At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic charity, driving innovation and community health initiatives.
- Company: Circadian Trust, a respected charity in the public leisure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and the chance to shape community wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a passionate team of 600 and lead meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public leisure and inspire healthier lifestyles.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and expertise in charity governance.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 £ per year.
Circadian Trust seeks a Chief Executive Officer.
Key information:
- Location: South Gloucestershire
- Salary: £95,000 - £105,000 per annum
- Job Ref: JO2737
- Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 13th September, 2026
Our client, Circadian Trust, is an award-winning charity and social enterprise recognised as a high-performing leader in the public leisure sector. Operating five Active Lifestyle Centres across South Gloucestershire, the Trust delivers outstanding physical activity, wellbeing and community health services, inspiring active lifestyles for all.
They are now seeking to appoint an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next strategic chapter following the planned retirement of their long-serving CEO in April 2027. This role requires a visionary, energetic and values-driven leader who can act as an ambassador for the Trust, sustaining its unique people-centred culture while driving commercial growth, strategic innovation and long-term sustainability.
You will work closely with South Gloucestershire Council, national bodies such as Sport England, NHS partners and Community Leisure UK, ensuring the Trust continues to deliver high-quality services and meaningful social impact.
For this role we are keen to hear from candidates with:
- Proven senior executive or Board-level leadership experience
- Strong political awareness and confidence navigating complex stakeholder environments
- Expertise in corporate finance, business management and charity governance
- A track record of delivering organisational change, strategic growth and positive culture
- Experience securing and managing multiple funding streams
- Excellent communication, partnership-building and people-leadership skills
- The ability to inspire, empower and motivate a diverse workforce of c.600 colleagues
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a respected, financially resilient and community-rooted charity at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The new CEO will shape the future of public leisure and wellbeing services across South Gloucestershire, championing innovation, inclusion and healthier communities.
Chief Executive Officer employer: Circadian Trust
At Yate Active Lifestyle Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises your professional development and well-being. Our supportive work culture fosters a passion for health and fitness, offering flexible working options and opportunities for career growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us and experience a rewarding career where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Circadian Trust.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Circadian Trust.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Circadian Trust.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Circadian Trust. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Circadian Trust. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Circadian Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Circadian Trust. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
