Senior innovation executive jobs in Edinburgh

Contract:  12-month fixed-term contract

Salary:  £60,000 per annum 

Location: Home-based with regular travel 

Closing date:  Wednesday 28 January 2026 

Interview date:  4 & 5 February 2026 

Blue Cross is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Philanthropy to lead and make an active contribution to our High Value Fundraising project, a key initiative designed to grow our future income. This 12-month fixed-term role will focus on delivering high-impact fundraising activity while managing and inspiring a talented Philanthropy team. 

More about the role

You will support in the delivery of the 2026 Philanthropy plan across trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, with a particular focus on the High Value Fundraising project. Leading high-value fundraising activity, you will manage your own portfolio, create income pipelines, develop key performance indicators, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to maximise philanthropic support. You will ensure the charity’s Case for Support remains current and compelling and deliver high-standard donor reporting. 

This is a home-based role with a contracted base site. Travel to your base site is considered normal commuting, while travel to other Blue Cross locations or partner sites will be reimbursed. 

About you

You are a credible senior leader with a strong track record in philanthropy fundraising, capable of translating strategic priorities into tangible outcomes. Motivated by ambitious goals, you thrive on building relationships, inspiring teams, and influencing at the highest level. You are resilient, creative, and aligned with Blue Cross’s values of compassion, courage, and inclusion. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Extensive experience developing strategies that increase income from major donors and institutional funders, including personally securing five- and ideally six-figure donations 
• Proven experience of meeting and exceeding ambitious income growth targets 
• Experience of building and managing funder relationships 
• Strong financial monitoring, target setting, and reporting skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to analyse and present data tailored for different audiences 
• Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills 
• Track record of leading, managing, and inspiring a team, encouraging innovation and improving ways of working 
• Experience working at senior organisational levels and managing relationships with Directors, CEOs, and Boards 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply Blue Cross’s values 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Experience of fundraising for significant capital projects 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and data management 

How to apply  

Click Apply to submit your application. Please note that applications may close early if we receive a high volume, so we encourage early submission. 

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

Who we’re looking for 

We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communication who will lead our fundraising and communications with vision and purpose, helping us grow our reach, deepen our impact and amplify our voice. You’ll be joining a people-centred, mission-driven team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference. At a time when vulnerable young people face increasing challenges, our work has never been more urgent. If you’re motivated by impact and driven by purpose, this is a good opportunity to contribute to lasting change. 

You will be stepping into a well-established and highly effective organisation, but one that remains energised by innovation and continuous improvement. We actively welcome fresh thinking and new approaches that help us evolve and enhance our work. 

What will you do? 

This is a pivotal moment to join JET as we build on fourteen years of impact and enter a new chapter in our journey. We have ambitious plans to expand our reach and influence, and we’re seeking someone who can help us strengthen our funding base and sharpen our message. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and develop our fundraising team, shaping a cross-stream strategy and an integrated communications plan. You’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction for fundraising, communications and events across the organisation. By doing so you will raise JET’s national profile, grow our supporter base and significantly increase income to support programme expansion. 

You’ll bring strong experience across multiple fundraising streams, with a proven track record of securing significant multi-year funding and building lasting relationships with funders—both individuals and organisations. Alongside leading our fundraising efforts, you’ll take ownership of our brand, ensuring clarity and consistency in our messaging, helping partners tell our story, and securing positive media coverage. 

You’ll lead the development of campaigns, fundraising and marketing activities, and digital engagement that not only enhance our national profile but also drive supporter engagement and income growth.

This is a home-based role, with travel required to and within the regions where we operate, including attendance at key events. 

About you 

You will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and events. Your work will be closely aligned with JET’s five-year strategy, enabling continued growth in funding and programme delivery. 

You’ll bring a wealth of experience in leading fundraising and communications at a strategic level, with a strong understanding of the sector and a track record of securing and sustaining major gifts and partnerships. You’ll be adept at managing integrated campaigns across multiple channels and growing income through sustainable funding models. 

Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering, with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to inspire and influence, with excellent relationship-building skills and a strategic mindset. 

Above all, you’ll be passionate about JET’s mission to empower young people facing adversity. You’ll be a credible ambassador, committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference. 

Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply

Please complete our online application form. 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The advert will close on Friday 16 January 2026 at [23:30] but may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage early applications. 

Provisional Interview Process

Stage 1 

• First interview: Online interview 

Stage 2 

• Online Workshop and fireside chat 

• Face-to-face interview with presentation in London

Questions?

Contact us through our website.

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback.

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role.

As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. 

Please note that the interview process outlined above is provisional and may be subject to change. 

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Location: Remote working. Must be willing and able to travel to London, Edinburgh and elsewhere across the UK to support business need

Reporting to: AHS Chief Information and Technology Officer (to be appointed Spring 2026)

Hours of Work: FTE 37.5 hours per week

Purpose of the post

The Strategic Data Lead will play a critical role in managing the study’s data pipeline, devising and implementing strategies for the collection, management, storage, documentation and curation of complex participant data, and sharing data with research users. In particular, there will be a need for innovative, remote data collection methods that are acceptable to children and young people taking part in the study. The role holder will provide specialist advice, direction and input to the wider scientific team to maximise the potential of the study data and future proof the resource. They will drive forward innovative solutions which enable the long-term strategic vision for data management in the study.

Main responsibilities

Strategy

• Provide expert input into the design and delivery of the study before data collection begins, maximising data quality and efficient management from the start.
• Devise and implement a data management strategy, including appropriate data architecture, meta-data and data pipeline(s), to support the study’s aims and meet the needs of the research community.
• Consider the long-term strategy for data preservation and discoverability, to futureproof the resource and ensure maximal use.

Technology and innovation

• Identify and oversee the delivery of novel solutions for collection and management of complex health data, including transfer of data from specialist equipment and mobile technology, such as wearables or app-based data.
• Lead procurement activities, where required, to support the data management strategy, translating the needs of users into appropriate specifications and working with third parties to oversee delivery of solutions.

Risk management and compliance

• Oversee the development, management and continual improvement of all procedures used to process, manage and store data, ensuring that they are kept up to date and comply with relevant legislation and local guidelines.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build relationships with other longitudinal population studies (LPS) in order to seek advice where appropriate and ensure sharing of best practise within the LPS community.
• Work closely with researchers, data scientists and national bodies, such as Population Research UK and the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration, to support study objectives.
• Consult and co-operate with colleagues and stakeholders, including children and young people, to support the use of the study’s data for collaborative research purposes, identifying opportunities to maximise the potential of the data.
• ​Offer creative solutions to issues that arise, consulting with and influencing stakeholders with differing expectations, ensuring the impact of any change is communicated and understood by those involved.

Essential criteria:

• Proven track record of managing large and complex data sets within an academic, research or similar environment, including different types of data from multiple sources, including those with complex ethical and governance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of legislation regarding data management, confidentiality and security.
• Understanding of research governance.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing a data management strategy.
• Experience of implementing current and developing technologies used for collecting, storing and accessing research data.
• Excellent organisational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple competing projects simultaneously to achieve deadlines.
• Educated to degree level in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven innovation and pro-active problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with different levels of staff and external contacts.
• Excellent communication with both internal and external stakeholders including the ability to communicate technically complex ideas at an appropriate level.

Desirable criteria:

• Proven skills in programming using various languages and technologies including understanding of data manipulation and statistical packages used to manage, manipulate and analyse data e.g. SQL, Python, R.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, direct and manage a team of technical staff.
• Experience of working with a longitudinal research study, or equivalent, at a senior level.
• Excellent presentation skills, with experience of presenting to diverse audiences.

