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- Tasks: Lead the strategy and growth of impactful social investments.
- Company: Big Issue Invest is a leading UK social impact investor, financing sustainable social enterprises since 2005.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and the chance to travel across the UK while making a difference.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on social change and innovation in finance.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in fund management and direct investment experience required.
- Other info: This is a full-time role based in London with opportunities for networking and fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
When you click apply, you will be redirected to the company’s website. Please ensure you have completed the company’s application process on their platform to fully apply.
About our client
Founded in 2005, BII extends The Big Issue’s mission by financing the growth of sustainable social enterprises. Big Issue Invest offers social enterprises, charities and profit-with-purpose businesses loans and investment from £20,000 to £3 million. Since 2005, the group has invested more than £90m in over 500 social enterprises and charities across the UK, becoming one of the UK’s leading social impact investors.
Their investment operations are comprised of a direct lending platform together with a number of FCA regulated funds operating under the BII Fund Management entity (BIIFM). Their direct lending business is designed to provide smaller loans, often on a blended finance basis to charities, social enterprises and a community-led housing facility. Their funds offer a range of investment and impact strategies, two of which remain open for investment; their Growth Impact Fund, focused on diversity in enterprise, and their social debt fund investing in social housing, social care and social infrastructure. Their investment activity is backed by an award-winning impact team which also supports other Big Issue Group mission-focused services.
What the job involves
As CEO, you will work with various stakeholders including the Big Issue Invest (BII) and Big Issue Group (BIG) Boards to develop and execute on BII’s overarching strategy of delivering meaningful investment into social enterprises which have impactful social purpose.
The role requires an outgoing, energetic and entrepreneurial commercial leader, driving innovation and financial sustainability whilst at all times observing the mission of BIG. The CEO reports jointly to the Chairman of the BII board and the BIG CEO.
The main BII office is in Finsbury Park in London, co-located with various other parts of BIG. This is a full-time role and the CEO is expected to be physically present in office for most of the time; however, hybrid working is not unusual. A reasonable amount of travel around the UK is an intrinsic part of the job; visiting investee organisations, networking, fundraising and generally representing BII as an ambassador of BIG.
Responsibilities are not limited to, but include:
- Working with stakeholders, define and execute the BII strategy in line with BIG mission.
- Manage the product portfolio and BII P&L in line with desired commercial and impact outcomes, at all times driving financial sustainability to fund future innovation and create operational resilience.
- Take the lead on innovative investment product development in line with sector needs.
- Drive fundraising activity from both commercial investors and central/local government and related agencies, identifying and securing investment into the business and its investment vehicles.
- Be a member of the BII and BIIFM boards; the BIIFM investment committee; the BII Lending Committee; the BIG Senior Leadership Team.
Who we are looking for
- You have a demonstrable proven track record in the management and growth of a fund and have extensive experience in direct investment.
- You can demonstrate an understanding of the drivers behind the social finance sector and social impact investment.
- You can raise investment finance from a diverse range of investors for use by a variety of investment vehicles.
- You are strong on strategy and can demonstrate that you have led a business (not necessarily as CEO) through a period of growth and product development.
- You can demonstrate an ability to deliver outcomes to a variety of stakeholders in line with expectations, strategic goals and wider brand values.
- You can be a leader and ambassador for BIG and the whole social investment sector.
- You believe in The Big Issue and support their social objectives.
- You are a self-starter who makes timely, appropriate and rigorous decisions.
You will be redirected to the company’s website – you must complete the application on their platform to apply.
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CEO, Big Issue Invest, London, UK employer: PER, Private Equity Recruitment
Contact Detail:
PER, Private Equity Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO, Big Issue Invest, London, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the social finance sector and the specific impact investment strategies that Big Issue Invest employs. Understanding their mission and how they align with your own values will help you articulate your vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former stakeholders of Big Issue Invest and similar organizations. Building relationships with individuals in the social enterprise space can provide valuable insights and potentially strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in fundraising and managing investment portfolios. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully driven financial sustainability and innovation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership style and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Highlight instances where you've led teams or initiatives that align with the social objectives of Big Issue Invest.
We think you need these skills to ace CEO, Big Issue Invest, London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Mission: Before applying, take time to understand The Big Issue's mission and how Big Issue Invest contributes to it. This will help you align your application with their values and demonstrate your commitment to social impact.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your proven track record in fund management and direct investment. Provide specific examples of how you've driven growth and innovation in previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Clearly articulate your leadership experience and ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Mention any relevant boards or committees you've been part of, and how you've successfully navigated complex organizational structures.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements outlined in the job description. Use keywords from the posting to ensure your application resonates with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at PER, Private Equity Recruitment
✨Understand the Mission
Make sure you have a deep understanding of The Big Issue's mission and how Big Issue Invest contributes to it. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can drive meaningful investment into social enterprises.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your proven track record in fund management and direct investment. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully led a business through growth and product development, especially in the social finance sector.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your strategic approach to managing a product portfolio and P&L. Share insights on how you would drive financial sustainability while ensuring impactful outcomes for stakeholders.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Discuss how you plan to build relationships and secure investment from diverse sources, including commercial investors and government agencies.
