At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community energy projects and support volunteers to make a real impact.
- Company: Join a passionate team focused on climate action and community benefit.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape your role.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of renewable energy and drive meaningful change in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, fundraising, and community engagement is a plus.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and extension based on funding; inclusive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 18000 £ per year.
The role and its impact
This is a part-time CEO role providing hands-on leadership so CCE can deliver projects well, support volunteers, and build strong partnerships. Working with the Board, you will help move projects from early-stage development through to installation and reporting.
Key details
- Salary: £45,000 FTE pro rata (2 days/week = £18,000 per year)
- Hours: 2 days per week (flexible working pattern by agreement – evenings and weekends may be required)
- Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (with ambition to extend subject to funding)
- Location: Hybrid/home-based with regular presence in Croydon and occasional London travel
- Start date: 1 April 2026 (flexible)
- Reporting to: Chair of the Board (accountable to the Board of Directors)
- Contract basis: Self-employed contractor. You will manage your own tax and National Insurance and invoice CCE monthly.
What you’ll be working on
- Deliver CCE’s strategy and Board priorities, turning plans into clear actions, timelines and decisions.
- Coordinate the solar project pipeline with the Projects Director and delivery partners (from feasibility to commissioning and post-install monitoring).
- Oversee budgets, cashflow tracking and financial reporting with the Finance Director; keep risks visible and managed.
- Develop and deliver fundraising plans (grants, sponsorship, partnerships and, where relevant, community share offers).
- Enable good governance: board papers and updates, decisions logs, AGMs and member communications where relevant.
- Support and coordinate volunteers, fostering an inclusive, motivated culture and making it easy for people to contribute.
- Build relationships with key local stakeholders and represent CCE externally when needed.
This job is for you if …
- You are motivated by community energy, climate action and community benefit.
- You can set direction, organise delivery and bring people with you (in paid or unpaid roles).
- You are confident planning and delivering projects, prioritising well and managing risks.
- You can build trust with stakeholders across communities, funders, delivery partners and local government.
- You are financially literate and comfortable with budgets and responsible spending decisions.
- You can support good governance and work well with a Board or committee.
- You communicate clearly, stay organised, and can work independently in a small organisation.
It helps if you have …
- Renewable energy and/or community solar project development experience.
- Fundraising, grant management and/or community share offer experience.
- Experience in co-operatives, social enterprises, charities or volunteer-led organisations.
- Knowledge of Croydon and its communities, or experience working in a diverse urban borough.
- Experience in policy, advocacy or sector collaboration.
If you do not meet every point, please still consider applying – we care about potential and values as well as experience.
Equal opportunities and accessibility
CCE is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in the community energy sector. If you are disabled (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) and meet the minimum criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. Please tell us what reasonable adjustments would help you take part. Information can be provided in alternative formats on request.
Funding for this role
CCE has been awarded £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver this role. The incoming CEO will help secure further funding to increase days worked and extend the role.
How to apply
Apply via CharityJob with:
- Your CV
- A cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and why you want the role
Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026 at 5pm
Shortlisting: w/c 2 March 2026
Interviews: w/c 9 March 2026 (online / in person in Croydon)
Task: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short task in advance (questions shared ahead of time)
Second stage (if required): w/c 16 March 2026
Data protection: We handle applicant data confidentially and retain it only as long as necessary.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Croydon employer: Croydon Community Energy Ltd
Contact Detail:
Croydon Community Energy Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the community energy sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a CEO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up at local events and meetings related to community energy and climate action. Engaging with stakeholders face-to-face can help you build trust and showcase your passion for the cause, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CCE’s projects and their impact. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can help drive their strategy forward.
✨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 mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of CEO at CCE. Highlight your experience in community energy and project management, and explain why you're passionate about making a difference in this sector.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your CV, emphasise your hands-on leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in community-focused environments. Don't be shy about sharing specific examples!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. Remember, we appreciate clarity and organisation, so make it easy for us to see how you meet the criteria.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply via CharityJob as specified. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Community Energy Ltd
✨Know Your Community Energy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on community energy and climate action topics. Being able to discuss your passion for these areas will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely motivated by the mission of the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate with volunteers and stakeholders, as this role requires strong leadership to foster an inclusive culture.
✨Get Financially Savvy
Since you'll be overseeing budgets and financial reporting, it’s crucial to demonstrate your financial literacy. Be ready to discuss your experience with budgets and responsible spending decisions during the interview.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build trust with various stakeholders. Prepare to share your strategies for engaging with local communities, funders, and delivery partners, as relationship-building is key to this role.