Director of Finance and Strategic Partnerships

Blackwood is a leading housing and care provider whose purpose is to help people live independently, using innovation and technology so that they can have choice and control over how they live.  Founded in 1972 by Dr Margaret Blackwood, we are award-winning pioneers in providing highly accessible homes for people with disabilities and more recently for older people. 

With over 550 employees, 1500 properties, 3 care homes and over 10,000 hours per week in care at home services across Scotland, Blackwood operates in 28 out of 32 local authorities.  We have an ambitious strategy which includes building new homes, expanding our care services, improving customer satisfaction and continuing our thought leadership activities to promote the development of products and services that enable people to live independently as they age and lose mobility. 

Blackwood’s annual turnover is around £25 million from housing and care services and in addition it funds adaptations and new builds through capital grants and borrowing, investing in innovation in design and technology to create the best solutions for customers and stakeholders and ensure independent living for the future. 

The Opportunity 

We are looking to appoint an outstanding candidate to the newly created role of Director of Finance and  Strategic Partnerships.  

It is an incredibly exciting time for Blackwood. With strong foundations in place to grow and improve services, the new Director will work as part of the Executive team and will lead a number of key strategic programmes across the organisation [in addition to their BAU Financial Operations responsibilities] as part of our long-term strategy which includes the execution of its acclaimed PeopleHood programme – a £13 million Government backed initiative to improve the lifestyles of its tenants and increase life expectancy. It will also work collaboratively with the CEO and Board to further develop a robust and commercially focused future financial strategy which supports the ongoing development of the Group’s innovation agenda. 

The individual will also play a key part in developing and maintaining relationships with industry stakeholders and partners exploiting opportunities to support sustainable growth, for example, opportunities to commercialise innovative products and services that help people live more independently. 

This truly is a unique opportunity to lead and grow one of Scotland’s most recognised and respected housing and care providers, having a tangible impact on the lives of many. 

Candidate Requirements 

You will be an inspiring and collaborative, commercially minded Finance leader, with a track record of coaching, developing and improving multi-functional teams, with the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners. 

It would be particularly advantageous to bring experience of operating within the third or broader public sector and an understanding of the specific Grant funding landscape in Scotland and throughout the UK. 

In return, we offer the successful candidate an excellent working environment with a supportive Board, and the opportunity to lead a progressive, innovative and reputable housing and care provider through the next phase of its growth story. 

To read more about the opportunity and organisation download the candidate brochure by clicking here.

To discuss this opportunity further, please contact Jamie Brown, Director, FWB Park Brown at applications@fwbparkbrown.com or for a confidential discussion, please contact him at our Edinburgh office on 0131 539 7087.