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At The Children's Adventure Farm Trust, we have a vision to help more children and families create remarkable memories that last a lifetime. The Farm is a unique space where children facing life's biggest challenges can find joy and freedom. Every child and family discover adventure here. Every need is understood, differences celebrated and lasting memories made. 

We are looking for a CEO who can shape the future development of this highly successful children’s charity. You will provide strategic, visible leadership, ensuring the charity’s finances, outdoor spaces, buildings, staff, and volunteers are fully utilised to deliver fantastic experiences for every visitor.

Are you ready to make a powerful impact on families in the North-West?

The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) is a much-loved charity dedicated to bringing joy, creating special memories and making a positive difference to the lives of children facing challenging circumstances. Set in over 10 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside, CAFT offers a welcoming and magical environment where children can enjoy new experiences, build confidence and simply have fun. From residential breaks and seasonal celebrations to Forest School and educational day visits, the charity provides opportunities for children to explore, play and make lasting memories.

With its farmhouse, woodland, play park, animals and sports hall, CAFT welcomes around 23,000 visitors each year from across the North West. The charity is proudly supported by its President, Jason Manford.

Your role will be to lead the charity strategically and operationally, turning the Trustees’ agreed direction into clear plans and results. The CEO is accountable for financial sustainability, supporting fundraising, and the safety and quality of services. We are looking for a CEO who promotes a safeguarding culture whilst developing team leads. The role also requires a focus on operational management through effective systems. We have several major projects and improvements to our site and facilities over the next five years; we expect the role holder to actively lead the strategy and plans for their delivery.

Key Responsibilities

This is an opportunity to shape the future of a successful, much-loved charity. The CEO will provide practical, visible leadership, bringing together people, finances, facilities, volunteers and partners to deliver safe, inclusive and memorable experiences for children and families.

• You'll lead on the delivery of our strategic vision, Our Way Forward
• You'll oversee budgets and financial performance with stewardship at the heart of every decision
• You'll champion our fundraising and build lasting relationships with our funders and donors.
• You’ll make sure every visit makes a real difference to children and families
• You'll build a team where people feel valued, heard and able to grow.
• You'll oversee our projects and facilities so the farm stays safe, welcoming and well-kept.
• You'll work closely with the board and represent the charity to partners, funders and the wider community

About you

We are seeking a visible and inclusive leader with a strong track record of developing and implementing strategies, building a collaborative and empowering culture,prioritising investment, and leading operational services. We are looking for someone passionate about ensuring the charity continues to deliver fantastic experiences for children.

This job is for you if you have these essential skills and experience: 

• Have proven senior leadership experience with responsibility for budgets, people and organisational performance.
• Can demonstrate the ability to develop strategy and deliver measurable results.
• Have strong financial literacy, including cash flow, budgeting, reserves and management reporting.
• Have evidence of successful income generation, fundraising leadership or strategic partnership development.
• Can demonstrate sound understanding of safeguarding, governance, risk and the responsibilities of a charity’s Trustees.
• Have excellent communication , relationship-building, judgement and people leadership skills.
• Would be committed to CAFT’s charitable purpose, inclusion and the welfare of children and families.

You'll really stand out if you have:

• Leadership experience in a charity or purpose-led organisation serving children or families.
• Experience of major donor development, grant funding and corporate partnerships.
• Experience leading organisational change, facilities-based services and volunteer-supported teams.

Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box in the second list. If you share our values and believe you could lead the farm well, we’d love to hear from you.

Why join us?

• Salary range of £60,000 - £70,000 per annum, based on experience.
• Workplace pension.
• Company-paid NHS Top-Up Cash Plan (Supports everyday healthcare costs to receive and pay for treatment. 24/7 access to Employee Assistance. Remote GP Services).
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. After a successful probation period and 2 years’ service, annual leave increases by 1 day per year, up to a maximum of 35 days..
• The opportunity to lead a well-established children’s charity with a high public profile.

· A rewarding role where your leadership can make a genuine difference.

This is a predominantly site-based leadership role, and the CEO needs to have a visible presence at CAFT. Some flexibility can be agreed if compatible with needs of the charity.. Some evening, bank holiday and weekend working will be necessary to support the needs of the charity. Any bank holidays worked will be treated as a day’s leave in lieu.

Application process

We would love to hear from you. To comply with safer recruitment and safeguarding guidelines, all applicants must complete our official Application Form. Standard CVs will not be accepted on their own.

If your completed application is of interest, we will invite you to a two-stage selection process, which includes an online interview on 14th December 2026 and, if successful at stage one, a further face-to-face interview on 12th January 2027.

Due to the number of expected applications, we are unable to provide specific feedback if your application is unsuccessful.

Closing date: 4th December 2026

Interviews: online on 14th December 2026, and successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview at the charity on 12th January 2027.

Safeguarding and recruitment

CAFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable beneficiaries. This appointment will be subject to appropriate references, right-to-work checks and safeguarding vetting, including a DBS check at the level legally appropriate to the duties of the role. The successful candidate must uphold CAFT’s safeguarding policies and culture.