At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop SAM, driving service growth and diversifying income streams.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity focused on impactful community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for strategic leadership, and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and equality in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity while making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000/annum
Job Location: Gateshead
Job Type: Permanent
Overview
Sense Ability Matters (SAM) is looking to appoint a commercially minded, strategic and ambitious leader as its next CEO. This is not a traditional charity CEO role. SAM is looking for someone who can combine a strong sense of purpose with commercial awareness – someone who can build on the organisation’s strong local reputation, grow and develop services, strengthen partnerships, and help create income streams that move the charity away from relying too heavily on grants and commissioned tenders.
The role may suit an existing CEO of a smaller organisation, a senior leader looking for a first Chief Executive position, or someone from the public, health, social care, housing, education, membership or commercial sectors who can bring relevant transferable experience in business development, service growth, stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership.
The Opportunity
The organisation now needs someone with a stronger commercial and business focus – someone who can help lead its next phase of development by broadening its reach, expanding services and building a more diverse and sustainable income base. A key priority for the next CEO will be to reduce reliance on grants and tendered income by developing other revenue streams, increasing unrestricted income and identifying opportunities for growth.
The Role
As Chief Executive, you will provide overall strategic and operational leadership for SAM, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver the organisation’s vision, business plan and long‑term sustainability. You will lead the organisation externally with commissioners, funders, partners, businesses and other stakeholders, while also ensuring that services remain high quality, responsive and financially sustainable.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead SAM as its senior representative and ambassador, building strong external relationships and raising the organisation’s profile
- Work with the Board to shape and deliver strategy, business planning and long‑term sustainability
- Drive service development and identify opportunities to grow and expand SAM’s reach and impact
- Develop and diversify income streams, with a strong emphasis on reducing reliance on grants and tenders
- Oversee service delivery, operations and organisational performance
- Lead and develop staff, volunteers and senior managers
- Ensure effective financial management, governance, compliance and risk management
About You
This role is likely to suit someone who enjoys building organisations, growing services, developing new income opportunities and working externally as well as internally. You will understand how to balance mission with sustainability and will be motivated by the chance to lead an organisation that is ambitious about both its impact and its future.
Essential experience
- Senior leadership experience in a charity, not‑for‑profit or other relevant organisation, or in a comparable leadership role with clearly transferable experience
- Partnership development and external stakeholder management
- Business planning, service development and organisational growth
- Income generation, fundraising, contract management or commercial development
- Financial management, including budgeting and delivery against income and cost targets
- Leading and developing staff and teams
- Governance, risk management and implementing effective controls
Desirable experience
- Experience or knowledge of disability, sensory support, health, social care or community services
- Experience of leading organisational change
Essential skills and attributes
- Strategic and commercially aware
- Strong leadership and relationship‑building skills
- A confident communicator who can influence and inspire confidence
- Able to identify opportunities and turn them into practical action
- Inclusive, resilient and collaborative in approach
- Understanding of, or empathy with, the people and communities SAM supports
Additional requirements
- Degree‑level education or equivalent professional qualification
- Access to a car for work purposes
- Clean driving licence
Equality and Diversity
We value diversity and promote equality. We welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Chief Executive Officer in Gateshead employer: Blind Ambition
Sense Ability Matters (SAM) is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for a Chief Executive Officer to lead with purpose and commercial acumen in Gateshead. With a strong commitment to employee growth, SAM fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and innovation, providing the chance to make a meaningful impact while developing sustainable income streams. Join us to shape the future of our organisation and enhance the lives of the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role and how your experience aligns with their needs. A confident and clear presentation of your ideas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the CEO role at SAM. Highlight your commercial awareness and leadership experience, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate how you've grown services or developed income streams in past positions. We love seeing results!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can balance mission with sustainability, so share your passion for making a difference alongside your professional journey.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blind Ambition
✨Know Your Numbers
As a potential CEO, you need to be on top of the financials. Familiarise yourself with SAM's current income streams and their financial health. Be ready to discuss how you can diversify income and reduce reliance on grants. This shows you're not just about the mission but also about sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how it aligns with SAM's values. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or driven organisational change. Highlight your ability to inspire and build relationships, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Research SAM’s services and the communities they support. Be prepared to discuss how you can enhance their impact and reach. Showing empathy and understanding of the people SAM serves will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Strategic Questions
Have insightful questions ready that demonstrate your strategic thinking. Ask about their long-term goals, challenges in service delivery, or how they envision expanding their partnerships. This not only shows your interest but also your readiness to contribute to their vision.
