Job Description
Chief Executive Officer
Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE)
Location: Kirkintilloch (with travel across Scotland)
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 (depend on experience) plus pension contribution
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working arrangements considered)
Make a national impact. Lead with purpose.
Are you passionate about equality, inclusion and creating real opportunities for people to thrive in work?
This is a rare opportunity to lead the Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE) — the national voice for supported employment in Scotland — at a pivotal moment for the sector.
About SUSE
SUSE is the umbrella organisation for public, private and voluntary bodies working in supported employment and social inclusion. We champion the right of disabled people and people with long‑term health conditions to access real jobs, for real pay, with the right support.
Working alongside our members, partners, employers and policy‑makers, we:
* promote quality and consistency in supported employment
* pioneer new approaches and challenge assumptions
* influence policy and practice at a national level
Having recently celebrated our 30th anniversary, SUSE is entering an exciting new phase of development and influence.
The Role
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for SUSE, ensuring the organisation continues to grow its impact, influence and effectiveness.
You will:
* lead the delivery of SUSE’s three‑year development plan, focused on driving quality and choice in the supported employment sector
* be accountable for organisational performance, financial management and reporting to funders
* lead, support and inspire the staff team
* work closely with the Board, members, partners and employers
* champion supported employment nationally as a proven, effective model
You will also:
* oversee the adoption of the SUSE Supported Employment Quality Standard
* support the continued development of the Professional Development Award in Supported Employment
* grow and strengthen SUSE’s employer consultancy offer, APT
This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery in a small, committed organisation.
Who We’re Looking For
We are interested in the right person, not a narrow career path.
You may be an experienced CEO, a senior leader ready for your first CEO role, or someone bringing transferable leadership experience from a related sector.
We’re particularly keen to hear from people who:
* share SUSE’s commitment to equality, inclusion and social justice
* are confident leading small organisations with national influence
* enjoy working collaboratively across sectors
* can balance advocacy, delivery and financial responsibility
You do not need to meet every criterion to apply — if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply.
What We Offer
* A meaningful leadership role with national impact
* Competitive salary and contributory pension scheme
* 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
* Excellent training and development opportunities
* Flexible and supportive working culture
Contract & Application Details
This post is initially offered on a 12‑month contract, subject to the achievement of mutually agreed targets.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact
Norma Curran (Chair) on 0 1 4 1 2 1 2 3 3 9 5.
To apply, please submit:
* your CV, and
* a covering letter explaining your interest in the role
Video CVs are welcome.
Please ensure that in your CV you have covered as much of the essential criteria as detailed in the person specification for this post as possible.
Application timeline
Closing date for applications is Tuesday 7 April 2026.
Short first stage online interviews will take place on Thursday 9 April 2026.
All candidates will be invited to informally meet the SUSE team at lunchtime online on Thursday 9 April 2026 (this is optional)
Face to face stage 2 interviews will take place at our Kirkintilloch office on Thursday 16 April 2026.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
SUSE is committed to equality and inclusion. We actively welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, experiences and lived experience.
We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and flexible working arrangements throughout the recruitment process.
For the full job description and person specification, please visit our website.