Support brilliant volunteers; inspire a generation.
Want to make a real difference? Scouts is one of the UK’s best known and best-loved national charities, helping 450,000 young people each week to gain skills for life through adventure and teamwork. Its 140,000 volunteers make an extraordinary impact in every corner of the UK – helping young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Having recently restructured its national team to balance costs with ambition and to make the most of the incredible skills across its volunteer and staff network, the charity is now able to look forward with excitement and renewed ambition. It has adopted and will soon publish a bold new 2026-2035 strategy, focused on reaching more young people and empowering them to lead change in their communities.
A new Executive Director of Operations will be central to this next chapter – ensuring the services and support Scouts offers are effectively and efficiently delivered. Leading the majority of Scouts’ ‘Movement-facing’ operational activities, you’ll provide strategic insight and positively impact the achievement of its wider mission. You’ll work across Scouts’ federated structure of Counties, Districts and 7,000 local groups. You’ll also play a key role in ensuring that the national team provides valuable and high-quality resources to support Scouts locally.
You’ll join a collaborative Executive Leadership Team and contribute to a shared leadership approach with senior volunteers. The goal is to build a more inclusive and forward-looking movement - one that reflects the diversity and dynamism of young people today.
Candidates should possess experience of cross-functional leadership at a senior level, in an organisation of similar/larger scale and complexity. An understanding of youth organisations and the youth sector generally will be required. Some previous experience or involvement with Scouts would be helpful. You must be able to demonstrate a collaborative and collegiate approach and a strong alignment with Scouts’ values of Integrity, Respect, Care, Belief, and Co-operation.
Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. The charity offers flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles and welcomes and encourages applicants from all walks of life.
To download additional information, to ask a question, or to apply, please visit the website of Scouts’ executive search partners Society. The deadline for receipt of applications is midday UK time on Wednesday 11th February 2026.