continued success of our organisation.
This is a wide-ranging role leading and line managing our Finance, Digital, People and corporate planning teams. You will be the most senior finance presence in the organisation, responsible for developing, leading, and implementing strategic financial plans, and you’ll be the main point of contact with our sponsor team in the Scottish Government for corporate services. You will be Company Secretary for RBGE, and corporate governance will be a key part of the role with overall responsibility for coordinating our strategic and operational planning. You’ll lead our Digital team as they roll out a programme of digital enhancement across the organisation, and our People team as they continue to deliver our People Strategy.
Applicants will ideally be qualified accountants and have a sound understanding of finance and business planning, or an equivalent level of knowledge and experience. Leadership experience at a senior level will be essential, and a solid background in strategic and operational planning will also be needed.
The Role:
- Reports to: Chief Executive (Regius Keeper)
- Direct reports: 3 direct reports as department heads (Heads of Finance, People and Culture, Digital).
- Working pattern: Full time, 5 days a week.
Leadership and Representation
- A member of our Executive and Senior Leadership teams, supporting effective, collaborative leadership and delivery of RBGE’s strategy and operations.
- Lead and develop skilled, motivated Finance, Digital, People and Culture teams and promote efficient, equitable working practices.
- Produce clear, timely reports (e.g. Board papers, Annual Report, performance reports, Risk Register, Health & Safety).
- Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Finance, Digital, People and Culture teams, representing RBGE externally.
- Serve as a Non-executive Director for RBGE legal entities such as the Botanics Trading Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBGE acting as our commercial trading arm.
- Attend Board of Trustees meetings.
Strategy, Finance, and Corporate Planning
- Lead strategic and operational planning, including business and financial planning and performance reporting.
- Oversee financial operations to support sustainable growth.
- Support income diversification and work with the Executive Team to identify new revenue opportunities to support our charitable aims.
- Contribute to planning and delivery of major capital programmes aligned to budget and priorities.
- Ensure procurement is cost-effective, compliant, and fit for purpose.
Governance, Risk, and Policy
- Act as Company Secretary, supporting Board and Committee governance and meeting preparation.
- Serve as Senior Information Risk Owner, ensuring compliance with information governance requirements.
- Oversee governance, legal and risk matters, including new ventures.
- Advise the Regius Keeper and Executive Team on best practice resources, governance, innovation, and policy compliance.
- Support corporate policy development and maintain awareness of the wider policy context.
- Act as a key contact with our Scottish Government Sponsor Division ENFOR and work to strengthen external links.
- Serve as Honorary Secretary to the Botanics Foundation, an independent charity that seeks to advance the mission of RBGE through charitable giving.
People and Culture
- Lead an effective people function, continuing to position RBGE as an employer of choice.
- Drive workforce planning, skills development, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee talent management, performance, pay, training, and volunteering to build an inclusive, high-performing workforce.
- Strengthen organisational resilience and adaptability.
- Chair the staff EDI Advocacy Group and champion inclusion.
- Act as Director responsible for Health and Safety, chairing the H&S Committee and ensuring compliance.
Digital & Technology Services
- Provide strategic leadership for technology, data systems, and cybersecurity.
- Oversee digital strategy, CRM, ticketing, e-commerce, and data governance to enhance the visitor experience.
Other Duties
- Undertake additional responsibilities as agreed with the Regius Keeper.
Person Specification:
Essential skills
- Strong financial acumen and ideally a qualified accountant.
- Strong proven senior leadership in multi-disciplinary corporate services, particularly Finance, Digital, and People & Culture.
- Relevant previous experience e.g. of ensuring effective delivery and outcomes in a large charity such as a heritage body or a visitor attraction, or a university, public body or similar.
- Strong people skills - excellent leader, including high level people management, and excellent stakeholder communications.
- Experience as part of a multi-disciplinary Executive team, with Board-level engagement skills.
- Experienced in the development and monitoring of budgets and business plans.
- A strong background in strategic and operational planning and performance, and knowledge of management information systems.
- Proficient in external statutory reporting and audit.
- Familiarity with current Human Resource practices.
- Familiarity with current procurement practices.
- Knowledge and experience of leading/advising effective and transparent governance.
Desirable skills
- Experience of successful change management.
- Experience of health and safety management.
- Good working knowledge of equalities and diversity in the workplace.
- Good working knowledge of charity legislation.
Director of Finance, Corporate Services and People in Stockbridge employer: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities and promote a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, our organisation not only supports the advancement of botanical science but also prioritises the well-being and professional growth of our staff, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Detail:
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance, Corporate Services and People in Stockbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and corporate services sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. 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 help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed budgets, or implemented strategic plans. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
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Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance, Corporate Services and People in Stockbridge
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, Corporate Services and People. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving strategy. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Director of Finance, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of financial metrics and reports. Brush up on key financial statements and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so prepare examples that highlight your experience managing teams and driving collaboration. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve results.
✨Understand Governance and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks and compliance requirements relevant to the charity sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured adherence to policies and regulations in past positions, as this will be a key part of the role.
✨Engage with Digital Strategy
Since you'll be leading the Digital team, it's important to demonstrate your understanding of digital transformation. Share any experiences where you've successfully implemented technology solutions that enhanced operational efficiency or improved stakeholder engagement.
