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- Tasks: Lead a pioneering environmental charity and shape its future direction.
- Company: East London Waterworks Park, a community-led charity reconnecting people with nature.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming urban spaces into biodiverse parks.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for environmental sustainability.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to community-led rewilding projects.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 50000 £ per year.
The opportunity We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity. The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows.
The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders. An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long‑standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.
About East London Waterworks Park East London Waterworks Park is a community‑led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature‑first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co‑design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long‑term transformation of people and place.
- Co‑designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14‑acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces.
- Co‑designing other nature‑first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long‑term community stewardship.
- Hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it. East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond.
If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package. Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to applications@elwp.org.uk
Location: London (remote; flexible, with some evenings)
Salary: £25,000 (£50,000 pro rata)
Contract: 1-year contract, 0.5 FTE, with potential for extension subject to funds
Closing date: 13 February 2026
Chief Executive Officer (0.5 - 1 year fixed-term contract) employer: East London Waterworks Park
Contact Detail:
East London Waterworks Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (0.5 - 1 year fixed-term contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those connected to community-led projects. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential collaborators and stakeholders who might help you land that CEO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for nature and community! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers or at networking events, share your experiences and ideas about rewilding and community engagement. Let them see how your values align with East London Waterworks Park's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! The CEO role is dynamic, so be ready to discuss how you'd adapt to challenges and evolve the organisation. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully navigated change and led teams through it.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community-led approach. Don’t forget to highlight your strategic vision for the park in your cover letter!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (0.5 - 1 year fixed-term contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CEO role. Highlight any leadership roles you've had, especially in community-led or environmental projects, as this will resonate with us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about our mission at East London Waterworks Park and how your values align with ours. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, share your vision for the future of East London Waterworks Park. We want to see how you plan to lead us in achieving our goals, especially around community engagement and sustainability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you can find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at East London Waterworks Park
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into East London Waterworks Park's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their community-led approach and how they aim to transform urban spaces will help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a CEO, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster a collaborative environment while introducing a sustainable staffing model. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in community-focused settings.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic planning and community engagement. Think about how you would approach purchasing the Thames Water depot site and what steps you'd take to ensure community involvement in the process. Have a few ideas ready to share!
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Sustainability
Given the charity's focus on inclusivity and sustainability, be ready to discuss how you would uphold these values in your role. Share your thoughts on creating accessible spaces and engaging diverse communities in nature recovery projects.