Working Environment

• Full time role with flexible working arrangements.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations.
• As a small charity, we offer a range of benefits, including enhanced sickness and family-friendly pay, additional annual leave, the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days’ holiday each leave year, a 10% employer pension contribution, and one paid volunteering day per year.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply online with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 25 January 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 23 February or 02 March 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership and delivery teams. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Responsible for all Continuous Professional Development (CPD) resources and activity of the Royal College of Paramedics, The primary role of the National CPD Lead will be overall responsibility for all CPD delivered by the Royal College of Paramedics, including ensuring the quality of content across the current and future range of platforms, (including video, webinars, events, podcasting). 

The National CPD Lead is responsible for the efficient and effective management of specific pre-agreed workstreams aligned with realisation of the Royal College’s strategy objectives, this will require budget awareness along with supervision and management of team members. 

As a senior member the College team – the National CPD Lead will provide a leadership presenceacross the organisation, contributing to policy and planning, staff development and membershipengagement and growth. They will be an able, confident and competent communicator, engagingeffectively at all levels, from student members to the Royal College of Paramedics Board and Council to national partners and colleagues. 

The primary role of the National CPD Lead is to provide assurance, support and leadership in the provision of face to face and virtual CPD delivered by the College of Paramedics, including: 

• Ensuring the quality of content across the current and future range of platforms (including events, video, webinars, courses, and podcasting). 

• Reviewing and developing CPD activities which meet the needs of members and the profession

As an employee, the National CPD Lead will promote the Royal College, and its aims and objectives by building effective relationships with members, other healthcare colleagues, employers and other stakeholder bodies. 

The Person: 
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to work directly with the Head of Education to drive innovation and change and deliver the Continuous Professional Development and Education objectives as part of the overall College strategy. 

The National CPD Lead will act with integrity, positivity, and adaptability, using their skills to build effective relationships and work within a shared vision.

Closing date: 23:59hrs on 30.01.26 
Interviews: w/c 16.02.26 in the area of Leeds/Bradford 

ESPE is Europe's leading and largest charity focused on improving the clinical care of children and adolescents with endocrine conditions.  We aim for excellence in clinical care, research and education through innovation, collaboration and technology. Our charity is growing its membership and activities at pace, and we are now searching for a Finance Manager who will be the first member of the permanent staff team who is a qualified accountant. 

The Finance Manager role will make a significant difference to how we manage our finances, at an operational and strategic planning level.  We are looking for an individual who is excited by the prospect of transforming our financial governance and management. 

Role overview:

The Finance Manager will work closely with the CEO, Treasurer, and bookkeeper to manage daily financial functions, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive financial performance - including budgeting and forecasting. 

• Contract and working conditions: This is a fixed-term role (initially 18 months) which we envisage will transition to a permanent position. Hours will initially be 17.5 hours per week with remote and flexible working arrangements. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK and be based in the UK.

• Strategic responsibilities: The Finance Manager will support financial target delivery, ensure robust financial systems, and align financial processes with organisational growth and strategy. 

• Operational duties: Responsibilities include preparation of management accounts and all financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, grant management, VAT and tax compliance, audit support, and process improvements. The role also involves liaising with external suppliers and stakeholders and overseeing payroll and pension scheme implementation and management.

• Governance and compliance: The Finance Manager will ensure adherence to the requirements of the Companies Act, Charities Act, and HMRC regulations, ensuring we prepare and submit our statutory accounts on time.  You will coordinate the annual audit, review internal controls, and report financial risks to the ESPE leadership.

• Leadership and collaboration: The role includes providing financial guidance to coordinators and teams to support informed decision-making. 

• Required experience and skills: Candidates must be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT/ICAEW) with at least three years experience in financial or management accounting, preferably in a professional body or learned society. Proficiency in accounting software, and having significant knowledge and understanding of VAT (ideally across Europe), analytical skills, communication, and project management skills are essential. 

• Personal attributes: The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, resilience, collaborative skills, ability to manage multiple priorities, and alignment with ESPE’s mission. You should be proactive, enjoy challenge, be capable of working under pressure, and skilled in influencing and strategic thinking. Must be willing to travel to Europe as required (2-4 times per annum).

Benefits:

• 30 days annual leave, plus UK Bank Holidays
• Flexible working
• Matched pension scheme (up to 7% of salary) 
• Employee assistance programme
• European travel

First interview date: 20th February, online.

