SSF CEO Recruitment

Position Title: SSF Chief Executive Officer

The SSF are looking for a progressive, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the Scottish Surfing Federation at one of the most pivotal points in the sport’s history and will help shape the future of surfing in Scotland.

Overview

This is an exciting new post which will be central to developing strategic, national and local partnerships to support the development of the sport of surfing within Scotland.

Formed in 1975, the Scottish Surfing Federation (SSF) is the governing body for the sport of surfing in Scotland and its respective disciplines (bodysurf, bodyboard, shortboard, longboard, SUP, para surfing).

In 2024 Scotland will open the Lost Shore resort, the largest inland wave pool within Northern Europe and at £56 Million build cost over a 60-acre site the largest capital investment of any sporting complex in the last 10 years since the Commonwealth Arena and Chris Hoy Stadium.

Furthermore, the Scottish Surfing Federation (SSF) has grown over recent years as has the sport of surfing which is now entering an Olympic era after its debut in Tokyo 2021 and will feature with growing prominence in Paris 2024, LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

Over the last decade the SSF has transformed the sport in Scotland supporting the regional surf clubs, surf schools, surf businesses and uniting the Scottish surfing community. It supports, organises and creates a number of high-profile events across Scotland supporting grassroots participation through to delivering high performance pathways.

In 2022 the SSF transitioned from a predominately volunteer led organisation towards having its first paid staff. Today it currently works a mixed staffing/ volunteer model. Further to this over the last decade Wavepool technology has progressed significantly.

With surfing now an Olympic sport which is rapidly growing and Scotland’s first inland surfing destination in the pipeline, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in Scottish surfing.

The Lost Shore Surf Resort which will open later this year will be the best inland wave facility in Northern Europe upon opening and it will undoubtedly be transformational for the sport in Scotland. As well as helping raise performance and safe participation, it is also recognised that the Lost Shore Resort will offer a fantastic environment for positive social change.

A job description can be found in the supporting document here.

Role Particulars

Reporting to	The Board of Directors
Location	This is a national role which involves occasional travel across Scotland as well as the rest of the UK/ International. A large portion of SSF work will be centered around Lost Shore, located within 5 KM of Edinburgh International Airport in addition to the main coastal hubs centered around Thurso, Tiree, Sandend, Lossiemouth, Fraserburgh, Aberdeen and Dunbar. Flexible/ home working considered.
Nature of Contract	Part time – Fixed Term to April 2026 (with possibility of extension). The role is funded by Sportscotland. The expectation is that, if short term growth objectives are achieved, the role has the potential to develop further subject to available funding and income generation.
Hours of Work	2 days/week. Flexible working patterns will be considered. The nature of the role may on occasion require working in excess of these hours to ensure core objectives are achieved.
Salary	Contractor position: £22,040 per year with 5.6 weeks (pro-rated) annual holiday pro-rated / £237.5 per day for a term of 93 days per year (46 weeks equivalent).

Additional Information

• Applications should be sent to william.watson@thessf.scot
• The deadline for applications is 10th April 2024 and interviews will take place shortly after.
• Please submit a CV with supporting covering letter which demonstrates your suitability for the role.
• The Scottish Surfing Federation is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from anyone regardless of age, ability or disability, ethnicity or nationality, gender or gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
• If you would like to discuss the role before applying, please contact william.watson@thessf.scot