Chief Executive Officer

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Grace Eyre into its next chapter, building on more than 125 years of supporting autistic people and those with a learning disability to live good, fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities. As Chief Executive, you will lead an organisation with a clear, ambitious vision, Life feels good, and turn its 2026–2029 strategy, From Foundations to Feelings, into meaningful, lasting impact.

Working closely with the Board, Executive Team, colleagues and, critically, the people Grace Eyre supports, you will provide strategic leadership while ensuring the organisation remains strong, sustainable and focused on what matters most. You will nurture an inclusive and ambitious culture, strengthen organisational performance and financial resilience, and explore opportunities for partnership, innovation and growth. Externally, you will be an influential ambassador, building relationships across government, commissioners, funders, regulators and the wider sector, and championing the rights, voice and ambitions of people with a learning disability and autistic people. Throughout, you will ensure lived experience genuinely influences the organisation’s direction and the decisions that shape its future.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an outstanding, values-led leader who combines strategic ambition with warmth, humility and sound judgement. You will have experience of providing senior leadership within a complex, regulated and values-led organisation, with a strong track record of shaping strategy, leading through others and creating the conditions for people and organisations to perform, adapt and grow.

You will have led significant organisational change and bring the financial and commercial confidence to assess sustainability and challenge assumptions, without losing sight of quality, people or purpose. You will also understand the importance of strong governance, compliance and quality assurance and be equally comfortable developing culture and identifying opportunities for innovation, partnership and sustainable growth.

Just as importantly, you will be an inclusive and collaborative leader who listens carefully, shares power and understands how to ensure people with lived experience can genuinely influence strategy and decision-making. You will have an understanding of the social care, learning disability, autism and housing landscape and be confident working with Boards and engaging senior stakeholders across commissioning, regulation, funding, policy and the wider sector. Above all, you will share Grace Eyre’s belief in voice, choice, rights and inclusion, bringing the authenticity, curiosity and courage to lead an organisation with an important history and an ambitious future.

Closing Date: 9 a.m. Monday 30th November