Your role

We are seeking an Impact & Partnerships Coordinator to support Design for Good’s programme and project initiatives. We’re looking for someone who believes deeply in our mission and brings energy, strong project administration skills, and a genuine commitment to social and environmental impact.

You will work closely with project teams, programme staff and senior management to help deliver our impact and partnership strategy, providing essential coordination and administrative support across our innovation projects and global collaborations.

Our working environment is informal, multilingual and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on learning, ownership and initiative. This role offers the opportunity to engage with an inspiring international network and support the delivery of impact-driven programmes that improve life through design.

You will work closely with the Impact & Partnerships Lead on day-to-day delivery and report to the Managing Director of Design for Good.

Key requirements

• 3+ years’ experience in project coordination, project administration, PMO or a similar role.

• Degree in a relevant field preferred but not required.

• Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages are a plus.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

• Comfortable working independently within a remote, international team.

• Able to manage multiple priorities across impact projects.

• Proactive, with strong ownership, follow-through and a practical mindset.

• Curious and people-oriented, able to build relationships across partners and collaborators.

• Passionate about designing for good and improving lives through inclusive, thoughtful work.

Key responsibilities

Programme governance

• Provide administrative support to ensure smooth project execution and effective use of collaboration platforms.

• Schedule meetings across time zones with clear communication and calendar management.

• Take concise meeting minutes and capture key decisions and actions.

• Prepare clear recap emails summarising discussions and next steps.

• Support the coordination of online and in-person events.

Impact reporting

• Support impact reporting for annual reviews, presentations and briefings.

• Contribute ideas to strengthen implementation and maximise impact.

• Maintain and update impact dashboards.

• Help translate survey outcomes into clear insights.

• Support reflection moments with partners to strengthen project initiatives.

Partnerships coordination

• Support coordination and stewardship of partnerships across NGOs, corporates, mentors and designers.

• Assist with onboarding new alliance members and coordinating partner agreements.

• Track project plans, risks and progress; prepare status updates.

• Manage project documentation to ensure materials are organised and accessible.

• Maintain project trackers using tools like Excel, Notion or similar.

• Carry out due-diligence checks for prospective partners.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Comfortable working with impact data.

• Ability to work across cultures, geographies and sectors.

• Strong teamwork skills in a diverse, global setting.

• Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office, Notion, Miro and Moodle.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong time-management skills and reliability.

• Passion for social and environmental impact; experience in the non-profit or charity sector is a plus.

*Must be UK based to apply

About Edward’s Trust

Edward’s Trust is a local West Midlands charity providing support for bereaved children, young people, and parents. We have 36 years of experience and operate at the highest level, providing qualified counselling and holistic support for complex or prolonged grief. We do not set time limits and the service is completely free. We do not get Government funding; therefore, we rely on donations to keep this vital service going.

Our Values

RESPECT

We will act with integrity in all that we do, being mindful and considerate to all. We respect and remember those who have died. Respect is a constant that embraces diversity and uniqueness of experience.

HOPE

A feeling of trust in tomorrow. We embody, instill and empower a feeling of trust in tomorrow. Hope is the hand to hold. We have a vision that one day there will be a universal understanding of life-changing grief.

HOLISTIC

Complete and all encompassing. We acknowledge and respond to the needs of the whole person: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We recognise the total experience of grief, promoting a holistic approach to bereavement care.

SUPPORT

Enabling with compassion and care. We provide responsive support that is appropriate, relevant, and meaningful to each individual. Together in safety and strength. Encouraging society to respond appropriately to people facing loss and surviving bereavement.

EXCELLENCE

Embracing professional integrity and creative innovation. We are passionate about providing exceptional services and maintaining the highest standards in all that we do. Excellence is valuing people. We are committed to driving innovation and change.

