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- Tasks: Lead a charity, drive strategic planning, and oversee service delivery.
- Company: The Rainy Day Trust supports those in the home-improvement sector with financial and emotional aid.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impactful work, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of a historic charity.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior management, strong leadership, and proven fundraising experience required.
- Other info: Based in Bromsgrove, UK travel is necessary; flexible hours may include evenings and weekends.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Rainy Day Trust is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead our small but mighty charity as we enter an exciting new strategic planning cycle. If you’re an enthusiastic, dynamic leader ready to roll up your sleeves and drive real change for those who’ve worked in the home-improvement sector, this is your opportunity to steer an 182-year-old charity into its next decade.
About Us
The Rainy Day Trust provides practical, financial and emotional support to people who work - or have worked - in the home-improvement and enhancement industries (builders’ merchants, DIY, garden centres, tradespeople and related sectors). We deliver grants, debt relief, apprenticeship funding, fuel-poverty assistance, legal advice, counselling and e-learning, partnering with industry peers to tackle poverty through both direct intervention and prevention. We pride ourselves on punching above our weight to ensure every beneficiary lives with dignity.
The Role
As CEO, you will work in partnership with the Board to finalise and own our new five-year business plan, ensuring its successful delivery. You’ll combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, overseeing service delivery, fundraising, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance, while modelling our core values of transparency, fairness, energy, inclusivity and compassion.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Co-create, implement and evaluate the new five-year strategy, business plan and budgets.
- Operational Management: Lead a small core team and manage partner relationships (e.g. Maximus for casework). Ensure high-quality, cost-effective service delivery and robust risk controls.
- Income Generation: Devise and deliver a diversified fundraising strategy (corporate partnerships, events, digital campaigns) to secure financial stability in a demanding climate.
- Governance & Compliance: Act as Nominated Individual to the Charity Commission; support the Board in trustee recruitment, training and governance best practice.
- External Relations: Serve as chief spokesperson; build and sustain partnerships across the home-improvement sector to raise awareness and influence.
- Culture & Values: Foster an organisational culture of learning, innovation, professionalism and integrity that reflects our values at every level.
Key Details
- Salary: circa £70,000 per annum
- Contract: Permanent, full-time (evenings and occasional weekends; UK travel required)
- Location: Head office in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, with travel across the UK
Person Specification
- Essential: Graduate or equivalent vocational qualification.
- At least 10 years’ senior-management experience in a comparable organisation (charity, social enterprise or commercial).
- Proven track record of income generation across varied channels.
- Experience of strategic planning, budget management and regulatory compliance (Charity Commission, SORP).
- Strong leadership skills: able to inspire small teams and foster collaborative partnerships.
- Excellent communicator, both orally and in writing; adept at presenting complex issues succinctly.
- Financially literate: able to interpret spreadsheets, set forecasts and manage risk.
- Desirable: Experience in the home-improvement, construction or retail sectors.
- Familiarity with mental-health or preventative-welfare work.
- Background in formal collaborations/joint ventures.
Attributes
- Values-driven, demonstrating integrity, empathy and inclusivity.
- Strategic thinker with a results-oriented, commercial mindset.
- Resilient under pressure, well organised and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Curious and innovative: open to new ideas and continuous learning.
If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this role with details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills via the apply button. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to speak.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 30th June 2025.
Chief Executive employer: Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
Contact Detail:
Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Rainy Day Trust thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading the charity.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the home-improvement sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with potential partners and stakeholders. Building these relationships can provide valuable insights and support for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the charity. Think about innovative fundraising strategies and operational improvements that align with their goals. Being able to articulate your ideas clearly will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by sharing examples of how you've inspired teams in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration and inclusivity, as these are key values for the Rainy Day Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Before applying, take the time to understand The Rainy Day Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in the home-improvement sector and how they support individuals in need.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in senior management roles within charities or social enterprises. Emphasise your track record in income generation, strategic planning, and leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the charity's mission. Address how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead, generate income, and manage compliance. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand The Rainy Day Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in the home-improvement sector and how they support their beneficiaries. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Chief Executive position, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed projects, and driven change in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within your team.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic planning and income generation. Think about how you would approach creating and implementing a five-year business plan for the charity. Be prepared to discuss innovative fundraising strategies and how you would ensure financial stability in a challenging environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As the chief spokesperson for the charity, strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and succinctly. You may be asked to present your vision for the charity, so consider how you can convey your thoughts effectively while engaging your audience.
