Chief Executive Officer

RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) are thrilled to announce the search for an accomplished leader to step into the role of new Chief Executive. Since 1784, RHASS has remained steadfast in our mission to advance Scottish Agriculture and support Scotland s rural and agricultural communities.

Today, RHASS serves as a vital platform for the rural industry and communities that live and work in Scotland s countryside. A cornerstone of this work is the Royal Highland Show, hosted annually at the Royal Highland Centre, and is the primary fundraising event for the charity. In addition, the Royal Highland Centre plays a crucial role in supporting the work that RHASS does, while standing as of the most sought-after venues within Scotland s vibrant event sector.

About the Role

As Chief Executive, you will guide RHASS into its next chapter, helping to shape its strategic direction and delivering growth, all while ensuring strong financial stability and governance. In this pivotal role, you will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and staff to achieve the charity s mission and long-term objectives. You will oversee the charity s operations, finances, stakeholder relationships, and program development to ensure impactful and sustainable results.

What You ll Do

• Leadership: Manage, develop, and oversee the Strategic Leadership Team, ensuring each area meets its KPIs. Foster a collaborative environment to drive continuous improvement and achieve organisational goals.
• Commercial Development: Oversee the continued development and commercial success of Highland Centre Ltd, working closely with the Director of Venue to maximise the use of assets to generate income for RHASS.
• Team Direction: Lead, mentor, and support the staff team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance organisational culture.
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure RHASS meets its budget and financial targets, providing regular financial reporting to the Board.
• Shape and Implement Strategic Direction and Growth: Drive forward RHASS s strategic plan, delivering management objectives and maintaining a strong, successful team.
• Royal Highland Show Management: Deliver a successful Royal Highland Show each year, measured in terms of charitable impact, attendance, fundraising, financial performance and customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure the organisation complies with all legal, regulatory, and financial requirements.
• Commercial and Property Strategy: Create and execute a medium-term commercial and property plan, leveraging income from RHASS s assets effectively.
• Stakeholder Representation: Act as the charity s representative to external stakeholders, including government officials, donors, partner organisations, and the media.
• Transparency and Reporting: Provide clear, transparent, and timely reports on the charity s performance, finances, and impact to the Board and stakeholders.

What You ll Bring

The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in a Chief Executive or similar role, preferably within a multi-faceted organisation. You will combine financial acumen and governance expertise with the proven ability to foster partnerships and deliver results. Your strong communication and influencing skills, paired with the ability to motivate and lead high-performing teams, will be crucial.

This role is more than just a leadership position it is an opportunity to leave a legacy and drive innovation in a charity with a proud history and an exciting future.

What We Offer

• Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 34 days per annum, increasing with length of service, including 10 public holidays and 4 fixed Director Days (taken between Christmas and New Year).
• Contributory Pension Scheme: The Society contributes 10% of your basic salary, with a 6% personal contribution.
• Life Assurance Benefit.
• Group Income Protection Benefit.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Personal Development Opportunities.

Closing date 26 February

Interviews to be held W/C 10th March