8 Chief executive officer jobs in Cardiff

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary: £60,000–£65,000 per annum (with flexibility for the right candidate)
Location: Remote working, with regular team catch-ups
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Closing date: 24th November 2026
Anticipated start date: April/May 2027

Lead change. Shape policy. Make a difference.

We are seeking an inspiring, entrepreneurial and values-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead a respected charity working towards a fairer, more open and compassionate justice system. The charity combines research, advocacy, policy influencing, campaigning and communications to challenge ineffective or unfair approaches to criminal justice and drive meaningful reform.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader to shape the charity’s next chapter, building on its established reputation and impact while bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives and a clear vision for the future.

About the role

As CEO, you will lead the charity’s strategy, people and operations, ensuring it remains effective, influential and financially sustainable. You will work in close partnership with the Chair and Board, providing clear leadership and translating the charity’s ambitions into practical, achievable plans.

You will be a credible public voice for the charity, building relationships with politicians, civil servants, policymakers, funders, the media and partners across the sector. You will help ensure that the charity’s research and evidence inform public debate, influence policy and contribute to meaningful change.

As the leader of a small organisation, you will play a central role across all aspects of its work. You will move comfortably between strategic leadership and hands-on delivery, whether developing a campaign, building a funding relationship, communicating research, supporting a colleague or identifying opportunities for growth.

This is an opportunity to bring fresh thinking, shape the charity’s future direction and lead a committed team in delivering meaningful impact.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and impact

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s strategy, working closely with the team and Board.
• Identify where the charity can have the greatest impact and ensure its time, expertise and resources are focused accordingly.
• Ensure research and evidence translate into effective advocacy, policy influence and practical change.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across criminal justice, social justice, public policy and wider civil society.
• Identify new opportunities to develop the charity’s work, extend its reach and increase its impact.

Influence, advocacy and profile

• Act as a credible, compelling public voice and ambassador for the charity.
• Build strong relationships with politicians, civil servants, policymakers, funders, the media and influential partners.
• Use excellent influencing and communication skills to ensure the charity’s research, campaigning and messages reach the right audiences.
• Identify opportunities to raise the charity’s profile and strengthen its presence in public and policy debate.
• Represent the charity at relevant events, networks and forums, building its reputation and influence.
• Develop partnerships that create opportunities for collaboration, policy influence and growth.
• Contribute directly to advocacy, campaigning and communications activity, rather than relying solely on strategic oversight.

Fundraising, income and financial sustainability

• Lead the development and delivery of a sustainable fundraising and income strategy.
• Build on established relationships with grant-making trusts and foundations.
• Identify opportunities to diversify and strengthen the charity’s income over time.
• Develop new funding relationships and explore creative approaches to supporting the charity’s ambitions.
• Work closely with the Board and team to turn ideas for growth into realistic, sustainable plans.
• Take a hands-on approach to identifying funding opportunities, developing relationships and supporting fundraising activity.
• Ensure sound financial management, including appropriate oversight of budgets, risk and resources.

Governance and organisational leadership

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to provide strong strategic leadership and direction.
• Provide appropriate financial, organisational and risk oversight.
• Support the Board in making informed decisions about the charity’s future direction, priorities and sustainability.
• Oversee the charity’s day-to-day operations, ensuring its resources and ways of working support its objectives.

About you

We are looking for an leader who combines strategic vision with the energy, judgement and enthusiasm to get things done.

You will bring a strong track record of influencing, building relationships and turning ideas into action. You will be resourceful and entrepreneurial, able to identify opportunities, manage competing priorities and make effective use of limited resources.

Most of all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to lead a charity with a clear purpose and contribute to a fairer and more compassionate justice system.

Essential experience and skills

Leadership and delivery

• Experience of leading people, projects, programmes or an organisation, with the ability to set direction, make sound decisions and turn strategic priorities into practical action.
• The ability to work at both strategic and operational levels, taking responsibility for overall direction while remaining actively involved in delivery.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to support, motivate and develop colleagues.

Advocacy, campaigning and research

• A strong background in advocacy, campaigning and/or research. This is essential to the role.
• An understanding of how evidence can be used to influence policy, public debate and decision-makers.
• The ability to develop compelling arguments and communicate complex issues clearly to different audiences.

Influence and relationship-building

• Confidence and credibility when engaging with senior political, policy, media, funding and sector stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build productive partnerships and represent an organisation effectively in public and professional settings.
• Sound political judgement and an understanding of how policy, public opinion and societal change happen.

Fundraising and financial sustainability

• Experience of developing funding relationships, identifying income opportunities or contributing to fundraising strategy and delivery.
• Financial awareness, including confidence working with budgets, financial planning, risk and organisational sustainability.
• The ability to identify opportunities for growth and turn them into realistic, sustainable plans.

Desirable experience

A criminal justice background is not essential. We welcome candidates who bring strong advocacy, campaigning and/or research experience from other sectors, together with the ability to influence effectively, develop new ideas and lead the charity into its next phase.

Additional Information

· The salary for this role is being advertised circa £60,000 to £65,000 per annum. There is flexibility for the right candidate, subject to Board approval.

· The position is permanent and full-time, flexible working arrangements will be considered

· The role offers remote working, with regular team catch-ups and opportunities to work collaboratively.

· Anticipated start date of April/May 2027.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role.

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date.