We’re Hiring! Chief Executive Officer

Role: Chief Executive Officer

Part-Time: 0.4-0.6 Full time equivalent; 15-22.5 hours per week, flexible across 7 days. Permanent contract.

Location: Glasgow G4 9XP – flexible with hybrid/home working

Salary: £50,000 – Pro-rata

Annual Leave: 28 days annual leave pro-rata, plus progressive leave policy.

About Pinkston Watersports

Pinkston Watersports is a unique and ambitious charity, operating Scotland’s only artificial white-water course and a large clean-water canal basin in the heart of Glasgow. As a legacy project of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Pinkston has grown into a thriving urban watersports centre and community hub, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to access outdoor activity, develop skills and improve wellbeing.

Operating as a self-sustaining charity, we combine commercial activity with community impact. Our year-round programme reaches schools, youth groups, families, clubs, rescue services, corporate partners and local communities, ensuring that outdoor adventure remains accessible while generating income to support our wider charitable mission.

Our work is delivered across four key business areas: school and community programmes, public activity sessions, venue hire for clubs and specialist organisations, and secure storage facilities. Together, these activities create a diverse income base that enables Pinkston to balance financial sustainability with meaningful social impact.

As we enter our next phase of development, we are seeking a Chief Executive Officer who can build on strong foundations, provide strategic leadership and help shape the long-term future of the organisation. This is an opportunity to lead a respected charity with significant potential for growth, strengthening partnerships, diversifying income streams and expanding our impact across Glasgow and beyond.

The successful candidate will share our belief that outdoor activity can transform lives and communities. They will be excited by the challenge of leading a dynamic organisation, working alongside a committed Board, staff team, volunteers and partners to ensure Pinkston continues to thrive as both a sustainable business and a force for positive social change.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of one of Scotland’s most distinctive outdoor and community organisations.

Working closely with our Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of the organisation, ensuring Pinkston remains financially sustainable, delivers meaningful community impact, and continues to grow its reputation as a leading watersports and outdoor learning centre.

The successful candidate will have the vision to identify new opportunities, the leadership skills to develop a high-performing team, and the commercial awareness to ensure a sustainable future for the organisation.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Pinkston’s strategic plan.
• Work with the Board of Trustees to deliver the organisation’s charitable objectives and long-term vision.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation through effective planning, income generation and budget management.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners, local authorities, governing bodies and community stakeholders.
• Lead fundraising activity and identify new opportunities for grants, sponsorship and earned income.
• Provide leadership and support to the centre manager, staff team, volunteers and freelance instructors.
• Ensure the organisation maintains the highest standards of governance, health and safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Champion inclusion and accessibility across all areas of the organisation.
• Represent Pinkston Watersports locally, nationally and within the paddlesports and outdoor sector.
• Drive innovation and support the development of new projects, programmes and partnerships.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Significant leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, public sector or commercial organisation.
• Experience of strategic planning and organisational development.
• Strong financial management and budget oversight skills.
• Experience securing funding, developing business opportunities or generating income.
• Experience leading and managing teams.
• Ability to build effective partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and community development.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the outdoor learning, sport, recreation or charity sectors.
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees.
• Understanding of social enterprise models.
• Experience managing grant-funded projects.
• Knowledge of watersports or outdoor activities.

Why Join Pinkston?

This is a chance to lead an organisation that changes lives through outdoor experiences. You will help shape the future of a unique Glasgow charity, ensuring more people can access adventure, develop confidence an improve wellbeing through watersports and outdoor learning.

Our Values

The successful candidate will actively embody and promote Pinkston Watersports’ values:

• We value the inherent rights of every child – in all that we do is within the UNCRC framework and in our safeguarding practices
• We value Fun – Enjoyment is central to everything we do
• We value Blue & Green Spaces – Supporting health and wellbeing through outdoor environments
• We value Learning through Challenge & Reflection
• We value Community Strength – Building connections and opportunity
• We value Safe Practice – Safety underpins every experience
• We value Good Stewardship – Responsible use of our resources
• We value Water Safety Training and Competitive Sport

Additional Information

As Chief Executive Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pinkston Watersports. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership to ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, delivers meaningful community impact, and continues to grow its reach, reputation, and influence across Glasgow and beyond.

This role reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of Pinkston Watersports. As an ambitious charity and social enterprise, we continually adapt to new opportunities, challenges, and community needs. The successful candidate will be expected to think strategically, embrace innovation, and lead organisational development while maintaining a strong understanding of day-to-day operations.

We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven leader who combines vision with practical delivery. You will be confident developing partnerships, securing resources, supporting and empowering staff, and working collaboratively with trustees, stakeholders, volunteers, and the wider community. You will be someone who takes ownership, makes informed decisions, and creates a positive culture that enables both people and programmes to thrive.

While this is a strategic leadership position, we are seeking a CEO who understands the realities of leading a small but ambitious organisation. You will be comfortable balancing long-term planning with immediate priorities, identifying new opportunities for growth while ensuring the continued success of our existing operations.

No two days at Pinkston are the same. The successful candidate will be motivated by the opportunity to lead a unique organisation that combines commercial sustainability with social impact, helping more people access outdoor activity, build confidence, improve wellbeing, and strengthen community connections.

If you are passionate about leadership, community impact, and building a sustainable future for a distinctive and respected charity, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Application Notes

Informal conversations are warmly welcomed in advance of the closing date – contact our Vice Chair on 07968057934

Research shows that many talented individuals may hesitate to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every single criterion. At Pinkston Watersports, we value diverse experiences and perspectives. If you are interested in this role and believe you have much to contribute, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn’t match every requirement. Please tell us what makes you the ideal candidate.

Please apply in writing, by sending your CV and covering letter to [email protected]

Application Deadline:  5pm 07/12/2026

Corporate Responsibility

• Always Promote Pinkston Watersports positively and professionally
• Deliver excellent customer service and uphold strong professional standards
• Commit to equality, inclusion, and safeguarding in all areas of work

Pinkston is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding principles. We expect our staff to share our commitment. An offer of employment is subject to PVG and 2 satisfactory references.