Join Us in Shaping a Great Glasgow Life
At Glasgow Life, we believe everyone deserves an exceptional Glasgow life — and it all begins with the people who work here. As a unique and inspiring charity, our vision is to enrich the lives of every citizen and visitor to our city, empowering engagement and activity in a Glasgow globally celebrated for its culture and sport.
We’re looking for a Director of Libraries, Sport & Physical Activity, and Communities to join our Senior Leadership Team and help us deliver this vision. With a focus on creating meaningful impact through culture, sport, and community, this is an exciting opportunity to shape Glasgow’s future.
Location: Hybrid working model, with a head office based in Merchant City — conveniently located near excellent transport links and discounted parking.
Your Role
As the Director of Libraries, Sport & Physical Activity, and Communities, you will report directly to the Chief Executive and take a lead role in realizing Glasgow Life’s strategic ambitions. Your portfolio will encompass a diverse range of physical and digital services, including Glasgow Club gyms, libraries across the city, and community learning and engagement programs. Together, these initiatives play a vital role in supporting the mental, physical, and economic wellbeing of Glasgow’s people.
In this role, you will:
- Steer major strategic projects and implement transformational change.
- Champion innovation, inclusion, financial sustainability, and service excellence across your portfolio.
- Collaborate with our Senior Leadership Team to help shape Glasgow Life’s overall direction.
- Strengthen income generation while delivering public value, and foster partnerships at local, national, and international levels.
Your leadership will have a lasting, visible impact on Glasgow through teams that:
- Empower local communities.
- Inspire people to get active.
- Deliver cultural and learning experiences.
- Operate behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.
About You
We’re seeking an inspiring, strategic, and collaborative leader who understands how culture, sport, libraries, and community services can transform lives. You will need a combination of business acumen, people-focused leadership, and a commitment to delivering social impact in a dynamic, high-profile environment.
What we’re looking for:
- A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, with evidence of ongoing professional and leadership development.
- Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation delivering customer-focused services.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to manage relationships with diverse and high-level stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness, combined with excellent financial and budget management expertise.
- A deep understanding of the challenges in delivering cultural, sporting, libraries, and community initiatives in both public and commercial sectors.
- A proven record of leading successful organisational change and service redesign.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to drive performance and continuous improvement.
- Experience working across organisational boundaries and a strong grasp of political, governance, and decision-making frameworks.
- Knowledge of Scotland’s wider public and third-sector environment.
- An inclusive, values-led leadership style, aligned with Glasgow Life’s mission.
Download our Candidate Brochure for a detailed list of essential and desirable criteria.
What We Offer
At Glasgow Life, our work makes a real difference. As a charity, we foster community connections and promote wellbeing through sport, culture, heritage, and learning. We also focus on ensuring our employees thrive.
Some of the benefits we offer include:
- Generous Holiday Entitlement: Start with 30 days of annual leave (plus 6.5 public holidays if full-time). After 5 years, this increases to 35 days. You also have the option to buy additional holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Join the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions to secure your financial future.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access free, confidential support for your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
- Employee Discounts: Enjoy benefits like discounted Glasgow Club memberships, savings at our museum shops and online store, and access to the cycle-to-work scheme.
- Flexible Work Options: Our inclusive policies support a healthy work-life balance. We also offer assistance for professional development and career progression.
Please note: Glasgow Life, as an Arm’s Length External Organisation to Glasgow City Council, is currently undergoing a job evaluation exercise. This may lead to changes in salary structures. You can learn more here.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Submit a short application form, along with your CV and a Supporting Statement, via MyJobScotland. Use our Candidate Brochure to illustrate how your experience aligns with the role.
Key Dates:
- Applications close: 11.59pm on Sunday, 28th September 2025.
- First stage interviews: Late October 2025.
- Final interviews: Early November 2025, in Glasgow.
If you have questions or would like an informal chat, email us at [email protected].
Our Commitment to Diversity and Fair Work
Glasgow Life is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects Glasgow’s vibrant and diverse communities, where everyone can thrive as their full, authentic selves. We are proud to be a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Aligned with Fair Work First principles, we promote opportunity, security, respect, and fulfilment for every member of our team. Learn more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here.
As part of addressing underrepresentation, we particularly encourage applications from disabled individuals and people from ethnic minority communities.
Who We Are
Our Libraries, Sport & Physical Activity, and Community Services are at the heart of Glasgow. From Glasgow Club’s fitness programs and libraries offering lifelong learning to community centres creating local spaces for connection, we’re here for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Discover More:
- About Sport: glasgowlife.org.uk/sport
- About Libraries: glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries
- About Communities: glasgowlife.org.uk/communities
Let’s shape a great Glasgow life — together. Apply today!