Vacancy : CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Applications are invited for the full-time post of Chief Executive for Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (HRFCA), based in Dundee. This Crown Service (Civil Service Grade 6/Grade B1 equivalent) post becomes vacant on 5 April 2025.

HRFCA. HRFCA is one of 13 autonomous RFCAs, which are arm’s-length bodies of the Ministry of Defence with Crown status, whose role it is to provide specific support to the tri-Service Reserve Forces and Ministry of Defence-sponsored Cadet Forces across the northern two-thirds of Scotland. Consisting of some seventy-five staff, tasks include:

• Providing property, asset and facilities management and assurance of the Reserve Forces and Cadet estate comprising over 135 sites across the region.
• Promoting the Armed Forces, in particular the Reserves and cadets, to local audiences.
• Conducting Employer Engagement to persuade employers to support their employees in their Reserve Service and Cadet Force Adult Volunteering, whilst sustaining supportive employers.
• Supporting the Service-sponsored cadet and youth programmes as required, including the employment of fifty full-time logistic and administrative support staff for five Army Cadet Force battalions.
• Maintaining a regional network of volunteer members and influential stakeholders.

The Chief Executive Role. The HRFCA Chief Executive is responsible to the Association Chair and Board for the efficient management of all staff, business outputs (estates, engagement, cadets and youth), finances and affairs of the Association. The appointment requires commitment, motivation, energy and the imagination to take forward the work of the Association in supporting and representing the Reserves and cadets, as well as the wider interests of the Armed Forces. Applicants need to enjoy leading, engaging with and influencing people of all backgrounds, including the Armed Forces and civilian stakeholders and customers, at a high level. A job description is attached.

Experience Required. Applicants should have Armed Forces command and staff experience at OF4/Lieutenant Colonel level or above, or have been in similar senior leadership, managerial, organisational or administrative roles in a Ministry of Defence-facing civilian organisation. A detailed understanding and appropriate experience of the UK Armed Forces is essential. Prior experience and knowledge of the Reserve Forces, cadets and Ministry of Defence budgetary procedures is desirable.

Terms and Conditions. The annual salary is £67,820. A standard working week is 37 hours. The incumbent is required to regularly work additional hours in the evenings and at weekends, which attracts compensation. Annual leave, excluding public holidays, is 25 days rising to 30 over 5 years (30 days immediately if the candidate has qualifying previous service). An attractive career average (CARE) pension scheme is available. An Association car is provided and applicants must hold a current car driving licence. Applicants should live within a reasonable daily commute of Dundee and be prepared to travel extensively across the region and beyond, including to London. The successful candidate will need to be Security Cleared and Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) cleared. The appointment is for a probationary period of six months, continuing as a permanent position thereafter.

Application. Applicants should forward a covering letter and a CV, each of no more than two pages, demonstrating how they meet the essential requirements of this role, why they consider themselves suitable and indicating their interest and motivation. Applicants are encouraged to make contact with the current Chief Executive at [email protected] for more details about the post.

Applications should be sent to the Head of Business Administration and Finance at [email protected] by noon on Wednesday 2 October 2024 with the subject title ‘Chief Executive Recruitment’. Applicants will be notified on Tuesday 8 October 2024 if they have been called forward for an interview or not. Interviews will take place, face to face, at our offices in Dundee on Wednesday 23 October 2024.

If this interests you and you have the relevant background and experience, we would be delighted to hear from you.