Chief Executive Officer in Keele

Caudwell Children is built to move fast and deliver real results. Having recently celebrated our 25th anniversary, we have supported tens of thousands of children and families with life changing services that build independence and transform futures. Founded by John Caudwell, we are an entrepreneurial charity powered by energy, accountability and ambition. We think commercially, act decisively and never stand still in our pursuit of better. We push harder, move faster and go further to deliver exceptional support for the children and families who need it most.

Applications for this exciting opportunity should demonstrate a full career and academic history of achievement, with dates included along with most recent or current basic salary and package detail.

The Role

The CEO will set the vision, pace and direction of the organisation, with a clear focus on growth, performance and income generation. You will be the figurehead internally and externally, equally comfortable motivating teams, influencing major partners, engaging high-net-worth individuals and operating at the highest levels of business, government and society.

You will lead a strong operational and clinical platform while building an equally formidable income generation engine. Every income stream must deliver measurable returns, long-term sustainability and the ability to scale. This role demands commercial rigour, a competitive mindset and the ability to inspire others to perform beyond expectations.

The Leader We Are Seeking

We are seeking to partner with a truly exceptional, strategic yet hands-on leader with an outstanding commercial track record. Your experience may come from Consumer, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare or Life Sciences, Social Enterprise, Not for Profit or the broader business world. Regardless of sector background, you will be an innovator and a proven champion of partnerships and collaborations that deliver meaningful growth in both revenue and bottom line. You will bring a demonstrable track record of sustained commercial success, growth and innovation, and be recognised as a pioneering leader with exceptional tenacity, passion and determination to win.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and deliver a bold income strategy that drives significant growth in unrestricted and restricted income over the next five years. Set and exceed ambitious income targets across all fundraising and commercial channels, with clear ROI and accountability.
• Lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams, embedding a culture of pace, ownership and continuous improvement.
• Build and maximise high-value relationships with HNWIs, corporates and strategic partners, driving partnerships, sponsorship and philanthropy.
• Commercialise events and experiences, turning them into profitable platforms and powerful brand amplifiers.
• Identify and launch new income models including commercial ventures, licensing and social enterprise opportunities aligned to the mission.
• Use data, analytics and forecasting to drive performance management and decision-making.
• Lead Marketing, Operations and Service Delivery to ensure income growth strengthens impact and brand reputation.
• Act as the public and regulatory face of the Charity at local, national and parliamentary level.
• Hold full executive accountability for service delivery and clinical teams, ensuring operational excellence, clinical integrity and outstanding outcomes.
• Ensure services are safe, effective, outcome-driven and scalable, with strong governance and safeguarding throughout.
• Align service delivery capacity with income growth so resources, capability and delivery models evolve in step with demand.
• Create an environment where people feel supported, challenged and inspired to perform at their best.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

A proven growth leader with a sustained track record of building revenue, scaling organisations and delivering results. You bring a winning mindset, thrive in performance-driven environments and are resilient, ambitious and driven to succeed.

You will bring:

• Significant experience delivering year-on-year income growth through diversified revenue streams.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation and deal-making capability.
• Experience building, leading and retaining high-performing teams.
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders, donors, corporates and strategic partners.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into clear strategy and action.
• A hands-on, lead-from-the-front approach with energy and credibility.
• An empathic leadership style aligned to Caudwell Children’s values and purpose.
• Experience developing new income channels or ventures and knowledge of charity governance and fundraising frameworks are advantageous.

REWARD & BENEFITS

• Competitive base salary plus performance-linked bonus.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing with service.
• Hybrid working with flexibility.
• Award-winning on-site facilities at our Staffordshire headquarters.
• Pension, wellbeing and employee support benefits.
• Professional development and leadership training.

Safeguarding and Inclusion: Caudwell Children is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes. We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your CV via the Apply button. Your application should demonstrate a full career and academic history of achievement, with dates included along with most recent or current basic salary and package detail. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion with a Trustee, email Karen Roberts, Head of HR, at k.roberts@caudwellchildren.com. Thank you for your interest in Caudwell Children.