75 Innovation business development executive jobs

In July 2026, following almost two and a half years of work and nearly two decades as a Faculty, we became the College of Intensive Care Medicine: an independent charity with our own Board of Trustees, governance and voice. Reaching this point has been a significant achievement. Now comes the next chapter: building an organisation that is genuinely independent, financially sustainable and equipped to lead the specialty for the future.

This role sits at the heart of that transformation.

Organisationally, we are creating a College from what was previously a faculty function – establishing our own culture, values, policies, systems and operating model while managing a careful and constructive separation from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), our long-standing host and continuing close partner.

Financially, we begin with an established income base, derived predominantly from subscriptions and examinations. The Executive Director will lead the development of a more diverse and resilient financial model, strengthening income and ensuring long-term sustainability without compromising our charitable purpose, governance or commitment to members.

For our people, we need to build our own workforce and operating model while supporting colleagues through a genuine change in employer and organisational identity. This will require clarity, empathy and strong leadership – alongside an unwavering focus on maintaining the services that almost 5,000 members rely on.

THE ROLE

We are therefore looking for an Executive Director who has successfully led organisations through significant transformation; who understands how to build financial sustainability and diversify income; and who can bring people with them through complex and meaningful change.

You will bring the strategic and financial credibility to earn the confidence of our Trustees and partners at the RCoA, alongside the emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership needed to unite staff, members and the wider clinical community behind the College’s future.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a new professional College at the moment of its creation: establishing its identity, culture and operating model while building the foundations for long-term independence and impact.

TIMELINE

Closing date: Monday 19th October 2026

Preliminary interviews: w/c Monday 2nd and 9th November 2026

Final Panel interviews: w/c Monday 7th December 2026  

This role

We are seeking a commercially minded senior leader to establish and lead a new Life Sciences Partnership Function for the South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE). Serving more than five million people across six Integrated Care Board areas, the SWSDE enables approved researchers to securely access and analyse health and care data to support research and innovation that benefits patients and populations.

This is an opportunity to shape how the South West works with the life sciences sector to develop research, innovation and commercial partnerships. Working across the NHS, academia and industry, you will build and lead a pipeline of partnership opportunities, taking them from initial engagement through to agreed programmes that deliver clear value for partners and the health and care system.

You will play a key role in developing the frameworks, commercial models and ways of working needed to support effective collaboration between the NHS, academia and industry, while maintaining high standards of privacy, security, ethics and public trust.

As Secure Data Environments continue to evolve across the UK, you will help define how organisations work with life sciences partners to use health data safely and responsibly to support research and innovation.

The role forms part of the SWSDE leadership and delivery model and is hosted by Health Innovation South West on behalf of the SWSDE, working closely with Health Innovation West of England and regional NHS and academic partners.

Role profile:

Key success factors

· The Senior Life Sciences Partnership Lead will lead the development and delivery of the Life Sciences Partnership Function for the SWSDE. The postholder will originate, develop and convert high impact partnerships between the SWSDE, NHS organisations and the life science sector that utilise the functionality and capability of the SWSDE safely, ethically and efficiently to deliver benefit for partners and the population of the South West region.

· The role will act as a key interface between the SWSDE and external partners, ensuring opportunities for partnership working between the SWSDE and the life science sector are translated into deliverable, governance-ready programmes that create measurable research, innovation and economic benefits. This will include providing NHS organisations involved in the SWSDE to develop effective partnership working with the life science sector, including pricing approaches, contract development and commercial operating models that enable sustainable collaboration with industry partners.

· This role reflects emerging functions being developed across other SDEs, Trusted Research Environments (TREs) and regional data innovation ecosystems, where specialist life science sector leadership expertise is required to complement technical, governance and academic routes.

· The postholder will develop commercially and operationally viable proposals for consideration through SWSDE governance. The role will not determine access to data. All projects will remain subject to feasibility assessment, information-governance requirements, demonstration of public benefit and independent Data Access Committee approval.