Role summary

Here at Edward’s Trust, we are excited and committed to growing our service offer and fundraising whilst working with a small but mighty team.  We have strong and realistic foundations in the trusts and grants income stream and a secure base of income from long-term committed funders. These funders enable us to reach children and adults through our specialist counselling services and projects alike, but with a huge amount of new work in development, securing new income from trusts and foundations is a high priority for us. 

This is an exciting role at Edward’s Trust that will challenge and provide excellent career development opportunities for the successful candidate. This role will deliver essential stewardship to our growing portfolio of warm trust supporters, engaging with them to provide inspirational impact reporting to secure continued funding. Our new colleague will gain exciting CV enhancing experience through working and securing new grants for some of the larger funders which is where we wish this post to focus on.

You will support Edward’s Trust to develop its presence in the trust and foundations world, by working to agreed new business targets and contributing to the creation of a high-quality pipeline of new trust and foundation opportunities.  

Key Accountabilities:

• Become an expert in Edward’s Trust current activities and future plans
• Manage a portfolio of trust supporters, providing outstanding stewardship, and ensuring relationships deliver against agreed objectives to enhance the long-term relationship.
• Prepare and deliver engaging bids and reports to share impact and inspire future support.
• Work cross-organisationally to support projects and reporting and to help shape and develop appropriate projects for funding (alongside the Head of Fundraising and Service Delivery Manager).
• Build good working relations with key staff and Trustees of established trust supporters.
• Thank supporters promptly and ensure that progress reports and updates are received by supporters as and when required.

We are open to Flexible Working Requests which can be discussed during interviews. 

Reporting to: Head of Business Development

Direct reports: None

Location of work: Home based in Scotland. This post holder will be based at home with regular travel across Scotland. The role will involve some irregular travel across the rest of the UK. Travel expenses will be paid in line with our Travel Expenses Policy.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £37,500

BACKGROUND

The latest research suggests that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage their emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.

To support the delivery of this strategy, we are evolving our Business Development function and creating a new Business Development Manager – Scotland role. This role will unlock opportunities in Scotland across public funding, trusts, foundations, philanthropy and partnerships, ensuring Magic Breakfast grows its income sustainably across devolved nations.

JOB PURPOSE

The Business Development Manager – Scotland will drive income growth and strategic partnerships in Scotland. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this role will take a lead in developing both public funded income and philanthropic support (trusts, high-net-worth individuals and corporate partnerships).

The postholder will work closely with the Head of Major Giving (Trusts & Philanthropy) and Head of Partnerships in England to ensure joined-up approaches, while developing extensive networks and relationships across Scotland’s funding and commissioning landscape.

This role is both externally focused — cultivating relationships with commissioners, funders, and partners — and internally collaborative, aligning with colleagues across Magic Breakfast to maximise opportunities and deliver against the organisation’s strategic plan.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy

• With support from the Head of Business Development, lead the development and delivery of the Scotland Business Development and Fundraising Strategy, ensuring alignment with Magic Breakfast’s UK-wide income priorities, wider organisational strategy, and any Scotland-specific plans across Service Delivery and Policy & Engagement.

• Act as the lead advisor on business development in Scotland, providing insight, guidance and recommendations on market trends, risks and opportunities.

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities across public and philanthropic income streams, ensuring accurate forecasting and reporting.

Public Funding

• Identify and secure public funded service contracts in Scotland, particularly with local authorities, education commissioners, and government departments.

• Work with the Policy and Engagement team to develop opportunities with national and regional agencies (e.g. Public Health Scotland, NHS boards, Integrated Joint Boards, Community Planning Partnerships) to embed breakfast provision into wider public health, wellbeing and education strategies.

• Engage with local authority frameworks, grants and tendering processes, positioning Magic Breakfast as a trusted delivery partner for both statutory and discretionary funding streams.

• Build strong partnerships with consortia, third sector networks, and intermediary bodies to access collaborative commissioning opportunities and joint delivery models.

• Monitor and respond proactively to changes in the Scottish Government’s commissioning priorities (e.g. child poverty, attainment challenge, early years and family support, wellbeing economy), aligning proposals with policy drivers.

