At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a respected engineering training provider and drive strategic initiatives.
- Company: Seta, a purpose-led not-for-profit in the North East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £90,000–£100,000 plus benefits.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to social impact and learner outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of engineering and manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Exceptional leadership skills and experience in operational performance.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 € per year.
Seta | Sunderland Engineering Training Association
Sunderland, North East
£90,000–£100,000 + Benefits
FIND has been appointed by Seta to lead the search for its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the North East’s most respected engineering training providers. Following the planned retirement of the current CEO after 12 successful years leading the organisation, the Board is seeking an exceptional leader to guide Seta through its next chapter.
Seta plays a critical role within the engineering and manufacturing community, supporting employers through high-quality apprenticeships, technical training and workforce development. The organisation works with a broad range of employers, from SME and owner-managed engineering businesses through to nationally recognised brands including Rolls Royce. Known for teaching and learning excellence, employer partnerships and operational quality, Seta has built an outstanding reputation across the region.
About Seta
- Not-for-profit
- Approximately 35 colleagues
- Circa £2.8m annual turnover
- Approximately £350k annual surplus
- Deeply embedded within the North East engineering and manufacturing ecosystem
Seta operates as a purpose-led, not-for-profit organisation. Social impact and learner outcomes sit at the centre of decision making, whilst maintaining strong commercial discipline and financial sustainability.
The Role
This is a broad leadership role with responsibility across:
- Strategic leadership
- Operational performance
- Financial management
- Employer engagement
- Governance and compliance
- Apprenticeship delivery and quality
- Organisational culture and leadership
The CEO leads a senior leadership team spanning:
- Operations
- Commercial
- Training
- Apprenticeships
- Sales
Chief Executive Officer employer: FIND | Creating Futures
Seta is an exceptional employer, deeply embedded in the North East's engineering and manufacturing community, offering a unique opportunity to lead a respected not-for-profit organisation dedicated to social impact and learner outcomes. With a strong focus on teaching excellence and employer partnerships, Seta fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in leadership. The competitive salary and benefits package further enhance the appeal of this role, allowing you to make a significant difference in the lives of learners and the wider community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Seta thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for leading their next chapter.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven operational performance and engaged with employers in previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that CEO role at Seta.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CEO role at Seta. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with Seta's mission in engineering training. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've improved operational performance or engaged with employers. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your capabilities!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your professional achievements. Share your passion for education and workforce development in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at FIND | Creating Futures
✨Know Your Stuff
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you’ve done your homework on Seta. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in the engineering training sector. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it’s crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leading teams, driving organisational change, and fostering a positive culture. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and manage complex operations.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that probe your strategic thinking and vision for Seta. Think about how you would approach employer engagement, apprenticeship delivery, and financial management. Have a few ideas ready that demonstrate your understanding of the industry and your innovative approach to overcoming challenges.
✨Engage with the Board
Remember, this isn’t just an interview; it’s a conversation with the Board. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in their future direction and how you can contribute. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in the success of Seta and its mission.