Responsibilities

1. Leading strategic partnership development 

• Lead the development and delivery of the Life Sciences Partnership Strategy for the SWSDE, building the South West’s distinctive position as a preferred regional partner for data-enabled life science sector research and innovation partnerships.

• Build senior relationships with major life science sector organisations and develop strategic anchor partnerships capable of generating sustained partnership activity and long term income.

• Build trusted relationships with SWSDE partner organisations, including Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and NHS providers, supporting partners to develop effective partnership working with the life science sector and the SWSDE. 

• Build strategic relationships with relevant national programmes including NHS England, Health Data Research UK and wider research networks.

• Identify collaborative opportunities for Life Science Partnership Function with other SDEs and TREs. 

2. Leading partnership pipeline generation  

• Lead the development of a strategically aligned, high quality pipeline of revenue generating partnerships with the life science sector.

• Work with Health Innovation Networks and NHS partners to originate opportunities in collaboration with NHS partner organisations.

• Lead the management, and delivery of the partnership pipeline, ensuring effective planning and oversight to deliver agreed partnership pipeline, revenue targets and KPIs.

3. Leading partnership opportunity development and conversion 

• Translate external opportunities with the life science sector into scoped programmes, studies or service offers, working with technical, IG, governance and delivery teams to assess feasibility of proposals and progress opportunities from concept to approval.

• Work with the wider SWDE team to identify and resolve barriers to partnership conversion and maintain momentum across the partnership lifecycle: Find / Receive / Develop / Secure / Deliver.

• Develop and deploy pricing models, cost recovery approaches, commercial negotiations and contracting arrangements in line with SWSDE strategy and governance frameworks.

• Support NHS organisations and SWSDE partners to develop and adopt effective and sustainable models of partnership working with the life science sector and the SWSDE, including providing expert advice on contracting mechanisms, commercial frameworks and partnership agreements. 

• Work with SWSDE finance, legal, information governance and operational colleagues to develop robust partnership agreements, contractual documentation and commercial propositions that support scalable and repeatable approaches to partnership delivery. 

5. Leading effective governance and assurance 

• Ensure all partnership activity aligns with SafeGUARDs, information governance, ethics and NHS standards, working closely with SWSDE governance and operational leads to maintain public trust and transparency.

• Ensure commercial agreements and partnership arrangements align with SWSDE governance, NHS regulatory requirements and agreed organisational responsibilities across host organisations. 

• Ensure effective communication and contribution into SWSDE governance and reporting processes.

6. Leading people and partners in a matrix management structure 

• Lead the development of the Life Science Partnership Function and the associated resources and people required to ensure effective delivery of the Life Sciences Partnership Strategy. 

• Work collaboratively across multiple SWSDE host organisations and stakeholders, operating effectively without direct line management where delivery is through influence and matrix leadership.

Person specification

Experience we’re looking for

· Experience leading partnership working between the NHS and life science sector. 

· Track record leading commercial growth and business development.

· Experience leading commercial negotiation and contract development, contract development and partnership agreement design across complex multi-organisational environments.

· Experience operating in environments with complex and rigorous information governance and data sharing requirements. 

· Understanding of the UK health, innovation and research landscape.

Desirable experience required:  

· Experience leading partnership working with universities and research partners. 

· Experience working with health and care data or in trusted research data environments, including NHS data policy, SafeGUARDs or data governance frameworks.

· Experience working with NHS governance structures and decision making.

Abilities and attributes

· Strategic Vision – opportunity-focused, creates new customer markets and develops new revenue streams that balance strategic ambition with attention to risk. 

· Customer Orientation – builds trust, anticipates partner needs, works with agility, delivers value to partners. 

· Commercial Acumen – skilled in complex negotiations, high levels of financially literacy, focused on sustainable commercial growth. 

· Execution excellence – translate partnership opportunities into actionable plans that deliver measurable results, with a strong attention to detail.

· Leadership & Influence – motivates, provides clear direction and build effective working relationships in a matrix managed, partnership structured operating model. 

· Communication – translates complexity into clear narrative, compelling storyteller, adapts style to target audiences. 

