Chief Executive - Charity Sector

Chief Executive

Scroll down to find an indepth overview of this job, and what is expected of candidates Make an application by clicking on the Apply button.
Salary: Up to £80,000
Location: Hope Place, West Bromwich
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Interviews: Weeks commencing 23 November 2026 and 30 November 2026
About Our Client
Our client is a well-established mental health and wellbeing charity that has been championing emotional health since 1973. Their vision is to improve emotional health and transform lives across the UK.
They want everyone to have access to the emotional wellbeing support they need to lead a healthy and rewarding life. They support people living in residential services and in the community, and provide counselling, training and workplace wellbeing programmes. They work with individuals and organisations, and many of their services run 24/7.
Why Now
Like many charities, our client is working in a tough funding environment. NHS and local authority contracts are under real financial pressure, while more people than ever need mental health and wellbeing support.
The Board has approved a three-year strategy that takes the organisation in directions it has never been before. They are building a new autism and ADHD assessment service and growing workplace wellbeing and training work with employers. They are also refocusing their counselling offer and stepping back from work that doesn't cover its costs.
The plan returns the charity to breakeven within 18 months and to surplus by year 3. They now need the right person to deliver it.
The Role
You'll own the delivery of that strategy from day one. You'll report to the Board, lead a senior team of five, and be the main external face of the organisation with commissioners, funders, partners and employers.
It's a hands-on job. You'll turn the strategy into operating plans, keep a close grip on the finances, launch new services and lead staff through change. Some decisions will be hard, and you'll need to make them well and explain them honestly.
The Chair has been acting CEO while the strategy was developed. He'll work with you before you start and complete a full handover during your first month in the role.
About You
You'll be a senior leader (Chief Executive, Deputy, Director or equivalent) who has taken an organisation or business unit through financial pressure and back to sustainability, and can show the results. You don't have to come from the charity sector, but you'll need to understand it and care about the people the organisation supports.
Our client will also be looking for:
A track record of winning new income and partnerships, particularly in the corporate, education or public sectors.
Budget and P&L responsibility, including hard choices about services, contracts or costs.
Experience of leading teams through change and restructuring while protecting service quality.
Experience of working with a board and building relationships with commissioners and funders.

Experience of CQC-regulated or clinical services, neurodevelopmental services, or selling wellbeing services to employers would be a real advantage. No degree or professional qualification is required. You will be judged on your experience.
Working Arrangements and Benefits:
37.5 hours a week - occasional weekend work
Hybrid working - 3 days in the office
Employee Benefit Schemes
35 days per year (pro-rata) plus time off for your birthday
Enhanced company pension contribution (5%)
Wellbeing break every week to focus on your health and happiness
Length of service holidays (up to 3 extra days)
2 volunteering days per year to help a cause of your choice
Free on-site car parking
Free suicide awareness and mental health first aid qualification

Right to Work
Please note that our client is unable to provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship, either now or in the future.
Disability Confident Employer
Our client is a Disability Confident Committed employer. xrexnqw They are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let them know so they can support you.
Apply now with an up-to-date CV.