Chief executive officer jobs in wales

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

Step into a transformative journey with Working Options

We're on a mission to empower young people aged 14-19 across England and Wales, and you can help make a real difference.

Following our successful Wales pilot supporting 15,000 young people since launching in 2024, we're scaling regionally. In 2025 we're focusing on Bedfordshire, and that is where we need you, while also responding to needs across England and Wales, aiming to reach 90,000+ young people in-person and 2.5 million+ online across both nations.

As a Project Coordinator you'll connect volunteers with schools and foster impactful relationships within our dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. We believe in inclusivity, trying new things, setting high expectations, and creating real opportunities for young people.

Working from home with occasional team meet-ups, events, and school visits, you'll join a dedicated team that values high expectations and individual contributions to help young people achieve positive outcomes.

If you're passionate, self-motivated, and eager to contribute to a great mission, this is your chance to join a team that's helping young people to transform their career and life chances.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what one of our young people had to say: "My personal experience has been exceptional. There is a collaborative atmosphere, and it is truly empowering to be part of a charity that values student input and involves us in decisions that directly affect our lives." – Working Options Alumnae.

Find out more about the role, and hear from our Chief Executive about our charity's ambitions, via the applicant pack linked below.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in our work and in the greater Bedfordshire area and/or South of England in easy reach of Bedfordshire.
• Is fully committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Is self-motivated.
• Has excellent attention to detail. 
• Can juggle multiple priorities, sticking to deadlines and flagging when priorities need reviewing. 
• Has a flair for developing great relationships, particularly with schools and colleges. 
• Is proactive and tenacious, able to seek out new opportunities and remain resilient. 
• Is creative and likes coming up with new ideas. 
• Is ambitious for themselves and for the charity. 
• Has high computer literacy.

While we don't specify this in our person specification, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who have experienced some of the challenges that young people across England and Wales face today.

If you like the sound of this environment, we would love to hear from you.

Good luck with your application!

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Savoy Educational Trust in and help support our mission to advance & enhance education, training and skills development in the UK hospitality industry.  As our new Executive Board & Governance Administrator you will play a key role in helping us deliver our new 5-year strategy by providing vital support to our Executive Team & Board of Trustees.

Location: Remote working (UK-based) with occasional travel

Contract: Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 (based on experience) plus 5% employer pension contribution

Contract type: Permanent

Holidays: 25 days per year (plus bank holidays)

ABOUT US

The Savoy Educational Trust is a leading grant-making charity with a mission to drive excellence in education and career development in the UK hospitality industry.  We exist to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals by supporting education, training, and development initiatives that enhance the capabilities and skills of those who wish to pursue a long-term career in this dynamic and important sector of the UK economy. 

We provide targeted funding and support to organisations that deliver impactful education, training and development programmes designed to inspire, prepare and equip individuals for fulfilling and sustainable careers in the UK hospitality sector. Our main beneficiaries include educational establishments (schools through to universities), industry charities and non-profits (large and small), and an array of industry associations.

Our work is guided by a committed group of Trustees and a small Executive Office Team. We have a strong legacy and a clear vision for the future.

ABOUT YOU

As we grow and adapt to the changing needs of the sector, we are now looking for a highly organised and proactive Executive Board & Governance Administrator to support the delivery of our new 5-year strategy and to oversee the smooth running of our administrative/governance operations.

This role requires a meticulous individual, with previous experience in a high-level administrative role and ideally some knowledge of charity governance. The postholder will have excellent organisational & IT skills, a strong work ethic, a keen eye for detail, and an ability to communicate confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders. They will actively promote and uphold the Trust’s mission and values and will always exercise a high level of good judgment, diplomacy and discretion, in respect of the confidential information that they are party to. The postholder will be highly self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work effectively to build strong relationships with our beneficiaries, the Chief Executive/Executive Office team and our Board of Trustees.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Main Purpose of the Role

This is a central role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Trust, providing secretarial support to the Board of Trustees and ensuring smooth and efficient administrative/governance processes. The postholder will be the first point of contact for enquiries and will be responsible for coordinating meetings, managing correspondence, and maintaining accurate records.

Why Join Us?

• Flexibility: Remote working with occasional travel to meetings and/or projects.
• Impact: Work for a charity making a tangible difference to young people and the hospitality sector.
• Collaboration: Be part of a small, passionate team with a strong sense of purpose.
• Development: Develop your skills in charity governance, grant-making, and non-profit administration.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send:

• A CV detailing your experience.
• A short cover letter (no more than 2 pages) explaining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification. Please indicate notice period required.

