Chief Executive Officer

Our clients are seeking a Chief Executive Officer based in Ipswich, Suffolk with travel across Suffolk, and occasional home working.

This organisation is not just a charity — they are also a social enterprise with a powerful mission. They are dedicated to supporting individuals facing homelessness, who run the risk of homelessness or suffer from social isolation. Their mission transcends traditional support; they offer a community where people can not only find shelter but also purpose and opportunity through meaningful work. This charity is headquartered in Ipswich with operations in Felixstowe and Woodbridge. Although an independently run organisation, it is also a federation member which in turn is part of a global movement.

The package for this full time and permanent role comprises:

• Salary: Competitive salary of £55,000 - £60,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Holiday: 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays
• Employer Pension contributions of 3%

About the role:

As Chief Executive Officer, you will take over from the highly successful founder, who has, over the last 10 years, built this charity from scratch to be a much respected organisation. You will have imagination and vision to develop the charity’s strategy delivering support across the county. You will be responsible for managing the team that delivers services to those most in need as well as managing the social enterprises which in part fund the organisation and in part give those who need it, the means to get back on their feet. Although in a sound financial position, the successful candidate will consolidate existing income generation, identify new sources of funding and generate new revenue streams.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s strategic and operational plans, aligning mission, companion support and social enterprise performance.
• Provide inclusive and empowering leadership to staff and volunteers, fostering a positive workplace culture and strong on-site presence.
• Oversee governance, safeguarding, financial sustainability, legal compliance and effective risk management.
• Drive diverse fundraising strategies, including grants, individual giving and enterprise income, to support long-term organisational sustainability.
• Act as the public face of the charity, building influential relationships with funders, media, local authorities and the wider sector.

About you:

As their new Chief Executive Officer, you will be a compassionate, hands-on leader with a strong understanding of the importance of culture within an organisation. With a proven track record in securing and growing grant funding, you bring a wealth of leadership experience, ideally from the charity or social enterprise sector. Your emotional intelligence and ability to build genuine relationships within the organisation and the community are key attributes that will inspire trust and collaboration. As Chief Executive Officer you will possess financial literacy relevant to managing charity budgets and are well-versed in issues concerning homelessness and social isolation. You lead with integrity and warmth, ready to face challenges with resilience and creativity.

If you are a results-driven individual that thrives in a fast-paced environment and with the ability to consistently deliver high-impact marketing initiatives, we want to hear from you.

If you have the relevant skills and experience to become our new Chief Executive Officer, please send your CV and a covering letter. Initial screening interviews will be held before 10th July 2025. First interviews with a panel of Trustees will be held in person in Ipswich on Monday 14th July. Final interviews will take place on the afternoon of Monday 21st July.

No recruitment agencies, please.

Please check your email inbox and spam / junk mail folder for any email correspondence for this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.