Reporting to:

Executive Director of Innovation & Commercial Partnerships, Health Innovation South West

Inspiring people and communities to age and live well in later life

Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead one of Cornwall’s most respected charities into its next chapter.

For more than 50 years, we have worked alongside older people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, helping people to remain independent, connected and able to enjoy later life with dignity, purpose and confidence.

Today, we support more than 150,000 people each year through services spanning information and advice, transport, hospital and home support, community wellbeing, social connection and initiatives delivered in partnership with health, care and voluntary sector organisations.

Following the planned retirement of our Chief Executive in March 2027, we are looking for an inspiring, collaborative and values-led leader to build on strong foundations and help shape our future.

The opportunity

Our next Chief Executive will inherit a financially stable organisation with an excellent reputation, committed colleagues and volunteers, strong governance and significant reach across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

But this is also a role with considerable opportunity ahead.

Cornwall has an ageing population and the environment in which health, care and voluntary organisations operate continues to change. We want Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly to be at the forefront of that change - not simply responding to need, but helping to shape how people experience later life across our communities.

You will work with our Board, colleagues, volunteers and partners to develop our strategy, strengthen and diversify our income, continue to evolve our services and increase our influence across the wider health and care system.

You will also build strong relationships across the Age UK network, ensuring that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly contributes to and benefits from national learning, policy, collaboration and opportunities.

The leader we are seeking

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with the credibility to guide a complex, service‑delivery organisation.

You will empower people to thrive, build leadership capacity and unite colleagues, volunteers and partners behind a shared purpose. You will be comfortable operating beyond organisational boundaries and developing influential relationships across health and social care, local government, commissioners, funders, businesses, communities and the wider voluntary sector.

Commercial awareness and financial acumen will be essential. You will understand what it takes to lead a sustainable organisation, diversify income and demonstrate the impact and value of our work.

Above all, you will share our belief that later life should be a time of opportunity, and that older people should have independence, choice and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them.

This is more than an opportunity to lead a successful charity. It is an opportunity to influence how Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly supports its ageing population and to lead an organisation with the reach, relationships and ambition to make a lasting difference.

How to Apply

Download full details in the attached brief.

For a confidential conversation about the opportunity, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director of Public Leaders Appointments 

To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and how your skills, knowledge and experience equip you for the role.

Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds and communities.

Closing date: Midday, 20 October 2026
Interviews, Stakeholder and Team Panels: 5 / 6 November 2026, Newquay
 

About Us

We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.

Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.

We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.

Diversity and inclusion matter to us.

Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.

About the role

This is an opportunity to lead a new national centre, as part of the DiSSCo UK programme, using AI, robotics, data and digital technologies to transform access to the UK’s natural science collections.

As Head of the DiSSCo UK Technical Innovation unit, (known internally as the Catalysis centre) you will establish and lead a specialist team developing new ways to digitise collections faster and turn collections data into useful tools and services for research, policy and industry.

You will set the Centre’s direction, build and lead a multidisciplinary technical team, and take promising ideas from early testing through to practical use. Initially, the focus will be on technologies such as AI-assisted transcription, computer vision, automated imaging and robotics to improve the speed and quality of digitisation.

Reporting to the DiSSCo UK Programme Director, and working closely with the Head of Digitisation and Head of Engineering, within the Natural History Museum's Department of Digital Data and Informatics, you will ensure new approaches can be adopted across the national programme. You will also develop partnerships with universities, government and industry, and identify opportunities for further investment and commercial development.

This is a fixed term role until 31 March 2029.

About you

You will be an experienced technology, innovation or digital leader who has successfully turned new technologies into practical products, services or ways of working.

Your background might be in AI, data, research infrastructure, digital transformation or a technology business. You will have strong technical understanding in one or more areas such as AI and machine learning, robotics, automation, data engineering or digital platforms, together with experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex programmes.

You will be a collaborative leader who can work across organisational boundaries, build strong partnerships and explain complex technical ideas clearly. You should also be comfortable getting close to the technical work when needed.