Applications close: 5th October 2025

Shortlisting: w/c 6th October 2025

Stage 1 interview (online/video call): w/c 13th October 2025

Final interview (in person in central London): w/c 20th October 2025 (travel expenses reimbursed if you live outside London)

Chief Executive Officer  

Salary: Circa £75,000 + Relocation Package & Bonus 

North Wales (Bangor or Aberduna office locations) – hybrid  

Full time, Permanent 

Closing Date: 30th September 2025 

Are you a visionary leader? Would you be able to enhance a compelling future for the North Wales Wildlife Trust?

These are exciting times, and we’re looking for a new CEO to join us!

We're keen to hear from those who can provide strategic and operational leadership that ensures the Trust fulfils its charitable objectives and delivers its mission effectively and sustainably while continuing to grow.

This includes shaping and implementing the strategic plan, managing people and resources, maintaining financial health, and building strong relationships with its membership, other stakeholders, funders, and the wider community.

You'll be ultimately responsible for the governance, fundraising, public trust and social impact of the North Wales Wildlife Trust. An important part of this role is to ensure we play our part as an active member of the federation of Wildlife Trusts to help secure wins for wildlife beyond our border.

The role will be hybrid (after settling in period) and ideally you will be based in North Wales as we office facilities available in Bangor or Aberduna. There will be regular travel to off-site meetings.

Who we are looking for

• An experienced senior manager with degree (or degree-equivalent qualification).

• Experience of organisational leadership within a financially accountable organisation, whether in the charitable, public, or private sector.

• Proven commercial strategy / business experience, with the ability to generate and manage diverse income streams, including through partnerships, grants, trading, or other business related activities.

• Experience with a wide range of stakeholders and partners and working with them to achieve programme aims.

• Strong data and IT abilities 

• Good public speaker with strong presentational skills

• Excellent Project Management experience

• A strong understanding of environmental issues, with a broad overview of key aspects of ecology, conservation, agriculture, fishing, climate change and other environmental pressures.

Welsh language skills are not essential for this role but are highly desirable. We expect the successful candidate, if not already fluent, to be committed to learning Welsh and to demonstrate a strong understanding of and support for Welsh culture, which is integral to our work in land management and nature recovery. 

We are proud to offer a wide range of benefits including: 

• Discretionary relocation package up to £10k reimbursement against receipts for moving expenses. 

• Discretionary bonus scheme of up to 10% of salary per annum, based on achieving agreed long-term performance targets. 

• 32 days of holiday per year, including statutory Bank Holidays, which increase by one day for each fully completed year of service up to a maximum of 38 days. 

• Salary Exchange Pension (6% ER contributions – 6% EE contributions) 

• Life Assurance (2x salary) 

• Learn Welsh on us 

Who we are: 

North Wales Wildlife Trust is an independent charity and one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK to protect wildlife for the future. We are always looking for passionate, dedicated and resourceful people to join us. If you have an interest in nature conservation issues and a passion for the values of The Wildlife Trusts, we would love to hear from you!

With the support of our members and volunteers, and our funders and partners, we work to restore nature, to empower people to take action for nature, and to create a society where nature matters.

We do this by managing natural landscapes in North Wales, including over 750 hectares of land, both on and beyond our 35 nature reserves.  We also work to raise awareness of and protect the important coastal waters of North Wales.

We value the connection of natural habitats, wildlife and people, and work with landholders, businesses, organisations and individuals to create, improve and connect habitats in North Wales. We also provide planning and other professional services to local authorities, businesses and individuals.

Chief Executive officer

£56,000 per annum - pro rata

 (32 hours based on 37 hours per week FTE)

The CEO needs to be a strategic leader who can inspire and manage teams, drive fundraising and financial sustainability, and represent the organisation to stakeholders. You will need to be capable of building relationships, fostering a positive organisational culture and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

You will work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees (Chair) and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to formulate and regularly review the organisation's mission and strategic plan. You will develop deep and trusting relationships with the Community we serve as well as with a wide range of external stakeholders and funders who can support the ideas generated from within the community.

We need an innovative, enthusiastic entrepreneur who is keen to connect with people from all backgrounds and abilities, encouraging and bringing out the best in us all.

At a more operational level you will work with the SLT to develop operational plans and key performance indicators (KPI) to ensure that GL11 can always demonstrate the value it brings to the community and wider stakeholder network.

You will be responsible, with the SLT, to set the values, behaviours and tone for the whole organisation and support the SLT to lead and manage their teams so that the strategic goals you set are reflected throughout the organisation.

This role is based at the Community Hub in Cam, Gloucestershire. Remote working opportunities are very limited as community connection is an important part of the role although the CEO will often be offsite given the networking nature of the role.

Do you have the vision and heart to help shape the future of the voluntary sector in the Vale of Glamorgan?

That's exactly what you'll do as Chief Executive leading Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS), by continuing to support and advocate for the Vale's thriving third sector.

GVS is entering a new chapter as their CEO of 24 years retires, leaving a remarkable legacy. We're looking for a visionary, emotionally intelligent leader to take the reins and guide this vital organisation into its next era.

