We are recruiting a Chief Executive
Download the declaration form and apply for the role
Introduction
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive at Castlehill Housing Association. This is an important and exciting moment in our organisation’s journey, as we prepare to appoint a new leader following the planned retirement of our long standing and highly respected Chief Executive. Their contribution has provided a strong foundation—one characterised by financial stability, sector credibility, and a clear commitment to delivering high quality homes and services across the North East of Scotland.
Castlehill is proud to serve a region renowned for its exceptional quality of life. From vibrant coastal towns and historic communities to outstanding natural landscapes, this is an area that offers both beauty and opportunity. Our local partnerships are strong, our communities are diverse and resilient, and we are deeply rooted in a place we are proud to call home.
The organisation you will be joining is financially stable, well‑governed, and ambitious for the future. We have a dedicated team, a supportive Committee, and a clear sense of purpose centred on delivering great homes, supporting people to thrive, and contributing to the wellbeing of the communities we serve. As Chief Executive, you will have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of our development—providing the strategic leadership needed to deliver our new corporate plan, while guiding an organisation with a positive culture, committed staff, and a strong reputation within the housing sector.
We are seeking a strategic and values driven leader who can continue to build on our strengths and ensure we remain responsive to the changing needs of our tenants, customers, and partners. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an organisation that is both confident in its direction and grounded in its social purpose.
Thank you once again for your interest. We look forward to learning more about what you could bring to Castlehill.
Warm regards,
John Black
Convener, Castlehill Housing Association
How to Apply
Thank you very much for your interest in the Chief Executive role at Castlehill Housing Association. In order to apply, we will need the following from you:
- A CV. Make sure this confirms your current/most recent roles (you can sum up earlier roles, say before the last 15 years), tell us about your achievements so we get a picture of your skills and experience, and try to keep it to two pages or three at most;
- A personal statement. We want to hear about your motivation, why this role/organisation, and you will also want to evidence how relevant your offer is to the role specification; again ideally in two to three pages; and
- The declaration form, which you can access here and includes space to indicate if you cannot attend any of the interview dates.
Please submit your completed application documents by uploading via the ‘Apply for this role’ button. You will receive an email confirmation and see an on-screen confirmation message after submitting your application, but if you have any issues, you can
call 020 3434 0990.
The closing date is Wednesday, 4th February 2026 (9am). Please ensure we receive your application in good time.
If you have any questions about the role or wish to have an informal discussion, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at kelly.shaw@campbelltickell.com to organise a prearranged time for a call.
T&C’s
Position:
Chief Executive
Renumeration:
Salary in the region of £100,000 per annum.
This post is categorised as an Essential Car User, and access to a vehicle is required. An Essential Car Users Allowance of £1,200 per annum and reimbursement for business miles is available.
Pension:
Castlehill currently offers a Defined Contribution pension through the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS), administered by the TPT. Our contribution rate is 5% employee contribution and 10% employer contribution.
Life cover valued at three times annual salary is also paid by the association in addition to the main pension contribution.
Benefits :
We offer a range of benefits, including; flexitime and hybrid working, generous company sick pay and family leave entitlements, reimbursement of professional membership fees, a wide range of learning and development opportunities and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
Working hours:
Normal hours of work are 35 hours per week based around the usual business working week. However, due to the seniority of this post there may be a requirement for flexibility from time to time to meet the full responsibilities of the post.
Annual Leave
37 days paid working days leave per year, including 9 fixed public holidays.
Probation and notice periods:
6 months for probation and 3 months’ notice
Location:
Your normal place of work will be Castlehill Housing Association, 4 Carden Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1UT. There will be some requirement to travel across the Association area of operation to meet the responsibilities of the post.
Flexible working arrangements are available as well as a hybrid working model. However, there will be an expectation for office presence 3 days per week.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026 (9am)
The longlist will be agreed on the morning of Monday 9th February 2026. All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application later that day.
First Interviews: Tuesday 17th February 2026
Longlist candidates will be interviewed virtually using MS Teams by a Campbell Tickell panel. There will be the opportunity for an informal conversation with Castlehill Housing Association Chair on the same day.
The shortlist will be agreed Friday 20th February 2026
Candidate testing and assessment, including any virtual stakeholder sessions (online) will take place w/c 23rd February and w/c 2nd March 2026.
Final Interviews will be held Tuesday 10th March 2026 and will include a panel interview in-person at Castlehill Housing Association, 4 Carden Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1UT.
The interview panel will include the following:
- John Black – Convener
- Ben Westland – Vice Convener
- Sue Freeth – Management Committee Member
- Kelly Shaw – Campbell Tickell (to support and observe)