Experience of developing partnerships, attracting investment or turning technology and research into sustainable services would be an advantage. Above all, you will be motivated by using technology to accelerate scientific discovery and increase the value and use of the UK’s natural science collections.

Thriving at the Museum: the way we work

We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.

Find out more on our website.

What we offer

• 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
• Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
• Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
• Life insurance
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
• Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
• We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
• Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
• Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi

Hybrid working

We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.

How to apply

If this sounds like you, please apply on our website.

Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double-check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.

Closing date: 23:59 on 14 October

Interviews expected: w/c 26 October

Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.

Lead a respected counselling charity and help shape the future of mental health support in our community.

If you're an inspiring leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As our new Head of Centre, you'll lead an established, BACP-accredited charity with an excellent reputation for delivering affordable, high-quality counselling and professional training across West Kent and East Sussex.

For almost 40 years, The Counselling Centre has been committed to ensuring that everyone can access professional counselling, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to build on this legacy, strengthening our financial sustainability, developing new partnerships and expanding our impact to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. You'll work closely with our dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding counselling, training and community services while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the charity, lead financial planning and income generation, develop relationships with funders, commissioners, businesses and community partners, and act as an ambassador for The Counselling Centre across the local area. You'll also champion our values, nurture a positive organisational culture and ensure we continue to meet the highest standards of governance and professional practice.

We're looking for someone who brings senior leadership experience, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to improving mental health. You'll be an excellent relationship builder with experience of developing partnerships, generating income and leading organisational change. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our organisation.

Why join us?

• Lead a respected charity with an outstanding reputation built over almost 40 years.

• Make a genuine difference to the lives of people in your local community.

• Work alongside a committed Board of Trustees, experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.

• Help shape the future direction and growth of an ambitious organisation.

• Enjoy a flexible part-time role (21 hours per week) with hybrid working.

• Competitive salary of circa £50,000–£55,000 per annum pro rata, contributory pension, 25 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, and Christmas closure.

If you're looking for a leadership role where your strategic vision, commercial skills and passion for community impact can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Independent Age is the national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free information and advice to older people without enough money to live on, while our external training equips professionals with the information they need to support older people on low incomes. Through our grants programme, we fund and support hundreds of local charities working with older people across the UK.  We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. 

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

As Head of Services Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Independent Age’s services and maximising our impact for older people facing financial hardship. Reporting to the Director of Services, you will lead service development, innovation, quality, evaluation and strategic change across our service provision (information, advice and external training) ensuring they remain effective, evidence-led and responsive to changing needs. Working closely with colleagues across the charity and external partners, you will translate strategy into practical improvements, develop new opportunities for impact and collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous learning, improvement and innovation.

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We're looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with experience of leading complex projects, organisational change and service improvement programmes. 

You will be skilled at turning strategy into delivery, bringing together people from different teams and disciplines to develop practical solutions that improve outcomes. You will be comfortable using data, insight and evidence to drive decision-making and have a track record of stakeholder engagement and identifying opportunities for innovation and growth. 

You will also bring experience of impact measurement, evaluation, quality assurance or performance frameworks, with the ability to use evidence to demonstrate value and improve services. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and work across organisational boundaries. An understanding of the needs of older people, the wider ageing sector and the role that data, learning and collaboration play in delivering social impact would be advantageous.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.  

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A BASIC DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Friday 25 September at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Monday 12 October at our London office, 18 Avonmore Road W14 8RR

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

You will use a wide range of commercial and interpersonal skills to develop the way our services support children, young people and families.

The core area of your work will be working with teams of Barnardo's colleagues to produce compelling proposals to commissioners and partners in Scotland and Northern Ireland. As such, you'll be able to demonstrate:

• Strong organisational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to elicit and articulate great ideas
• Strong written and spoken communication

You will need to be a good writer, communicating ideas effectively on paper with an ability to analyse large volumes of information to develop clear and compelling responses to tenders. It is critical that you can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the development of proposals and service design.

You will manage all aspects of proposals and tenders, leading the development and delivery of bids, working to deadlines, ensuring that we present strong business cases and bids that underpin successful outcomes. In addition, there will be the opportunity to help us develop new services and innovations in priority growth areas, monitor market intelligence, assess commercial and contract risks and work alongside operational colleagues in Children's Services.