Salary: £52,413 - £54,495 (SCP 41-43)
Location: Llantwit Major, mostly onsite with flexibility
Contract: Permanent, full time 35 hours per week
Benefits: 29 days holiday (+bank), up to 10% employer pension contribution

About GVS
GVS is the County Voluntary Council (CVC) for the Vale of Glamorgan, supporting over 800 community and voluntary organisations. They champion charities, social enterprises, volunteers and community groups through four key pillars: volunteering, sustainable funding, good governance, and influencing & engagement.

Rooted in community with two busy centres, GVS helps local organisations to innovate, grow and deliver real impact across the Vale, by developing and strengthening regional cross-sector partnerships.

About the role
As you'd expect, the Chief Executive role is both complex and multi-faceted, so we'll be looking for you to:

* Provide inspirational leadership to a talented and dedicated team.
* Represent the voice of the third sector locally, regionally, and nationally.
* Drive forward an ambitious strategy for sustainability, innovation and growth.
* Champion the role of the voluntary sector in tackling pressing issues (like the cost-of-living crisis, digital inclusion and community support).
* Build mutually beneficial relationships with members, funders and statutory partners.

About You
It's important you can demonstrate leadership skills and experience across a range of essential criteria. But, we're especially keen to see:

* Strategic vision through senior leadership experience in the voluntary or public sector.
* Evidence of partnership-building, stakeholder management and advocacy.
* Income generation success, building financial sustainability within the third sector.
* Exceptional communicator, with the ability to represent GVS on local and national platforms.
* Above all - values-led, collaborative and committed to nurturing inclusive, resilient communities.

Welsh language skills are desirable, but not essential - what matters most is a genuine willingness to connect with the local context and people of the Vale.

To apply: Please send your CV or profile to Amelia Lee as the first step. If your skills and experience are a match, we'll be in touch with further details on the application process.

Deadline: Thursday 25th September
Interviews: 29th & 31st October

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

ABOUT US

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and existing Director of Brand and Communications (Supporter Mobilisation) to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 15:30 on Monday 1st September. 

THE ROLE 

We are looking for an experienced, visionary leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director of Supporter Mobilisation. This is a newly refocused position, shaped with the future in mind, and designed to deepen the public’s relationship with trees and woods.  We are fighting for the health of people and the planet with every tree. 

You will be at the helm of our strategy to engage millions-inspiring action, growing income, and strengthening our brand. Leading a talented and passionate team, you’ll develop bold, integrated campaigns that move hearts and minds. You’ll oversee communications, digital and community fundraising, membership,  and our high-profile campaigns and Trees for All programme that builds public awareness and inspires a mass movement of support for our cause. 

Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll also play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Trust and ensuring alignment across our work, people, and values.  Helping the Trust protect and restore woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and create the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage and inspire others, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We are looking for a senior leader with a track record in large-scale communications, supporter engagement and mobilisation, or fundraising. You’ll have a strong understanding of how to use inspiring stories, quality data, and digital innovation to move people to action-and how to build momentum around a mission. 

You’ll bring strategic insight and a collaborative spirit, with the gravitas to influence at the highest levels and the heart to connect with people from all walks of life - helping us to bring trees and woods to all. 

Just as important as your skills is your alignment with our cause. You’ll be values-led - passionate about our cause and excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Stage Interviews will be held via Teams on Wednesday 8 October 2025.
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Tuesday 14 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

ABOUT US 

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and interim Director of Fundraising to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 14:00 on Friday 5 September.
Please register your interest by emailing Charlotte Hines (full details available via our website). 

THE ROLE 

 Due to the retirement of a long-standing executive team member, this newly repurposed Executive Leadership role has a clear focus on our long-term financial sustainability and mission impact. As Executive Director of Fundraising Development, you will lead our strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and major income generation programmes. 

 You’ll be responsible for inspiring significant financial support through trusts, major donors, corporates, legacies, and philanthropic networks. Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering our Strategy to 2030 - ensuring we have the income, influence, and innovation to match our ambition. 

 Protecting and restoring woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and creating the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage with powerful networks, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We’re looking for a proven senior leader with extensive experience in fundraising, income generation or strategic partnerships - ideally within the not-for-profit sector. 

You’ll bring: 

• Strategic fundraising expertise across major giving, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy. 

• Inspiring leadership - able to guide, develop and motivate high-performing teams. 

• Strong external profile - with a track record of building and leveraging influential networks. 

• Collaborative mindset - experienced in working at Executive level, shaping cross-organisational strategy. 

• A personal commitment to nature recovery, equity of access, and environmental impact. 

