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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pioneering environmental charity and shape its future direction.
- Company: East London Waterworks Park, a community-led charity focused on 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 and promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for environmental initiatives.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to community engagement and nature recovery.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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.
Our work includes:
- 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, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.
More information
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:
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) in London 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) in London
✨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 the cause! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers or during networking, share your vision for 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 seize opportunities. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your strategic leadership skills.
✨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 at East London Waterworks Park.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (0.5 - 1 year fixed-term contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CEO role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in community-led projects or environmental initiatives, as this will resonate with our values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about leading East London Waterworks Park and how your vision aligns with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Values: We’re all about values-led leadership, so make sure to weave in examples of how you’ve demonstrated inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement in your previous roles. This will show us you’re a great fit for our culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at East London Waterworks Park
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into East London Waterworks Park's mission and values. Understand their community-led approach and how they aim to reconnect people with nature. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a CEO candidate, it's crucial to articulate your leadership style clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you would introduce a sustainable staffing model while nurturing the existing volunteer ecosystem. Share examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to lead collaboratively.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic leadership and community engagement. Think about how you would approach purchasing the Thames Water depot site and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park. Have some innovative ideas ready to demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset.
✨Engage with Their Community
Since the role involves working closely with local authorities and stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you would foster these relationships. Consider ways to engage the community in co-designing spaces and projects, and share any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to build partnerships.
