Welcome

Dundee Science Centre is an award-winning visitor attraction & educational charity promoting hands-on learning and showcasing the wonders of science through interactive exhibits and an immersive experience for all ages.

Dundee Science Centre is looking to recruit a strategic thinking CEO who has the vision to drive DSC in this next phase of its development, and who as a Board member, Company Secretary and CEO, will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the compliant operational and financial management of our two Companies – DSC and DSC Enterprises.

We are looking for an authentic leader with a demonstrable commercial flair, who will play a key role in progressing operational areas to ensure our continuing commercial growth. This will include developing the organisation’s 3-year Business Strategy in the Spring of 2025, and annually delivering the associated Operating Plan.

Someone with strong people skills who is able to motivate, inspire, and guide a high-performing team, providing hands-on leadership when required and leading by example in setting the organisation’s pace, tone and culture.

You will act as ambassador for DSC, providing the public face for building relationships in the science engagement arena with key stakeholders at the Scottish, UK and local levels.

The Role

Chief Executive
c.£60,000 with negotiable hybrid working

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive to lead DSC into its next phase of growth. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of science. As CEO, you will inspire and guide a high-performing team, set the pace and tone for the organisation, and provide hands-on leadership when needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Executive Team to develop and implement the 3-year Business Strategy and Annual Operating Plan.
• Operational Management: Oversee all business activities, ensuring a shared organizational culture and strong vision. Drive sustainable income growth to support DSC’s ambitions.
• Team Leadership: Manage and support two direct reports responsible for operations, customer experience, STEM engagement, marketing, fundraising, and partnerships.
• Financial Oversight: Ensure robust financial management, clean annual audits, and current HR procedures and policies.
• External Engagement: Align DSC with local and national government policies, engage with key stakeholders, and represent DSC at external events to advance our mission.

Key Skills:

• Leadership: Demonstrable experience in growing commercial operations and delivering national-level projects. Strong people and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial Acumen: Proven track record in driving business growth with vision and ensuring financial stability.
• People Skills: Ability to inspire and motivate staff, foster a strong organizational culture, and build relationships with external partners.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience in the visitor attraction sector or successful commercial operations.
• Strong governance experience, with the ability to serve as Company Secretary.
• Broad understanding of science and STEM engagement, particularly in community, academia, and business contexts.
• Financial management experience aligned with the scale of DSC’s operations.
• Hands-on HR experience and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to represent DSC confidently.
• Quick decision-making ability and strategic thinking.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage workload effectively, and delegate tasks.