Location - Scotland-based remote first working with access to office space and with frequent travel across Scotland and occasional UK/international travel required.
Salary – Up to £90,000.
The Scottish Sports Association (SSA) is entering the most significant period of change in its history.
Following a major review of how Scotland’s governing bodies of sport can work together more effectively, the SSA is being transformed into the independent, unified and recognised collective voice of Scottish Governing Bodies (SGBs) of Sport. We are now looking for an exceptional Chief Executive to lead that transformation and turn an ambitious vision into reality.
This is much more than a traditional Chief Executive appointment. You will have the opportunity to shape a new four-year strategy, develop the organisation’s future identity and brand, strengthen its governance and membership, build its organisational capacity and create a sustainable platform from which SGBs can collaborate and exert greater collective influence.
At the heart of the role will be relationships and influence. You will work closely with SGB Chairs and Chief Executives, the Scottish Government, sportscotland and other national partners, ensuring that the collective voice of governing bodies is heard and that their contribution to Scotland is understood and championed.
We are looking for a credible and ambitious senior leader with experience of operating successfully in a complex stakeholder environment. You will be an outstanding communicator and relationship-builder, politically astute and able to build consensus while maintaining momentum.
You will combine strategic thinking with the ability to deliver change and bring the financial, governance and organisational judgement expected of a Chief Executive.
You do not necessarily need to have built your career in sport. What matters is your ability to establish credibility, unite people around a shared ambition and lead an organisation through significant transformation.
For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to build a highly influential national organisation, strengthen the collective voice of Scotland’s governing bodies and help shape the sporting landscape for years to come.
To apply for the post, please send a tailored CV and covering letter to ScotlandExecutive@LHH.com by midnight on Sunday October 11, 2026.
Please note that the covering letter should be no more than two pages of A4 and should summarise your relevant skills and experience and motivations for applying for this role.
For a confidential, informal discussion about the role please contact LHH on +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email the above address.
The Scottish Sports Association is committed to attracting a diverse field for this appointment and particularly welcomes applications from people and communities currently under-represented in senior leadership across sport. We welcome candidates from beyond the sporting sector as well as from within it and are committed to an inclusive, fair and accessible recruitment process.
Further information (LinkedIn)