Your project management skills may have been developed in any sector, and may need further development, but your commitment to the work we do will be demonstrated by your enthusiasm and ability to learn. In Business Development we are a supportive team, with stimulating and challenging work and extensive opportunities to learn and to help Barnardo's transform the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children.

These roles will operate on a 'Work from Anywhere' basis, meaning that you can work both from home and/or from an office 'hub' that's nearest to where you live. Some travel across Scotland and Northern Ireland may be required.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

As Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship Executive, you will play a key role in securing and managing corporate sponsorship for a range of events, including the world-renowned International Symposium on ALS/MND. This brand-new opportunity offers the chance to work across research, fundraising, campaigning and policy, helping to create sustainable income that supports people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).

Working with national and international corporate companies and partners, you will develop tailored sponsorship opportunities, deliver excellent stewardship and help create outstanding experiences for sponsors and supporters. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of high-profile sponsorship activity, develop strategic partnerships and contribute to the success of internationally recognised events.

As Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship Executive, your work will help generate sustainable income that supports people affected by MND. improve care, fund research and campaign for people affected by MND.

Main Responsibilities

• Secure sponsorship income from national and international corporate organisations, including pharmaceutical and biotech companies
• Lead sponsorship activity for the International Symposium and other Association-wide events
• Identify, research and develop new sponsorship opportunities and prospect pipelines
• Create tailored corporate sponsorship proposals and presentations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, prospects and key stakeholders
• Deliver excellent sponsor stewardship before, during and after events
• Plan and coordinate fundraising activity across events to maximise income and engagement
• Work collaboratively with research, fundraising, events and partnership teams to develop new opportunities
• Monitor performance, maintain CRM records and provide income and impact reporting

About You

Essential

• Experience securing corporate sponsorship, partnership income or significant corporate gifts
• Experience working with pharmaceutical, biotech or related industry organisations
• Strong understanding of the ABPI Code of Practice 2024
• Excellent communication skills, including proposal, presentation and bid writing
• Ability to build credible relationships with corporate partners and senior stakeholders
• Willingness to travel across the UK, with occasional international travel, evening and weekend work as required

Desirable

• Experience engaging corporate partners around scientific research or innovation
• Experience delivering or supporting fundraising activity at events
• Experience using CRM systems to manage relationships and income

Hybrid working Expectations: One day per week Northampton office attendance required. Willingness and flexibility to attend meetings andevents as required – this includes the opportunity to attend our 37th International Symposium, this year hosted in Amsterdam!

Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack. The official job title for this role is Corporate Development Executive (Sponsorship).

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

About Us

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND.We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters. 

Northern Ballet is looking for an organised, proactive and detail-focused Development Executive to join our friendly and ambitious fundraising team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is a confident communicator, with experience in administration, fundraising or customer service who is looking to develop their career in arts fundraising. You’ll play an important role in growing support for Northern Ballet, nurturing relationships with our supporters and helping the Development team run smoothly.

What you’ll do

• Support the growth and administration of our Patron and individual giving programmes

• Help deliver engaging supporter stewardship

• Support donor and corporate events in Leeds and across the UK.

• Maintain accurate supporter and donor information within our Spektrix CRM database

• Support fundraising campaigns, appeals, trust and foundation applications, research and reporting

• Coordinate meetings, donor visits, backstage experiences, rehearsals and other supporter activities
• Provide high-quality administrative support and contribute to improving systems and supporter experience
• Work collaboratively across the organisation and support performances and events, including some evening and weekend work.

Why join Northern Ballet?

You’ll be part of a small, collaborative and purpose-driven team where your contribution really matters. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact through the work of one of the UK’s leading ballet companies.

Northern Ballet is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is looking for a Director of Services to provide strategic and operational leadership for our community-based services. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring services are high quality, responsive to local need, financially sustainable and delivered in line with contractual, legal and organisational requirements.

