Chief Executive Officer

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Location: 8 Bridge Lane, Perth PH1 5QP

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Salary: £50,000-£55,000

Contract Type: Full Time / 40 hours

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT) is seeking an inspiring and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next exciting chapter. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the future of one of Scotland's most dynamic heritage trusts, ensuring long-term sustainability while maximising impact across conservation, archaeology, skills training and community engagement.

About Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust

PKHT is an independent charity dedicated to conserving and promoting the historic environment of Perth and Kinross. Through innovative projects in archaeology, historic building conservation, traditional skills training and public engagement, the Trust connects people with their heritage while supporting regeneration, placemaking and community wellbeing.

Over the past three decades, PKHT has established itself as a trusted expert and advocate for heritage, delivering high-quality projects in partnership with local authorities, funders, community groups and national bodies. With a reputation for impact and innovation, the Trust is entering a new phase of development and is looking for a CEO who can combine vision with practical leadership to build on this success.

As CEO, you will provide clear and strategic leadership, ensuring PKHT continues to thrive in a changing policy and funding landscape. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, staff and external partners, you will be responsible for;

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead on PKHT's strategic and business plans, promote its vision and values, and turn goals into clear, measurable outcomes while guiding Trustees with high-quality advice.
• Organisational and Staff Leadership: Inspire and support a skilled team, oversee recruitment and development, and foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performance culture.
• Project and Programme Oversight: Ensure the effective delivery of archaeology, conservation, skills and engagement projects, encouraging innovation and maintaining the highest professional standards.
• Financial and Resource Management: Safeguard PKHT's financial health, oversee budgets and income generation, ensure compliance, and prepare high-quality reports for Trustees and regulators.
• Advocacy, Representation and External Relations: Act as PKHT's ambassador, raise its profile, build strong partnerships, influence policy, and promote heritage's role in regeneration and wellbeing.
• Property and Asset Management: Manage PKHT's property portfolio, lead on the development of its new office, and maximise assets for income generation and community benefit.

1. Experience:

• Strong leadership and management experience in the heritage, charity, or not-for-profit sector.
• A strong track record in developing and delivering strategic and business plans.
• Proven financial management expertise, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Experience of fundraising, income generation or securing grant funding.
• Demonstrable success in building and managing effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience of leading, developing and motivating staff teams.

1. Key Skills and Attributes:

• Membership or accreditation with a relevant professional body (CIfA, IHBC, CIOB, CIOA, RIAS, RIBA, RTPI).
• Understanding of the historic environment sector in Scotland, including policy and funding.
• Knowledge of charity governance, compliance and risk management.
• Strategic thinking combined with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to manage resources effectively.
• Organised, adaptable, and able to balance multiple priorities.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a respected heritage charity at a time of exciting change and development. As CEO, you will:

• Shape innovative projects that make a real difference to communities, heritage and the environment.
• Influence heritage policy and practice at local, regional and national levels.
• Work alongside a passionate and committed team of staff, volunteers and Trustees.
• Receive 32 days annual leave (+1 day per year up to 5 years).
• Be auto enrolled into our pension scheme.
• Be entitled to flexible working arrangements.

This is an opportunity to lead a charity that protects Scotland's heritage while empowering communities to connect with their past and shape their future.

Closing date: Friday 10th October

Interview Dates: TBC but likely end of WC 20th October

Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

This search is being conducted for Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust by BTA. Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.