Chief Executive

Chief Executive
£80,603 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based with a regular presence in Stourbridge, West Midlands
Full time, with occasional evening and weekend work

The CDI is recruiting for a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation to deliver against its 2030 strategy and beyond. Building on the evolution of the professional body since its inception in 2013, the next Chief Executive will build on our progress to offer an excellent benefits to members and champion the profession with policymakers, employers and the public.

We are looking for talented individuals who can bring a range of skills, a progressive leadership and management style, and the ability to learn and develop in the role. This is a broad role that is a fantastic opportunity to start or build on your executive career in a friendly, enthusiastic and caring profession.

As Chief Executive, you will inspire, grow and ensure the sustainability of the UK’s professional body for career development. Accountable to The Board of Directors, through the President, you will be responsible for the CDI team of employees, associates and volunteers.

Key accountabilities

·      Work in partnership with the President and Board of Directors to set out a five-year strategic plan that reflects the culture and vision of the CDI, and set short and long-term goals through a clear annual Business Plan.

·      Provide inspiring and empowering leadership to the CDI team, to ensure delivery of the Strategy and Business Plans, while achieving a balance between member services, championing of the profession and commercial growth.

·      Be an active and visible champion for the CDI and the profession, engaging across the career development sector, with stakeholders, the media and the public to raise the profile and understanding of the profession.

·      Be accountable to the CDI Board for managing the CDI’s financial position, set the budget, monitor the monthly management accounts and balance sheet, and report to the Finance and Risk Committee.

·      Provide the CDI Board with regular risk assessments, reports on key business activities and updates on policy and political developments across the UK.

·      Ensure good governance of the CDI by having appropriate policies and procedures in place to meet legal and regulatory compliance, and ensure that all legal and regulatory documents are filed.

·      Provide effective leadership for the CDI staff to create a positive and supportive working environment, and enable them to develop and perform at their best.

·      Responsible for the effective and efficient operation of CDI activities, through managing and developing the capability of staff, associates and volunteers.

·      Ensure development and delivery of exceptional member services, professional training and events, with an excellent standard of customer service across all departments.

·      Ensure effective communications to engage members, work with home nations’ Associates and regional reps to tailor support to meet local needs, and ensure the CDI is representative of all areas of the profession.

·      With the team, develop a business development plan to generate and realise opportunities for commercial revenue growth, from both existing and new partners. Includes commercial opportunities (such as advertising and sponsorship), contracts and grants.

·      Build relationships with senior civil servants, politicians, government agencies and strategic employer organisations across the UK. Champion the profession and wider career development sector and provide input to government policy development at local, regional, nations and national level.

·      Forge collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and external bodies, to enhance the CDI’s reputation as a credible professional institute, enhance the impact of activities and add value to the profession.

·      As the primary spokesperson for the CDI, engage with stakeholder groups through social media, media relations and at UK and international meetings and conferences.

·      Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the level and intent of the role.

While the successful candidate may not meet all the following criteria, these are the areas that the Chief Executive will need to have on joining or have the capability to develop within the role.

Personal qualities

·      Highly ethical ways of working.

·      Collaborative and inclusive, encouraging and enabling others to support the goals of the CDI.

·      A strategic thinker who is also able to effectively undertake tasks to support the team and achieve targets.

·      Approachable and supportive leadership style, developing an environment where everyone can thrive.

·      Enthusiastic, personable and positively memorable.

·      Resilient and positive when under pressure.

·      Conscientious, flexible and dependable.

·      Diplomatic and politically astute, able to cope with difficult situations.

·      Decisive.

It is essential that you have a commitment to the purpose, mission and values of the CDI. It is desirable for you to have an understanding and appreciation of the career development sector and ideally a Level 6 or Level 7 career development qualification.

A willingness and ability to travel throughout the UK with regular overnight stays, and on occasion travel internationally.

A full application pack is attached, and / or for more information please see our website.

To apply, please send an up-to-date CV outlining your employment history, academic and professional qualifications, and contact details. Please also include a supporting cover letter of no more than 2 sides of A4, demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, and why you are interested in working for the CDI.

Closing date: 30 October 2026.

Please note that we will review applications part-way through October to fast-track interviews for any shortlisted candidates and may withdraw the vacancy before the closing date.