The role will provide leadership and oversight to relevant Contract Managers, Team Leads and service teams, ensuring effective performance management, contract delivery, budget control, risk management, partnership working and continuous improvement. The postholder will contribute to WCT-wide strategy and work closely with the CEO, fellow Senior Leadership Team members and the Board of Trustees.

About Worcester Community Trust

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is a registered charity that runs six community centres across Worcester, providing facilities and services for people of all ages. We aim to be at the heart of thriving communities — connecting people, building confidence, and empowering positive change.

Our services aim to increase feelings of wellbeing, reduce loneliness and isolation, offer specialist support for survivors of domestic violence, support people into training, education and employment and work with people to deliver local services especially for young people, families and older people.

Vision: To work with residents to build communities where people feel connected, supported and empowered

Mission: Bringing Communities Together by enabling the provision of services and activities for all.

Our values:

• Collaborative – we acheive more together with local people and partners.
• Inclusive – we welcome diversity and value uniqueness.
• Ambitious – we drive progress through innovation and creativity.
• Delivering Excellence – we invest in our people and infrastructure to provide high-quality services.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership and Service Development

• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team to WCT’s organisational strategy, business planning and future development.
• Provide strategic leadership for the community-based services portfolio, ensuring services remain relevant, effective and aligned with WCT’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Use service data, community insight, evaluation and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation and growth.
• Work with the CEO and colleagues to identify funding and partnership opportunities that support the sustainability and development of services.

People Leadership and Management

• Lead, support and develop managers and team leads within the service area, setting clear expectations and ensuring effective supervision, performance management and communication.
• Promote a positive, accountable and inclusive culture that encourages teamwork, professional development, initiative and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staffing structures, deployment and resources are appropriate to contractual requirements, service demand and available budgets.
• Support recruitment, induction, development and, where required, formal peoplemanagement processes in line with WCT policy.

Contract, Performance and Quality Management

• Oversee the implementation and delivery of multiple contracts, grants and commissioned services across the community-based portfolio.
• Ensure clear systems are in place to monitor outputs, outcomes, quality, contractual milestones and service-user experience.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative information and produce clear, accurate reports for funders, commissioners, the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure subcontracted or partner-delivered activity is appropriately monitored and managed where applicable.
• Address underperformance promptly and support managers to implement effective improvement plans.

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Lead the development and management of service budgets, including budgets of significant value, ensuring expenditure remains within agreed funding and organisational parameters.
• Monitor income, expenditure, forecasts and variances in partnership with the Head of Finance & Resources and relevant managers.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently and that services demonstrate value for money and financial sustainability.
• Contribute to funding applications, tenders, business cases and service-costing activity where required.

Risk, Governance and Compliance

• Identify, assess and manage risks relating to service delivery and ensure significant risks are escalated through WCT’s organisational risk-management arrangements.
• Ensure services comply with contractual requirements, WCT policies, data protection requirements, safeguarding arrangements and relevant legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to the development and review of organisational policies and procedures within the postholder’s areas of responsibility.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and information-governance standards.

Partnerships and Representation

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, funders, statutory agencies, VCSE organisations, local communities and other partners.
• Represent WCT professionally at strategic and operational partnership meetings, networks and forums.
• Promote collaboration across WCT services and with external partners to improve pathways, reduce duplication and strengthen outcomes for local people.
• Protect and enhance the reputation of WCT in all internal and external relationships.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Organisational Responsibilities

• Actively promote a culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and ensure
  concerns within the service area are managed and escalated in accordance with WCT
  procedures.
• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

For full details including a Person Specification, please download the Recruitment Pack here

What you get…

• Be part of an amazing, welcoming passionate community.
• Put your skills to use to create positive social impact.
• A voice and input into shaping and influence services and decisions.

What we offer…

• Holiday – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for PT staff) plus an extra day of birthday leave and two additional self-care days
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Access to Westfield Health which provides a range of benefits towards health & wellbeing as well as support with essential healthcare (after completion of probationary period)
• Free Parking
• Life Assurance and a pension contribution of 3%
• Access to professional bereavement and probate support
• An annual celebration and investment review
• A blue light card scheme

Representing the City

WCT is committed to equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion, and to being representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

To apply please visit our website.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026

An exciting opportunity!