Most importantly, you’ll be values-led - excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Interviews will be held via Teams on Friday 3 October 2025 
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Monday 13 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

Thrombosis UK is a small charity with big ambitions. We are the charity in the UK committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected by blood clots. 

Key Responsibilities:

• To be the first point of contact for those requiring support, information and signposting with regards to VTE
• Answering enquiries across all channels (including those via the chat on our Facebook pages and “Let’s Talk Clots” app) in a supportive and timely manner
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with a range of stakeholders including patients, carers, and medical professionals
• Facilitating online meetings and focus groups between those with lived experience of VTE and selected research partners
• Accurately recording contact information on a central database
• Contributing to the development/updating of TUK’s information materials, to reflect current guidelines and medical advances
• Ensure accessibility of patient information materials
•  Providing support at TUK events, and wider initiatives such as National Thrombosis Week and World Thrombosis Day
• Contributing to the development of TUK’s community engagement activities
• Preparing a monthly overview of community engagement for the CEO

Thrombosis UK is a small charity with big ambitions. We are the charity in the UK committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected by blood clots. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate Challenge Events

o Act as main contact with events management companies to coordinate our programme

o Encourage, support and monitor participants on their fundraising journey

o Manage production and distribution of event merchandise

• Fundraising

o Explore new fundraising opportunities to increase income and widen our supporter base

o Provide support/toolkits to volunteers who want to run their own events

o Research new technologies to streamline fundraising activities

o Represent the charity at community/fundraising events

o Reach out to suitable businesses for suitable support and donations

•    Marketing & Communications

o Plan and oversee marketing initiatives for TUK’s events and wider opportunities e.g. National Thrombosis Week and World Thrombosis Day

o Drive an effective social media presence

o Provide a prompt and enthusiastic response to fundraising enquiries across all channels

o Generate/update content for the website, social media and occasionally printed materials

o Liaise with designers, ensuring brand consistency across all channels

• Fundraising Admin

o Maintain accurate donor and income records, ensuring all invoices and payments are processed

o Promptly coordinate all donor correspondence such as acknowledgements, thank-yous, certificates and ‘good luck’ messages

o Provide a monthly fundraising overview to the CEO

This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.

The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.  

You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity. 

The key focus of this role

1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.  

2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.

3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations. 

We are looking for a Director of Income and Investment to lead all UKMSA’s income generation, and to ensure we steward and invest our income effectively. You’ll work in partnership with the CEO, Board and leadership team to ensure UKMSA has the financial resilience to provide practical and strategic support to Men’s Sheds across the UK, and in partnership with our colleagues in the international Shedding movement.

It’s about shaping the financial future of the UK Shedding movement. In the immediate term, you’ll lead efforts to address our income deficit, while also laying the foundations for a long-term, sustainable and diverse income model.
 

This role is about more than just fundraising though; it’s about realising the power of relationships, and funding, to transform communities and societies. Working alongside the CEO and SLT, and in partnership with the Board, the UKMSA team, volunteers, men’s health stakeholders, partners, and Shedders, you will make connections that strengthen the movement and make it truly sustainable. In a world that feels increasingly polarised and divided, Shedding provides an inspiring antidote. This is about individuals, but it’s also about strengthening the communities where those Shedders live and contribute.

You will lead on the development of new partnerships, unlock opportunities for Men’s Sheds, and champion a creative, values-led approach to income generation and financial stewardship.

The Director will also work proactively as part of a collective senior leadership team, working closely with the CEO, and sometimes deputising for her, offering continuity of leadership, maintaining momentum, and stepping into key internal and external forums when required. This includes leading in partnership with other senior staff and board members and representing UKMSA at high-level meetings and events. The Director is expected to make sound decisions in the best interests of UKMSA and lead others with clarity and purpose.
 

Closing date: 1200hrs 10th September 2025
First Interviews: Wednesday 17th September 2025

We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.

This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.

We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.

Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.

The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.

The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
2. Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
3. Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
4. Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
5. Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
6. Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
7. Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
8. Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
9. Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.

Staff Management:

1. Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
2. Support the team in their professional development.
3. Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
• A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
• Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
• Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
• Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
• Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
• Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the charitable sector.
• Experience of being a Company Secretary.
• Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
• Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
• Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
• A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.

Qualifications/ Education

• Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.

Additional information

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.

Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission

About the Role

As Director of Finance, you’ll:

• Lead all aspects of financial strategy, reporting, and governance
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations and team leadership
• Provide critical insight and assurance to the Chief Executive and Trustees
• Responsible for executive on-call duties as part of a scheduled rota, handling urgent issues outside regular business hours.
• Support the financial management of fundraising income and grant funding
• Manage the Facilities function to ensure safe, compliant, and well-maintained premises
• Drive continuous improvement, sustainability, and operational effectiveness
• Support the IT and Data protection operations 

You’ll be instrumental in helping us deliver our strategic vision with financial clarity, stability, and confidence.