Wasps (Workshop & Artists Studio Provision Scotland Ltd.) is seeking an exceptional leader to guide one of Scotland’s valued cultural organisations into its next chapter. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we are looking for a visionary and strategic Chief Executive Officer to champion our mission, strengthen our impact and ensure our long-term sustainability.

For nearly five decades, Wasps has been at the heart of Scotland’s creative community, providing studios and workspaces for artists, makers, and creative businesses. With 19 sites across 14 towns and cities, from the Shetland Islands to the Borders, we support more than 1,000 artists, 25 arts charities, and 81 creative enterprises. Through our innovative property developments, we breathe new life into historic buildings, transforming them into thriving creative hubs that contribute to Scotland’s cultural and economic landscape.

The Role

As CEO, you will provide strong, visible leadership, ensuring Wasps remains a sustainable, artist-centred organisation that meets the evolving needs of Scotland’s creative sector. Reporting to the Board, you will drive the strategic vision of the organisation, leading an experienced team to deliver operational excellence, financial sustainability, and sustainable growth.

You will be the public face of Wasps, representing the organisation at the highest levels, advocating for our tenants and fostering relationships with key funders, policymakers, and stakeholders across the arts, business, and government. You will also oversee our capital projects, ensuring that we continue to develop and enhance our creative spaces across Scotland.

Who we’re looking for We are seeking an inspiring and entrepreneurial leader with the following attributes:-

• A strategic thinker who can demonstrate vision and identify opportunities for - and manage – change.
• Experienced in partnership working, business planning and organisational development.
• Respected and connected in cultural/charity/property networks and understands the opportunities and challenges facing the creative economy and Wasps communities across Scotland.
• Has an understanding of a property-based charity and legislative compliance responsibilities as a landlord.
• Committed to leading Wasps to achieve Net Zero in our properties and organisational practice.
• An outstanding communicator, networker and advocate, with the ability to build strong partnerships and influence key decision-makers.
• Experienced in complex stakeholder engagement and management
• A strong strategic and financial mindset, capable of leading a complex property-based organisation with a focus on long-term sustainability.
• Committed to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, ensuring Wasps continues to serve artists, makers and creative people.