This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated charity supporting children, adults and families affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related lysosomal storage disorders. Following the current Chief Executive's planned move to become Managing Director of Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP) in January 2027, the incoming CEO will take the helm of an organisation with over forty years of history, a trusted national reputation and a growing role on the international rare disease stage. The successful candidate will shape the strategic vision for more than 1,800 families, oversee the close partnership between the Society and its research subsidiary RDRP, and champion the patient and family ethos that sits at the heart of the organisation's work. It is an opportunity to combine ambitious strategic leadership with deeply meaningful, human impact, working alongside a committed Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider community of clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical partners.

As our next Chief Executive, you will

• Define and deliver the MPS Society’s strategic vision.
• Provide confident oversight of governance, finance, compliance and reporting.
• Effectively manage the operational alignment between the MPS Society and RDRP.
• Always keep the members and family voice at the heart of strategy, service design and decision-making.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with statutory bodies, government agencies, pharmaceutical partners, clinical expert centres and other key stakeholders to support the Society’s objectives, influence policy and practice, and protect its professional reputation.
• Act as a visible and credible public voice to raise awareness, improve visibility, support, treatment access and outcomes for people affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related conditions.
• Collaborate with other rare disease bodies, patient organisations and other key audiences.
• Lead and empower the senior leadership team through effective delegation, early involvement in strategic discussions, clear accountability and support for individuals to flourish.
• Encourage an open, supportive work environment allowing creativity and building staff confidence.
• Help shape the future of the MPS Society.

About you

•  Self-motivated, with the drive to lead the organisation through a period of change and transition.
• Unquestionable probity and personal integrity, given the trust placed in the CEO by families, trustees and partners.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex scientific and clinical information to audiences ranging from clinicians to families with no prior knowledge of MPS disorders.
• Strong self-awareness, with insight into their own leadership style and impact on others.
• Emotional resilience, able to sustain performance while supporting a community facing life limiting conditions.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, able to build trust, delegate effectively and help individuals across the organisation flourish.
• Genuine passion for the Society's mission, with a family and member-first ethos.
• Confidence to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, from beneficiaries and Trustees to politicians, media and pharmaceutical partners.
• A proactive, positive approach, comfortable reacting to change and organising their own work to meet deadlines.
• Confidence speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation and the people it represents.

Why join us?

A close-knit, values-led culture. With just over thirty staff across the Society and RDRP combined, this is a place where the CEO can know the team personally, work closely with families day-to-day, and see the direct results of decisions rather than managing at a distance through layers of bureaucracy.

• Genuine autonomy to shape direction. The Board is explicitly looking to the new CEO to bring fresh thinking on technology, AI, and digital tools, and to give real freedom to modernise fundraising, services, and engagement rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
• A stable foundation to build from over forty years of track record, trusted relationships and a strong national reputation mean the incoming CEO can focus energy on vision and growth rather than firefighting or rebuilding credibility from scratch.
• Proximity to cutting-edge science: the Society's close relationship with RDRP gives the CEO regular exposure to advances in rare disease research and treatment access, while day-to-day research leadership sits with the RDRP Managing Director, allowing the CEO to focus on strategy, people and sustainability.
• A high-visibility, high-influence platform. Regular contact with government, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and international rare disease bodies offers strong opportunities to build a public profile and personal network well beyond the charity sector.
• A team that already shares the mission. Staff are described as passionate about the Society's aims, and as having a family-first ethos, so the new CEO inherits a culture to lead and empower rather than one that needs to be built from the ground up.
• Work with a different kind of return. Beyond salary and career progression, this role offers the less tangible reward of knowing that strategic and financial decisions translate, into better support for families facing some of the rarest conditions in the country.

Benefits

Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave
• Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
• Contributory pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7

Further information

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.

The main duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role can be viewed in the job description on our website.

