Advertised from 29 August 2025

Role

We are looking for an outstanding candidate to replace our existing Chief Executive, who plans to retire this year, having led the organisation since its formation. In this context, we are seeking an inspirational, dynamic and supportive Chief Executive to carry on this work, leading our highly committed staff team.  

Calman Trust was formed in 1998 with the purpose of enabling vulnerable and disadvantaged young people aged 15-25 to experience improved life chances. With relationship-based practice at the centre, we offer young people in the Highlands an individualised learning experience which is designed to enable their progression towards independent adulthood and/or employment, finding and keeping a home of their own and a job. This is underpinned by practical support to overcome the personal challenges that place the young person at risk of disadvantage. In our Inverness-based Café Artysans social enterprise, operated by our trading subsidiary, a quality catering business offers simultaneously a transformative experience of the world of work. Here, young people who arrive with little personal agency ‘learn by doing’, their progress robust, meaningful and sustained because it is owned and understood.  

You will have responsibility for providing strategic direction to the organisation, maintaining the delivery of a safe, impactful youthwork service and for delivering continued growth of our enterprising activity with enthusiasm, drive and sensitivity. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the organisation in a fast-changing environment to address the needs of young people who find it difficult to connect and are often by-passed.  

The successful candidate must have sound leadership experience, knowledge of the voluntary sector, awareness of relevant legislation, entrepreneurial capability, and excellent financial management skills, including ideally securing and managing major grants. You will be a confident and passionate communicator, with an ability to create positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners. Previous Chief Executive experience is not essential.

PVG membership is required, as is the ability to drive.

Application notes

A job description and background details are available for download below

To apply, please provide the following:

1. A covering letter and personal statement explaining why you are interested in this position, highlighting your relevant experience, and indicating how you meet the ‘Candidate Requirements’ (see job description). This letter should be no more than two sides of A4. You are asked to indicate your preference for full- or part-time work (salary pro rata) and to align your response accordingly.

2. A CV, limited to two pages.

3. Contact details for two referees, one of whom should be your current/most recent employer. (Please state clearly if you do not want us to contact referees prior to interview.)

Completed applications should be sent to recruitment@calman.org by 23rd September 2025. 

Interviews will be held in Inverness. Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview which will include a 5-minute presentation in which they are asked to outline the main priorities of their activity during the first six months in post. Interviews will be held in Inverness on 30th September.  

For a confidential discussion, contact CEO Isobel Grigor on 07711 518887 or isobel@calman.org.

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