Director of Finance, Corporate Services and People

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading botanic gardens based on the quality, breadth and depth of our science, plant collections, public engagement and education. We are now looking to recruit a Director of Finance, Corporate Services & People to join our Executive team at an exciting stage of our development to deliver the high quality corporate, financial and resource management that underpins the continued success of our organisation. 

This is a wide-ranging role leading and line managing our Finance, Digital, People and corporate planning teams. You will be the most senior finance presence in the organisation, responsible for developing, leading, and implementing strategic financial plans, and you’ll be the main point of contact with our sponsor team in the Scottish Government for corporate services. You will be Company Secretary for RBGE, and corporate governance will be a key part of the role with overall responsibility for coordinating our strategic and operational planning. You’ll lead our Digital team as they roll out a programme of digital enhancement across the organisation, and our People team as they continue to deliver our People Strategy.

Applicants will ideally be qualified accountants and have a sound understanding of finance and business planning, or an equivalent level of knowledge and experience. Leadership experience at a senior level will be essential, and a solid background in strategic and operational planning will also be needed. 

The Role:

Reports to: Chief Executive (Regius Keeper)

Direct reports: 3 direct reports as department heads (Heads of Finance, People and

Culture, Digital).

Working pattern: Full time, 5 days a week.

Leadership and Representation

• A member of our Executive and Senior Leadership teams, supporting effective,

collaborative leadership and delivery of RBGE’s strategy and operations.

• Lead and develop skilled, motivated Finance, Digital, People and Culture teams and promote efficient, equitable working practices.

• Produce clear, timely reports (e.g. Board papers, Annual Report, performance

reports, Risk Register, Health & Safety).

• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Finance, Digital, People and

Culture teams, representing RBGE externally.

• Serve as a Non-executive Director for RBGE legal entities such as the Botanics

Trading Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBGE acting as our commercial

trading arm.

• Attend Board of Trustees meetings.

Strategy, Finance, and Corporate Planning

• Lead strategic and operational planning, including business and financial planning and performance reporting.

• Oversee financial operations to support sustainable growth.

• Support income diversification and work with the Executive Team to identify new

revenue opportunities to support our charitable aims.

• Contribute to planning and delivery of major capital programmes aligned to budget and priorities.

• Ensure procurement is cost-effective, compliant, and fit for purpose.

Governance, Risk, and Policy

• Act as Company Secretary, supporting Board and Committee governance and

meeting preparation.

• Serve as Senior Information Risk Owner, ensuring compliance with information

governance requirements.

• Oversee governance, legal and risk matters, including new ventures.

• Advise the Regius Keeper and Executive Team on best practice resources,

governance, innovation, and policy compliance.

• Support corporate policy development and maintain awareness of the wider policy context.

• Act as a key contact with our Scottish Government Sponsor Division ENFOR and work to strengthen external links.

• Serve as Honorary Secretary to the Botanics Foundation, an independent

charity that seeks to advance the mission of RBGE through charitable giving.

People and Culture

• Lead an effective people function, continuing to position RBGE as an employer

of choice.

• Drive workforce planning, skills development, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee talent management, performance, pay, training, and volunteering to

build an inclusive, high-performing workforce.

• Strengthen organisational resilience and adaptability.

• Chair the staff EDI Advocacy Group and champion inclusion.

• Act as Director responsible for Health and Safety, chairing the H&S Committee

and ensuring compliance.

Digital & Technology Services

• Provide strategic leadership for technology, data systems, and cybersecurity.

• Oversee digital strategy, CRM, ticketing, e-commerce, and data governance to

enhance the visitor experience.

Other Duties

• Undertake additional responsibilities as agreed with the Regius Keeper.

Person Specification:

Essential skills

• Strong financial acumen and ideally a qualified accountant.

• Strong proven senior leadership in multi-disciplinary corporate services,

particularly Finance, Digital, and People & Culture.

• Relevant previous experience e.g. of ensuring effective delivery and outcomes

in a large charity such as a heritage body or a visitor attraction, or a university,

public body or similar.

• Strong people skills - excellent leader, including high level people management,

and excellent stakeholder communications.

• Experience as part of a multi-disciplinary Executive team, with Board-level

engagement skills.

• Experienced in the development and monitoring of budgets and business plans.

• A strong background in strategic and operational planning and performance,

and knowledge of management information systems.

• Proficient in external statutory reporting and audit.

• Familiarity with current Human Resource practices.

• Familiarity with current procurement practices.

• Knowledge and experience of leading/advising effective and transparent

governance.

Desirable skills

• Experience of successful change management.

• Experience of health and safety management.

• Good working knowledge of equalities and diversity in the workplace.

• Good working knowledge of charity legislation.