Chief Operating Officer

This application requires candidates to submit a CV and a supporting statement, please ensure you have these prepared before continuing with your application.  Your  full employment history, qualifications and detail of how you meet the essential criteria for this post are required.  Please see the Guidance for Applicants page on our career site for more details. 

Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) is a tenant‑led, values‑driven social landlord, providing over 5,700 quality, affordable homes across the Scottish Borders. We are seeking an accomplished executive leader who shares our values to join our Executive Team as Chief Operating Officer.

Salary: £113,063 to £125,381 per annum (pay award pending)
Location: Selkirk, Scottish Borders
Hours and terms: Full time, permanent
Closing Date: 5 June 2026

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the day‑to‑day delivery of services that have a meaningful impact for tenants and communities, and comes at a key point in SBHA’s journey, offering the opportunity to shape how the organisation continues to evolve, improve and respond to future challenges.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, this pivotal executive role is responsible for translating ambition into consistent high-quality delivery. You will lead SBHA’s operational services and corporate support functions, ensuring that what we do reflects our values, meets our responsibilities as a regulated landlord, and delivers consistently positive experiences for tenants and communities. You will bring clarity, pace and assurance - helping SBHA remain resilient, high‑performing and ready for the future, while staying rooted in our social purpose.

The role

As Chief Operating Officer, you will be central to how SBHA operates and evolves, turning our ambition into lived experience for tenants and communities. You will:

• Provide visible, values‑led executive leadership across operational services and business support, setting clear direction while supporting and enabling teams to perform at their best

• Translate our Strategic and Business Plan into effective delivery, supported by sound financial control, effective risk management and clear assurance

• Lead improvement and transformation, encouraging innovation and learning to strengthen customer experience, service quality and value for money.

• Act as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive on operational delivery and organisational performance, supporting effective governance through clear reporting and assurance

• Work closely with colleagues, tenants, partners and stakeholders to deliver measurable, positive outcomes for tenants and communities across the Scottish Borders
  

What we’re looking for

You will be an accomplished operational leader with executive‑level experience in a complex, regulated environment, who leads through a coaching, growth‑oriented style. You will combine strategic grip with practical delivery, enabling people and teams to learn, adapt and perform at their best.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of leading change and improving performance, while bringing people with you

• Sound financial and commercial judgement, with experience of budget ownership, value‑for‑money decision‑making and risk awareness

• Experience of governance and assurance, with the confidence to work constructively with Boards and senior stakeholders

• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery, especially in pressured or changing contexts

• A leadership style that is collaborative, inclusive and clear, with excellent communication and influencing skills

• A genuine commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to leading in line with organisational values

You will be degree‑educated (or equivalent through experience) and committed to continuous professional development. A relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIH) is desirable.


Working arrangements

SBHA supports flexible and hybrid working, recognising the benefits this brings for wellbeing and effectiveness. As a senior executive leadership role, the Chief Operating Officer is expected to provide visible, accessible leadership, spending time with colleagues, tenants and partners to build relationships, support delivery and lead change. The balance between on‑site and remote working will reflect the needs of the organisation and the responsibilities of the role.

Flexibility is required, including some out‑of‑hours working. A full current UK driving licence is required.

Why join SBHA?

• An executive role where your leadership will directly improve lives and communities

• The opportunity to shape services in a tenant‑led, values‑driven organisation

• A supportive leadership culture with a strong sense of shared purpose and shared responsibility

• A well‑governed organisation with clear strategic direction and a strong reputation across the Scottish Borders

• Competitive salary and benefits

Want to know more?

A recruitment pack is available here with further insight into SBHA, our culture and values, and what the Chief Operating Officer role offers. We encourage prospective candidates to review this information before submitting an application.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application, including CV and a supporting statement clearly demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role by 5 June 2026.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Rachel Dickson by emailing rachel.dickson@sbha.org.uk or calling 01750 724410.

SBHA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and will make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process where required.

 Scottish Borders Housing Association is not a licensed sponsor under the appropriate UK Government regulations and as such, does not invite applications from, nor engage in sponsoring, oversees applicants who do not already have the right to live and /or work in the UK. The Association will not engage in any enquiries or enter into negotiations from individuals or Agents in this regard.