Salary to be agreed depending on experience and will be pro-rata for part time hours.

This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.

This senior role requires flexibility in working hours and location.  It is primarily offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham, Buckinghamshire, office each week. As part of the role, UK and overseas travel is necessary, which may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked over the weekend are fairly compensated through TOIL.

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) details of which can be found in the job description.

For an informal discussion about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Dr Fiona Stewart.  Contact details can be found on the full job description. Kindly note, meetings with other relevant people will be available to shortlisted candidates at interview stage.  

Chief Executive Officer – White Lodge

Location: White Lodge, Chertsey, KT16 0FA (hybrid, minimum 3 days a week in the office)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full time, 37.5 hours per week

Could you lead a charity with deep roots and a strong sense of community into its next chapter – creating greater opportunities for people with disabilities and/or neurodiversity to thrive?

About us

White Lodge is a leading charity supporting children, young people and adults with disabilities and their families. With more than 60 years’ history, we support over 2,500 people across Surrey and beyond through specialist services and facilities in Chertsey.

White Lodge is a community as much as a service provider, built around our values of ENABLE: Equity, Nurture, Advocacy, Belonging, Language and Empathy. Our Active Plan 2025–30 sets four ambitions: Enhance accessibility and social opportunities; Champion customers' voices in health and social care; Transform local attitudes; and Strengthen its resources.

With strong systems, governance and a diversified income base, White Lodge is well placed for its next phase. The new CEO will provide continuity while bringing strategic, operational and entrepreneurial leadership to respond to a changing funding environment and pursue new opportunities, including a children's services tender.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Deliver White Lodge's strategy, translating ambitions into measurable outcomes and impact.
• Leadership: Lead and develop a committed workforce, fostering an inclusive, accountable and values-led culture.
• Governance & Finance: Partner with the Board to ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and effective risk management.
• Operations: Ensure high-quality, person-centred services and effective organisational systems and performance.
• Income & Partnerships: Diversify income and develop relationships with commissioners, funders, NHS partners and the wider community.
• Influence & Advocacy: Champion customers' voices, strengthen White Lodge's profile and help transform attitudes towards disability.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure high standards of safeguarding, regulatory compliance, equality and ethical leadership.

Who you are

• A seasoned senior leader with significant experience in a complex organisation, ideally within charity, health, care or wider public services.
• Experienced in leading substantial teams and complex services, with strong financial, operational and commercial understanding.
• A strategic thinker with a track record of organisational change, sustainable growth and measurable outcomes.
• Experienced in working effectively with a Board, commissioners, funders and strategic partners.
• An emotionally intelligent, inclusive and entrepreneurial leader who builds trust, creates clarity and brings people with them.
• A compelling communicator and ambassador, committed to equity, inclusion, dignity, safeguarding and ensuring lived experience shapes decisions.
• Experience of disability, social care, children's services or another regulated service environment would be advantageous, as would commissioned services or significant tender experience. Previous CEO experience is desirable but not essential; exceptional Directors or Deputy CEOs ready to step up are encouraged to apply.

Why White Lodge?

• Help create a world that is inclusive to all, regardless of ability.
• Lead an established charity with a committed team, strong systems and strengthened governance.
• Deliver the ambitions of the Active Plan 2025–30 and pursue new opportunities.
• Work alongside customers, families, staff, volunteers and trustees who share White Lodge's values.

Application

For full details of the role and how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation, contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile, treated with strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th October 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational and forward-thinking Head of Dog Training & Client Services to lead one of the charity's most important service areas. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role provides strategic and operational leadership across our Training Department, including Puppy Development, Dog Supply, Instructor Services and Client Services functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to shape the future of our training and client services, lead a dedicated team of professionals, and ensure the highest standards of support for both our beneficiaries and assistance dogs. 

As Head of Dog Training & Client Services, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and development of the Training Department. 

You will work closely with senior staff to ensure the successful delivery of our assistance dog programmes, while driving continuous improvement, innovation and organisational growth. 

The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and is ideal for someone who is passionate about achieving excellent outcomes for both people and dogs.