At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful community programmes and manage property portfolios for a charitable trust.
- Company: Besson Street Trust, dedicated to building an inclusive community in New Cross Gate.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help foster community growth and sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a vibrant community garden and expand charitable activities.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong partnership development skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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
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
Besson Street Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a connected and inclusive community in Southeast London. 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 of expansion as we develop new initiatives and strengthen our charitable activities, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend local events, and connect with community leaders. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Managing Director. Highlight your leadership skills and how you can contribute to the growth of Besson Street Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for community work shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Besson Street Trust, so share your experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Managing Director role. Highlight your senior leadership experience and any relevant achievements in community-focused projects. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Besson Street
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Besson Street Trust's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their community impact and how they operate will help you align your experience with their goals, showing that you're genuinely interested in leading their initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Managing Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, fostered positive cultures, and navigated challenges. Highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on leadership style to demonstrate your fit 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 engaged with boards in the past and how you can contribute to strong governance at the Trust.
✨Think Partnerships and Funding
Partnership building and funding development are key responsibilities. Come armed with ideas on potential partnerships and funding sources that could benefit the Trust. This shows initiative and a proactive mindset, which is exactly what they’re looking for!
