At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community-focused trust, driving strategy and overseeing impactful programmes.
- Company: Besson Street Trust, dedicated to creating an inclusive community in New Cross Gate.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape community initiatives.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to expand services with a new community centre.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and a strong track record in partnership development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Besson Street Trust
Besson Street Trust (formerly The New Cross Gate Trust) has worked for more than 18 years to create a connected, inclusive and ambitious community in New Cross Gate. Based in the Besson Street Community Garden, we deliver a range of services supporting the health, wellbeing, and development of local residents. With a focus on collaboration and sustainability, we interact with more than 600 beneficiaries annually and support numerous community groups in the local area. Our activities are funded primarily by rental income from an endowment portfolio of residential and commercial properties, investments, and supplemented through fundraising.
This is a pivotal moment for the Trust; our long standing Centre Manager is stepping down after 21 years both serving the community of New Cross Gate, working initially for our predecessor - New Deal for Communities - and subsequently for the present successor Trust. She has overseen the development of the vibrant oasis that is our Besson Street Community Garden and the services that we deliver to our local communities.
We are growing and evolving. The neighbouring Besson Street development, part of which will deliver a community centre to be run by the Trust, provides a welcome opportunity to expand our support for the community. With this in mind, we are recruiting, initially, to two roles:
- Managing Director (being advertised immediately)
- Centre and Operations Manager (to be advertised soon, and to be recruited to in collaboration with the incoming Managing Director).
About the Role
Managing Director (0.6 FTE)
Besson Street Community Garden, Southeast London (Hybrid by arrangement)
£36,000 (0.6 FTE)
The Besson Street Trust is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to become our Managing Director, leading our community-focused charitable trust delivering impactful programmes and overseeing the management of the residential and commercial property portfolio, income from which underpins our charitable activities. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Trust and its activities, including the anticipated opportunity for the development of a new community centre on a neighbouring site, and the expansion of our charitable activities.
You will work closely with the Board of Trustees to drive strategy, secure additional funding, and ensure strong governance, while leading a small, committed team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading strategy, business planning, and organisational development
- Managing senior staff and fostering a positive organisational culture
- Building partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community organisations
- Overseeing financial sustainability and asset strategy
- Leading fundraising and income diversification
We are looking for someone who:
- Has senior leadership experience in a relevant sector
- Is confident working with Boards and governance structures
- Has a strong track record in partnership and funding development
- Combines strategic thinking with hands‐on leadership
Managing Director in London employer: Besson Street Trust
Besson Street Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a connected and inclusive community in New Cross Gate. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture where your leadership can make a tangible impact on local residents' health and wellbeing. Join us in this pivotal moment as we expand our services and develop new community initiatives, all while enjoying the unique benefits of working in a vibrant community garden setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community and industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the Besson Street Trust's mission and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Besson Street Trust thoroughly—know their history, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform. It makes it easier for us to track and review your submission, plus you'll be one step closer to joining our amazing community-focused team.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Managing Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in community-focused leadership and strategic planning, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made in previous positions. We want to see how you've driven change and supported community initiatives, so don't hold back on those success stories!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for community work and why you're excited about this opportunity.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, please apply through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures we don’t miss out on your amazing application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Besson Street Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding Besson Street Trust's mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their community initiatives and how they impact local residents. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Managing Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in leading teams and driving strategy. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to foster a positive organisational culture and manage senior staff effectively. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Since you'll be working closely with the Board of Trustees, brush up on governance structures and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated similar environments in the past and how you plan to ensure strong governance at Besson Street Trust. This shows you're not just a leader, but a strategic thinker.
✨Think Partnerships and Funding
Partnership development and securing funding are key responsibilities for this role. Come equipped with ideas on how to build partnerships with local authorities and community organisations. Share any successful fundraising strategies you've implemented before, as this will highlight your proactive approach to financial sustainability.
