At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a respected engineering training provider and drive strategic initiatives.
- Company: Seta, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to engineering education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to social impact and learner success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of engineering and apprenticeships in the North East.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles within engineering or training environments.
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 & Employer Engagement
This is a hands-on executive leadership position requiring someone comfortable operating strategically whilst remaining close to the business. The successful individual will work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees within a robust governance environment.
Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in speaking with:
- Senior leaders from engineering apprenticeship, FE or Independent Training Provider environments
- Engineering or manufacturing business leaders with a genuine passion for technical education and apprenticeships
The successful individual is likely to demonstrate:
- Strong commercial and financial capability
- Experience leading multi-functional teams
- Passion for engineering and manufacturing
- Credibility with employers and stakeholders
- Strong operational leadership capability
- Diligence and attention to detail
- Experience operating within regulated or funded environments
- A values-led leadership style aligned to a not-for-profit culture
Most importantly, this role requires someone passionate about supporting engineering skills, apprenticeships and the long-term success of North East industry.
Package
- £90,000–£100,000 salary
- 6% employer pension contribution
- Private healthcare
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Additional annual leave with service
- Full-time onsite leadership role
Chief Executive Officer in Sunderland 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 purpose-driven not-for-profit organisation. With a strong focus on social impact and learner outcomes, Seta fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare and generous annual leave. This role not only allows for strategic leadership but also provides the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of apprentices and the broader industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Seta and its impact on the community. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to lead.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for Seta and how you can drive their mission forward. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more about you.
✨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 always looking for passionate leaders who can make a difference in the engineering training landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for engineering and apprenticeships shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the industry and supporting the next generation of talent.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in leadership roles, especially in engineering or training environments. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your operational and financial management skills.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We value a values-led leadership style, so let us know what drives you and how you align with our not-for-profit culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us.
How to prepare for a job interview at FIND | Creating Futures
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Seta's mission and values. Understand their role in the engineering training landscape and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your background to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed change, and fostered a positive organisational culture. Highlight your values-led approach and how it aligns with Seta's not-for-profit ethos.
✨Engage with the Board's Vision
Research the current Board members and their vision for Seta's future. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to that vision and address any challenges they might face. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and readiness to collaborate with key stakeholders.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Seta's current projects, challenges, and future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