• Lead the preparation of tenders, bids and commissioned service proposals, ensuring they are compelling, evidence-led and costed appropriately to reflect the value of Magic Breakfast’s offer.

• Ensure clear processes for the qualification, negotiation, contracting and reporting of income agreements, working closely with Finance, Service Delivery and Policy colleagues.

• Collaborate closely with the Business Development Manager responsible for public funded income in England and Wales to ensure a joined-up UK-wide approach to opportunities, share intelligence on successful models, avoid duplication of effort, and apply lessons learned from to maximise income growth.

• Align Scotland’s approach with national frameworks, campaigns, and strategic priorities, ensuring that proposals, tenders, and partnerships complement work happening in other devolved nations.

• Explore blended income opportunities, integrating public funded income with potential corporate partnerships or philanthropic support to maximise funding and sustainability.

Philanthropy and Partnerships

• Develop and manage a pipeline and portfolio of Scottish-based trusts, foundations, family foundations, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), and philanthropists, including those with devolved nation-specific remits. This will include working closely with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,

• Take responsibility for cultivating relationships, preparing compelling cases for support, and personally soliciting major gifts (five- and six-figure level), securing multi-year, transformational commitments.

• Work collaboratively with the Major Givings Leads and the Head of Major Giving to integrate Scottish funders into the UK-wide prospecting and stewardship framework, maximising opportunities for uplift and avoiding siloed engagement.

• Deliver high-quality, values-driven donor journeys for Scottish prospects and supporters, including bespoke engagement opportunities such as school visits, events, and briefings that connect funders directly with impact.

• Build relationships with corporates headquartered or operating in Scotland, coordinating with the Head of Partnerships to ensure Scottish corporate engagement complements and aligns national partnerships, avoid duplication, and develop bespoke proposals and stewardship plans where appropriate.

• Contribute to the design and delivery of fundraising campaigns or initiatives with a Scottish focus, ensuring they complement national activity and align with the organisational fundraising strategy.

• Collaborate with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,

• Represent Magic Breakfast externally within Scotland’s philanthropy and fundraising networks (e.g. Scotland Fundraising Conference, Association of Charitable Foundations Scotland, SCVO events), raising profile and building new connections.

Collaboration and Internal Contribution

• Work closely with colleagues across the wider fundraising department to ensure Scottish funders and opportunities are aligned with team specific strategies and the overall fundraising goals and objectives

• Share intelligence and relationships with colleagues in England to strengthen organisational-wide fundraising and business development.

• Collaborate with Policy & Engagement colleagues to ensure business development opportunities are aligned with advocacy and campaigning priorities.

• Contribute to a culture of openness, collaboration and innovation across the Business Development team.

Financial Processes, Reporting and Compliance

• Contribute to business development planning, budgeting and forecasting processes, highlighting risks and opportunities to income.

• Ensure accurate recording of pipelines, income and activity in Salesforce, with robust monitoring and reporting.

• Ensure all donor and organisational reporting requirements are met and high-quality reports are delivered in a timely manner.

• Ensure all activity is compliant with ethical fundraising standards, safeguarding, GDPR and Magic Breakfast’s policies.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of the Scottish funding and commissioning landscape, including key trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate networks.

• Excellent practical understanding of procurement rules and policies as well as tender and budget cycles.

• Proven track record of developing and delivering income growth from a variety of sources, including public funding, philanthropy and partnerships.

• Demonstrable experience of managing the full fundraising pipeline — from prospect research and qualification, through cultivation and solicitation, to long-term stewardship and renewal.

• Hands-on experience of securing and soliciting significant gifts (five- and six-figure level) from high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, with evidence of personally closing gifts at this scale.

• Demonstrable experience of building and stewarding high-level relationships with commissioners, funders and corporate partners.

• Experience of preparing successful tenders, bids and proposals, ideally within education, social impact or the charity sector.

• Experience of cross-team collaboration within a UK-wide or devolved nations context (desirable).

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently.

• Strong pipeline management and analytical skills, with a track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to evaluate opportunities, prioritise effectively and translate plans into action.

• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.

• Strong team player with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising/CRM systems (ideally Salesforce), as well as ability to use project management systems (such as Asana).

Other

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating child morning hunger as a barrier to learning.

• Commitment to Magic Breakfast’s values and to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.

• Willingness to travel across Scotland and the UK, with occasional out-of-hours working for events.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, hr @magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 19th January

Interview 1 - w/c 26th January

Interview 2 - w/c 2nd February

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Location: Remote working (with some travel across The Girls’ Network regions in England as required)

Reports to: Head of Programmes and Impact

Salary: £37,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent/Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Direct Reports: Up to 8 Programme Facilitators

Closing Date: Friday 29th January at 9AM

Interviews: 1st stage interview to be held between 4th & 5th Feb, 2nd-stage interview to be held on 13th Feb

About The Girls’ Network:

The Girls' Network is a national charity with a mission to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a network of professional women role models and volunteer mentors. We believe no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background, or parental income. Our vision is a future where all girls are supported to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and shape their own futures.

We partner with secondary schools and colleges across multiple regions in England, including London, Merseyside, Portsmouth, Southampton, Sussex, Tees Valley, Tyne & Wear and the West Midlands. We match girls aged 14–19 with trained volunteer mentors for one-to-one support. Additionally, we offer group mentoring, workshops, and access to an Ambassador Community that provides continued opportunities for development, career support, and connection.

Role Summary:

The National Programmes Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and developing a team of regionally dispersed Programme Facilitators to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of The Girls’ Network programmes across all localities. The post-holder drives programme performance and quality through effective people leadership, robust performance management, and the use of SMART objectives to ensure KPIs are met and organisational outcomes are achieved.

A core element of the role involves embedding best practice across all aspects of programme delivery and maintaining a strong, consistent approach to safeguarding  through our work with children and young people. The post-holder is expected to be an experienced, supportive, and proactive leader, confident in managing performance, developing staff, and supporting team wellbeing and professional growth.

For full details of the role’s responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the attached job description, together with a candidate pack designed to support you throughout the recruitment process.

How to apply

Please apply as soon as possible. You will be asked to complete your application by submitting your CV and answering a few application questions.

Appointees are subject to a DBS check. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply.  

Diversity at our core

The Girls' Network is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination. In line with the Equality Act 2010, if you require any reasonable adjustments to support you with any stage of this recruitment process, please contact the People team. 

Our Benefits

• 27 holiday days per year, plus public holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave every year
• Gifted birthday leave
• 3 days volunteering leave per year
• Extended and comprehensive sick pay policy
• Enhanced Family Leave pay policy
• Pension scheme
• Annual professional development fund to help you grow
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
• Benefit from flexible, remote working options with a full suite of home office equipment.
• A dedicated Girls’ Network buddy, available beyond the induction period for ongoing support

Do you have what it takes to be part of the Walking With The Wounded team? We have a fantastic opportunity for a Financial Controller with experience of running the day-to-day financial operations of a dynamic charity. We are an ambitious charity with ambitious goals that needs a Financial Controller to support the charity in achieving these goals. If your attitude matches this, you will find a perfect home within our Finance team.

This is a broad role that will include a wide range of responsibilities. The Financial Controller is responsible for managing the daily and weekly tasks of the Finance team, as well as periodic tasks that are less frequent.  These tasks include (but are not restricted to) all aspects of bank and cash, raising of invoices, generating BACS payments, all Finance input into payroll, VAT returns, Gift Aid claims and response to ad hoc queries from our front-line staff.  The Financial Controller managers one Finance Assistant and reports into the Head of Finance. The Head of Finance leads on budget setting, forecasting and monthly / quarterly / annual reporting, and the Financial Controller will support where needed.  The Financial Controller will also be the lead contact with external auditors following year end.

 The tasks outlined here and in the job description will not remain static and can be tailored to the experience of the successful applicant, therefore this role is ideal for someone who is looking for a challenge and to develop their skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.

For an informal discussion please contact Marc Brady, Head of Finance.