West Highland Housing Association [WHHA] was formed in 2000 through the amalgamation of Lorn and the Isles and Oban Housing Associations. It is a Registered Social Landlord and a Scottish Charity. It joined the Link Group in 2015 and it is a regulated subsidiary of Link. Link and WHHA have one of the largest developments in Scotland at Dunbeg, near Oban, and this year will see 300 new houses in Argyll completed.

Development is an important part of what we do and we have over 800 existing properties from in and around Oban up to Port Appin in the North, to Kilmelford in the south, and Taynuilt in the east. There is ongoing housing development on the islands of Mull, Colonsay, Islay and Jura, and there is existing housing on Iona, Lismore, Luing and Tiree that we want to invest in, maintain and be part of wider community development.

The organisation provides much needed accommodation in an area that is experiencing economic growth. The strategic agencies – Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise – have ambitious plans for continued sustainable growth, but these plans rely on good quality housing and WHHA plays a critical role in the delivery of this. However, WHHA is much more than a delivery organisation; it is a well viewed and respected partner by the strategic agencies and other community delivery organisations.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an outstanding candidate to replace our existing exceptional Chief Executive. West Highland is in the process of upscaling its organisation and the new Chief Executive will have the opportunity to shape the organisation to meet the challenges and development opportunities of the next 10 to 20 years. This is an exciting time for the organisation and offers tremendous prospects to allow you to progress your career in a rewarding and supportive organisation.

You will have overall responsibility for WHHA, working with WHHA’s Board, in order to deliver high quality services benefiting tenants and service users.

You will have the opportunity to lead from the front, acting as the face of the organisation and driving key change initiatives, including the digitisation of our services and the introduction of new, innovative value – added services.

Candidate Requirements

You will be, or have the potential to be, an inspiring leader, with a track record of coaching, developing and improving multi-functional teams, with a strong degree of financial awareness and commercial acumen.

Whilst it is advantageous to understand social housing, we will consider candidates from a variety of third sector backgrounds who possess the right leadership and character attributes to operate in the social housing sector. You must be a housing enthusiast – understanding the difference housing makes for people.

You will have the ability to truly influence the organisation and develop both cultural and operating principles. All with the intention to develop and improve our customer service offering. In addition you will have an understanding of the impact financial and treasury issues have for our organisation.

In return, we offer the successful candidate an excellent working environment, good terms and conditions of employment, including a generous defined contribution pension scheme and relocation package.